Obituary of Carl Edward Hiltz

To view the livestream of the service, please CLICK HERE

Carl Edward Hiltz passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, January 28, 2024 in his 91st year.

Carl was predeceased by his wife, Betty Anne Hiltz. He will be dearly missed by his children Bill (Karen) Hiltz, Sandy (Bruce) Rayner and Patti (Gary) Martin, grandchildren Melody (Ryan) Kneisel, Roland Hiltz, Carly Martin (Liam), Haley Martin (Wyatt), Emma Martin (Jake), Heather Rayner and Ben Rayner, great-grandchildren Zoey Kneisel and Brooklynn Kneisel.  He also leaves behind many extended family members and close friends.

Carl was born in Muskoka County to Charles and Jessie Hiltz and moved to Point Abino (Ridgeway/Crystal Beach ON) when he was a child.  He talked at length of his adventures with his dogs Duke and Judy roaming the woods and sand dunes on the shore of Lake Erie.  As a teenager Carl worked at Rubel’s Grocery Store. He joked about his first job being a banana bender in the fruit and produce section! He also worked at the famous Crystal Beach Park.

Carl met his high school sweetheart Betty Anne Pepper (Betts) at Ridgeway High. They married, started a family and shared a long enduring love for 60 years.

In 1969, Carl secured a faculty position at Conestoga College in Waterloo ON and that was the beginning of 55 years living in K-W.   Eventually he became Manager of Academic Support Services of the College.  Carl and Betts also spent an adventurous 2 years (1988-1990) in the U.A.E. as he was recruited to establish a Learning Resource Centre for the Women's Campus of Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi.

Carl was a member of the congregation at Stanley Park Community Church where he served and attended for many years . In the 70’s, after being immersed in the Jesus People Movement he was integral in the founding of Jacob's Well. Geared to street youth originally, the Friday night gatherings in downtown Kitchener attracted hundreds of people over the years. 

After Carl retired, he and Betts found purpose in serving as volunteers at Ray of Hope Community Centre. They loved and were loved by the many that visited Ray of Hope for meals and support. Carl was always at the ready to engage in a game of cards or shoot some pool.

After his beloved wife passed, Carl continued his visits to Ray of Hope until he  gave up driving at the age of 85. He then moved to Winston Park Retirement Home so he could immerse himself in activities and life with peers. He was a light and welcomed many new people into the retirement community there. After 4 years Carl moved into Long Term Care at Trinity Village where he lived out the rest of his days but still finding ways to encourage others, often with a sense of humour! Our family would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all the staff at Trinity Village for their kind and compassionate care of our dad.

Carl was passionate about God and he loved people.  

Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Carl during a visitation at Erb and Good Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Sunday, February 4 , 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.  A Celebration of Life will be held in the Chapel of Erb and Good Family Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. John Pearce officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service. A livestream of the service will be available on Carl’s obituary page at  www.erbgood.com  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Seeds of Hope Children’s Ministry or Ray of Hope Community Centre may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.