Satwant Singh Khalsa passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He was born on December 5, 1947, in Springfield, Massachusetts. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he will be remembered for his steady presence, generous spirit, and the calm kindness he brought to those around him.

Satwant honorably served in the United States Army, and throughout his life he dedicated himself to work that kept him closely connected to his community.

After serving in the US Army, Satwant spent time in his early 20s traveling across the United States, making copper jewelry and selling it in flea markets. He married Manjit in 1973 and in 1977 moved to Espanola. He and Manjit raised three daughters together.

For decades he humbly and joyfully served others, including preparing weekly meals for the community at the Espanola Gurdwara. In all that he did, he brought patience, warmth, and an easygoing playfulness that put people at ease.

While a family man, Satwant also served the people of Española and Northern New Mexico in many roles, including as an EMT, medical investigator and school bus driver. He was an entrepreneur, working at and then owning car lots including Northern Auto Sales and Valley Auto Sales. He was well recognized for the used cars he sold and for the positive relationships he built through these businesses, becoming a familiar and friendly face to many in the Española community. Later, he worked with the City of Santa Fe Transit, where he drove a bus and supervised disability transit. In this role he was well regarded by his colleagues as approachable, calm and practical.

Those who knew Satwant will remember a kind and joyful soul who befriended everyone he met. He had a great sense of humor, was always ready for a good laugh, and welcomed his children’s friends into his home as though they were family. He had a gift of remaining calm in the face of stress and of helping others find that steadiness too. Many remembered him as someone to turn to in difficult moments, a level-headed and centering presence whose quiet reassurance could ease even the hardest day.

Satwant was a man of many talents and wide-ranging interests; he played the guitar and was great at sports. He also found joy in music, singing, and attending live events. And he had a remarkable ear for music. If you played any song from the 1960s to the 1980s, he would identify the song within the first few notes and then proceed to hand play the drumbeats and guitar solos.

Satwant loved being on the road and especially treasured driving and taking road trips with his wife and children, creating memories that remain dear to his family.

Satwant is survived by his spouse, Manjit Khalsa, and is lovingly remembered by his children Gurujaswant Khalsa and Amrit Twibell, his sons-in-law Rajveer Khalsa, Dilraj Sidhu, and Edgar Twibell, and his grandchildren Paramjap Khalsa, Karmvir Sidhu, and Deya Sidhu, and extended family and friends all over the world. His family and friends will always be touched by his example of openness, and his joyful and generous way of moving through the world.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Saraswati Khalsa, and by his parents, William and Bella Ernst.

His passing was marked by a day of rain and mist on the Los Alamos Mesa, where his earthly form was laid to rest, a fitting reflection of the peace and gentleness that so many associated with him. He will be deeply missed and gratefully remembered.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 30, 2026, beginning at 2:00pm at Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations of Española. A Ceremonial Cremation will follow at the same location. All who knew and loved Satwant are welcome to attend and honor his life

The family of Satwant Singh Khalsa have entrusted his care to the professionals of Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola. From our entire team, our heartfelt condolences to all.