A FORMER housing support officer who helped bring together “people of all faiths” has been celebrated after sadly passing away last weekend.

Mukhtiar ‘John’ Singh-Roath, who lived in Torque Close, Thornhill, was an influential force in Southampton, especially within the Sikh community where he was pivotal in installing a number of new initiatives to help families and people across the city.

The 52-year-old’s influence transcended all walks of life and many people expressed their shock at his passing on July 1. At the time of publication the cause of his death was unknown.

Harpal Roath, Mr Roath’s sibling, told the Daily Echo that his brother “passed away suddenly on Saturday night while playing with his children.”

Harpal, 47, said his older brother “served all the communities, kept them in close contact and kept peace among them all”.

He added: “He did all of his work voluntarily and would help everyone – not just the Sikh temple but people visiting him personally for housing issues, help with benefits or getting a passport signed for.”

Mr Roath’s many achievements throughout his life included opening the first Asian Video and Music store in the south as well as securing the first library and computers at Gurdwara Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib, in St Marks Road, Southampton.

Another of his notable contributions came in the wake of the 9/11 terror attack when Mr Roath negotiated and got the Sikh Temples to sign an agreement where they would act as ‘evacuation centres’ if a major incident took place in Southampton.

Adam Marsden, who was affectionately known as Mr Roath’s nephew, said: “There wasn’t a single person who said a bad word about him – he always got praise wherever he went.

“He did his work because he liked helping people.”

The 29-year-old added: “He didn’t care about race. He’d help anyone no matter how he was feeling.

“He was the best person he could be. My dad wasn’t always around but he was always there for me to give me support.”

Parents at Hightown School, in Thornhill, have organised a fundraiser to purchase a bench in Mr Roath’s honour to be placed in the family’s garden. His children go to the primary school.

One of the parents, Sadie Crawford, 30, said: “He made a point of getting to know you, your children’s names and would say good morning to you with a smile on his face even if it was pouring with rain.

“What an overall lovely man who’s death shocked us all.”

She added: “We thought it would be nice to buy his family a bench with a plaque so they could sit in the garden and remember him.”

The former local housing association In Touch employee was constantly called upon from individuals, agencies and charities to offer advice, support and where required offer comment and debate on matters regarding a wide range of issues.

Throughout his work as a housing support officer, he advised on housing related issues, such as evictions and arrears, as well as benefit entitlement.

He also earned three ‘WOW’ recommendations from service users and providers for delivering customer service.

Mr Roath leaves behind six sisters, three brothers, five children, ten grandchildren and wife Neena Kaur-Roath.

Details for his funeral will be announced in due course.