Malkiat Dhami remembered for service, smile

Malkiat Dhami, a Sikh who came to Carson City seeking to build a life and spread cheer, was hailed Monday as a man respected by all.

Dhami, a veteran hotelier who served on the community’s Planning Commission, died last week after an illness. Community Development Director Lee Plemel said Dhami was respected by all and Mayor Robert Crowell said he was a role model to many who knew him.

“A man of faith, family, honor, optimism and hard work, Malkiat Dhami was a role model to many,” said the mayor. “His dedication to improving the quality of life in our community, not to mention his ever-present and infectious smile, will be greatly missed.”

Plemel, who worked with Dhami for years both as a planner and on community development matters, expressed sadness when he first learned of Dhami’s demise. Plemel lauded the man’s years of service on the commission.

“Mr. Dhami was a planning commissioner for almost six years, and was well respected by his fellow commissioners and staff,” said Plemel. “Mr. Dhami was very thoughtful and conscientious of planning applications and on planning matters.”

Dhami, whose Sikh roots were in India, had lodging properties in Carson City, other communities of Northern Nevada and in other states. His latest in Nevada was an 83-room Candlewood Suites in Winnemucca. He first came to Carson City and purchased the old Carson City Inn, according to Steve Reynolds of Sign Pro, a business associate and friend.

Reynolds said Dhami became active in both the private and public sectors through the Chamber of Commerce and by his volunteer planning service on the commission. At one point, Reynolds and Dhami served on that commission together. Dhami was last named by the city’s Board of Supervisors to serve again on it in mid-2013.