Karma Phinjo Sherpa, known locally as Lama Phuntsok, was born February 24, 1962 and passed away suddenly December 19, 2013. He is survived by his father and an elder and younger brother. He was pre-deceased by his mother who passed away last year.
Born in Nepal he entered Kalu Rinpoche’s monastery (Samdrup Tharjeyling) in Sonada, India at a young age to begin his training as a Buddhist monk and teacher. After completing the traditional three year three month retreat at Sonada he held different jobs at the monastery helping with it’s administration and running. In 2007 he came to Salt Spring Island to become the Resident Lama for Kunzang Dechen Osel Ling, a Buddhist meditation retreat centre on Mount Tuam. In the short time he was here he worked tirelessly to improve all aspects of KDOL. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him and who came in contact with him.
A traditional Buddhist Funeral Service and cremation was conducted by a group of lamas at the Parish Hall (Celebration Hall) of St. John’s Shaughnessy Anglican Church in Vancouver on Monday, December 30.