10/21/1949 – 8/11/2021
by SS Haridass Singh Khalsa, Oak Grove, OR
2021 Fourth Quarter
Dr. Guru Sandesh Singh Khalsa died unexpectedly on August 11, 2021, at his home in Lake Oswego, OR. He was 71. He was a devoted Sikh and took his Sikh Dharma Minister vows in 1975.
Dr. Khalsa, known affectionately as “Dr. K.,” was a respected naturopathic physician and a revered, beloved member of the naturopathic medical profession. He served for decades in many important and trusted roles, including teacher, mentor, college president and dean, accreditor, administrator, and visionary.
He touched the entire naturopathic medicine community in the U.S. and Canada and will be remembered for his great intelligence, wisdom, patience, compassion, and sense of humor.
Dr. Khalsa was born on October 21, 1949, in Glendale, CA, to Virginia Wright Reid and William Reid. He obtained his BA in physics at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA, obtained a degree in human biology at Kansas Newman College in Wichita, KS, and earned a doctorate of naturopathic medicine at National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM, now NUNM) in Portland, OR, graduating with distinction in 1978.
Dr. Khalsa married Amar Kaur Linda Northrup LAc. in 1991 in Portland, OR. They lived in Lake Oswego and enjoyed hiking, music, art, and travel, including train travel, one of his passions.
Dr. Khalsa was an ordained Minister in the Sikh religion, devoted to his faith, and a beloved member of the local and international Sikh and Kundalini Yoga communities. Among the most important events in his life were the pilgrimages he took to India to visit the sites most associated with the heart of the Sikh faith.
He also taught Kundalini Yoga in Wichita, Kansas, while he was starting his studies as a Naturopathic Physician at Kansas Newman College.
Dr. Khalsa served tirelessly in support of the naturopathic medicine profession in numerous capacities, including President of NUMN; President of Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in British Columbia, Canada; Dean of the University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine in Bridgeport, CT; President of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges; and member of the board of directors of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Institute for Natural Medicine.
He also served as President of the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education and as a site visit team leader for the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. His long and distinguished career benefited many, including naturopathic physicians and acupuncturists whom he taught—and the patients and communities which they have gone on to serve.
Survivors include his wife, Amar Kaur Linda Northrup LAc.; his family of naturopathic medicine colleagues; and the Sikh communities of Portland and Eugene, OR.
The cremation was held on August 16, 2021. His ashes will be spread in places dear to him. Condolences may be sent to 630 B Ave. #3, Lake Oswego, OR, 97034. Donations in Dr. Khalsa’s name may be made to the Great Bear Foundation, Missoula, Montana.