Tributes paid to the late Paul Guram

A WELL-KNOWN and popular Strabane businessman, who was part of the town’s fabric for almost 60 years, passed away last week.

Baljit Pal Singh Guram, known as ‘Paul’ to everyone in the town, was visiting family in his homeland of India when news arrived of his death, leaving both a family and town devastated.

Hailing from Punjab state, known as the ‘granary basket of India’, Mr Guram came into the world in Klang in Malaysia on June 9 1941, where his father was a military policeman. When Paul was only a few months old, his mother returned home to Punjab with him and his brother, leaving his father behind in Malaysia; Paul didn’t see his father again until he was 19 years old.

Following his passing, condolences have poured in from all corners.

Martin Gallen, a family friend described Paul as ‘the living embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit’. He continued, “A fantastically impressive man who came here from India with little more than the shirt on his back and barely a word of English. His legacy here will outlast many of us.”

Political representatives also paid tribute. West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan commented, “I am deeply saddened by the news of Paul Guram’s passing. His loss will be felt by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. He embraced this town and its people. His kindness, humility, and soft nature served as a shining example of what it means to be a Strabane man at heart.

“He will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace, Paul.”

Independent councillor Paul Gallagher added, “Paul’s sudden death is a terrible shock. For many years, Paul played a pivotal role in the local economy with a focus on always employing people from the local community. His presence will be a huge loss to Strabane.”

STRABANE

Mr Guram’s connection with Strabane came through an arranged marriage to his beloved wife Sarabjeet in 1965. At his new father-in-law’s behest the family relocated to Strabane to take over his drapery firm. Mr Guram soon found his own path, opening a dry cleaners in Lower Main Street four years later whilst continuing to work at the drapery.

Not long after, Paul entered the retail trade, firstly with ‘Sarbo Fashions’ and ‘Guram’s Shoe Store’ followed by Main Street boutique ‘Miss Primm’. Later, he opened the locally famous ‘Traffic’ which supplied sports gear and electrical appliances located on Main Street. Beyond Strabane, Paul also had retail business in Derry and Omagh, employing hundreds of people throughout the years.

Shifting focus into hospitality business, Mr Guram built the legendary Blue Parrot Bar and Nightclub, the Bowling Green Bar, the Waterfront and Limavady–based Roebuck Inn and also built and impressive real estate portfolio.

The Guram family would like to thank everyone for their well-wishes and condolences at this difficult time, saying it has, ‘provided great comfort and we are beyond greatful for the support shown.’