Obituary of Bhagwandas R Malik

Mr. Bhagwandas Rikhiram Malik (Bawa) 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 1st 2020 in Sparta New Jersey. He was born on August 7, 1931 in Dera Ismail Khan, India. He was the son of Lala Rikhiram Malik and Channi Devi. Mr. Malik completed his B.A with Honor’s from the University of Bombay and subsequently obtained a degree in Law (LLB) from Ruia College, University of Bombay. He was married to Mrs. Kamla Devi Malik of Multan, India from October 22nd 1958 until her death in January 2017. They first met in Delhi, India and a few years after marriage they moved to Bombay, India. They were proud parents of two sons, Sanjay, born in 1963 and Vivek, born in 1972. In 1978 the family moved to Vashi, New Bombay. Mr. & Mrs. Malik resided there until they immigrated to the United States in August 2000 to join their children who had immigrated earlier. Mr. Malik started working for the Indian Railways at 18 and while working full time he also studied part time to complete his post graduate education in law. After completing his post graduate education, he made a major decision to give up his employment with the Indian Railways to start his own private practice in law. As an attorney he focused on property law and enjoyed exemplary success. He began as a junior attorney and rose to deliberations and representations of his clients at the Bombay High Court. He was known for his compassion and on numerous occasions represented clients pro bono. He sponsored both of his children for higher education in the United States and tirelessly and selflessly raised and supported his family over a period of five decades. He handpicked and groomed his protégée for ten years and later retired in June 2000, entrusting his practice and clients to him. Mr. Malik was fond of and always eager to discuss politics and particularly enjoyed visiting historical sites. He enjoyed traveling around the world with his wife, who was the True love of his life. They enjoyed 58 blissful married years together and both deeply shared a great fondness and love for their grandchildren, Ravi and Simran. He firmly believed education is the key to success and instilled that core belief in both his children and his grandchildren. One of his favorite quotes was “The pen is mightier than a sword”. He was known for his acumen, quick wit, and humility. He was respected, admired, and a loved role model within the family. During his retirement, his favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren and reminiscing about life over the years. Mr. Malik is survived by his sons, Mr. Sanjay Malik (57) of Sparta, New Jersey and Mr. Vivek Malik (47) of Princeton New Jersey, by his daughters-in law Mrs. Linda Malik (54) and Mrs. Seema Malik (46), his two grandchildren Mr. Ravi Malik (21) and Ms. Simran Malik (12). The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Naveed Jan, Dr. Steven Gudis and Dr. Krithika Mullengada for the exceptional care and medical treatment they offered during his life. A memorial prayer service will be held on April 4th, 2020 from 9.00am to 10.30am at Punarjanam Funeral Services partnered with Higgins Home for Funerals 752 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ 07069. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and sympathy from family and friends, however in response to the current situation in the country and accordance with the guidelines offered by the Center of Disease Control regarding the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we will be live streaming the actual memorial prayer service in lieu of visitation by family and friends. Please use the following link to connect to the live stream starting at 9.30am on April 4th 2020 https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/bhagwandas-malik We have also compiled a collection of photographs into a short movie to share glimpses of his life with family and friends. Please follow this link to view; https://youtu.be/UGuPQRkc1Dg His cremation and inurnment will be performed on April 4th, 2020 at 11.30 am in a private ceremony with his immediate family at Franklin Memorial Park in North Brunswick, NJ. If you wish to send flowers please contact Grays Florist (www.graysfloritst.com) at 1-800-428-7673 or 908-757-0400 or visit the website for Higgins Home for Funerals (www.higginsfuneralhome.com)