Carl E. Hiebert

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Carl E. Hiebert.

Carl died peacefully on March 26, 2023, at Grand River Hospital in Waterloo, at the age of 75. Carl was born in rural Ontario to the late Henry and Margarete Hiebert.

He will be forever remembered by his best friend and spouse, Deb Cripps Hiebert, stepdaughter Nicole, son-in-law Wilber, and beloved grandson Jasper, dear sisters Helen, Laura (Ernie), Eleanor (late Henry), brothers Gord (Irma), the late Henry (late Erna), the late Paul (Carol), the late John (Carol). He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews, as well as his wealth of loving friends.

As a renowned author/photographer of seven bestselling books, Carl was celebrated for his diverse artistry and inspirational speaking with numerous awards; including The Vanier Award, an Honorary Law Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, honoured in CBC's "100 years of Aviation History." His love for the road less travelled earned him recognition as "One of Canada's Top Adventurers."

Some noteworthy accomplishments included: documenting the Haitian culture, Old Order Mennonites, the Uganda HIV/Aids epidemic, Canadian family farming, to being the first man to fly an open-cockpit across Canada, driving a vintage tractor across Canada with his wheelchair strapped to the back, and directing and filming a movie under the ice. He lived with intention and passion, spending decades tenaciously pursuing philanthropic projects.

Carl was a true Renaissance man who wrote and recited poetry, worked in wood and leather, and had a love for books. He never missed an opportunity to make people smile with his quick humour and animated storytelling or to entertain with a song on his old Gibson guitar. As an avid traveller, he circled the globe several times, the first being at the age 21 on a budget of $1.65 a day. He was a competitive crokinole player and was no stranger to adventure sports; from hang gliding, parachuting, and scuba diving, to barefoot water skiing.

Carl's lifelong focus on making a difference was an inspiration to others. He lived by example, touching the lives of thousands with a desire to motivate and empower. His legacy is in the many hearts he captured along his journey.

A private Celebration of Life will be held this summer when family and close friends will gather to wish Carl an eternity of Fair Winds, Blue Skies.

Info: https://eirene.ca/memorials/all