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Norwich, VT - Harjit Singh Rakhra, 87, died on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at his home with his family by his side.

Harjit was born on April 20, 1937, in Dodoma, Tanzania.  As a child, his father's work as a meteorologist took them from Tanzania to Uganda and Kenya. He attended schools in East Africa and India. He married Amarjit Kaur Sappal on December 7, 1958 in Nyeri, Kenya. Harjit worked as a typesetter for the Ugandan Government Press in Entebbe, Uganda, until the changing political climate in the late 1960's encouraged a move to the United Kingdom. In 1967, Harjit responded to a job listing at the Valley News and accepted a position as a typesetter. He then moved his family to Norwich, where they bought and lovingly restored a rustic, 1700-era farmhouse.

Harjit later worked at Equity Publishing and Dartmouth Printing for many years before changing careers and becoming a real estate agent. He spent most of his real estate career with McLaughry Real Estate in Hanover, retiring in the late 2000's.

Harjit was a life member of the Thetford/Norwich Lions, where he served as President and headed the Norwich Fair. He was also a life member of the Norwich Grange, where he remained actively involved. Guided by his Sikh faith, Harjit was an avid volunteer, delivering meals cooked by his wife Amarjit for the Upper Valley Haven diners and working at the Haven's community food shelf. A self-taught handyman, Harjit became proficient in electrical work and woodworking. He and Amarjit also converted the barn on their property into a rental apartment.

Harjit was a deeply curious man who enjoyed in equal measure an in-depth conversation and a good argument. He spoke seven languages and welcomed the opportunity to converse in Punjabi, English, Swahili, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Urdu. He was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed political histories of India and East Africa. He was an enthusiastic participant with Namaskar, an online group of members of the East African diaspora who encouraged him to compile and self-publish his travelogues about his trips to India and Pakistan. He particularly enjoyed sharing a visit to his ancestral village of Dhaipai, in Punjab, with his daughters. He documented adventures and daily life with his ever-present camera, resulting in a veritable library of photo albums, which he was happy to share. Harjit was a member of the New England Sikh Study Circle and had fond memories of hosting religious services at his home in Norwich every summer, with each kirtan followed by a trip to the Union Village Dam.

Above all, he was dedicated to his family and extended family, and friends who became family.

Harjit is preceded in death by his parents, Niranjan Kaur and Sardara Singh Rakhra; his brother, Amrik S. Rakhra; his sisters, Joginder K. Rakhra and Surinder K. Jassal; and son-in-law Chip Burris. He is survived by his wife, Amarjit K. Rakhra of Norwich; three daughters, Mina Rakhra, Teji Rakhra-Burris, both of Norwich, and Bindi Rakhra and her husband Tim Moynihan of Randolph, VT; four brothers, Manmohan S. Rakhra, Manjit S. Rakhra and Navtej S. Rakhra of Mississauga, Canada, and Inderjit S. Rakhra in London, UK; and sister Harminder K. Kambo of Mississauga; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A religious service will be held on Sunday, March 30th from 11:00 a.m.–12 noon, followed by a celebration of life from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction.

The family would like to thank the aides and nurses at Bayada Hospice for the wonderful support and care Harjit received, both physical and emotional.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Valley Haven, 713 Hartford Avenue, White River Junction, VT 05001, or plant a tree at www.alivingtribute.org.