In loving memory of
Carl Douglas Piehl
The family have chosen this music to commemorate their loved one.
With deep love and sorrow, the family of Carl Douglas Piehl, 75, of Upper Whitehead, announces his passing on August 31, 2025, after a brief illness at Saint Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
Carl was born in Sudbury, Ontario, the cherished son of the late Austin and Maud (Brankley) Piehl. He spent his career as an engineer in the oil and natural gas industry, where he met his soulmate, Maha Maria. She was the project manager, he was the engineer, and at first it was like fire meeting oil. Everyone else saw danger, but somehow it worked, a recipe for love disguised as a jobsite.
Before his career in engineering, Carl built a remarkable hockey legacy. As a gifted goaltender, he played for Clarkson University and was even offered a position as an NHL goalie. One of his most memorable moments was playing right in the heart of Times Square. Off the ice, Carl found another kind of sky he was an avid pilot who loved flying and had a lifelong passion for airlines.
Carl’s life was a love song, sometimes gentle and sometimes bold, strummed on his guitar, carried in laughter, and written with kindness. His greatest devotion was always to Maha Maria. She was the gas pedal, full of fiery Mediterranean spirit, and Carl was the brakes, steady and sure, keeping her from sailing into the ditch. Their marriage was part comedy act, part adventure, and always love.
The last eleven years tested them with ailments, empty pockets, and close brushes with homelessness, but Carl never let fear win. With humour tucked in his pocket and love in his hands, he made sure Maha Maria was always cherished.
Carl was the father of seven children and especially treasured moments talking with his grandchildren through his daughter Dorian. He also built a family of the heart, including Nicki Baliski, his “heart daughter” and his “twin.” They shared the same humour, stubborn streak, and love of horses. He liked to say that if he and Nicki ever ran a farm together, it would look like an old cowboy movie, spoiled animals, half-finished chores, and the two of them riding into the sunset laughing.
He loved his friends Evelyn MacNaughton, Susan McVicker, Jean Gorton, and Rachel and Eric, whose farm gave him joy as their “grandpa of the barn.” His roots stretched across oceans to Palestine, Jordan, and Italy, where he was embraced by Maha Maria’s family with open arms. Maha’s Italian family, the Catalianos, also welcomed Carl in New York and in Italy with wine and a cigar. He loved sitting among them, sharing stories, and feeling the joy of being part of their family.
Carl adored animals, especially his horse Dante, who matched his stubborn spirit. He also adored music. A gifted guitar player, he taught himself to play again after his stroke in 2018. He loved meals, music, and moments, and will be remembered for his kindness, humour, and the twinkle in his eye.
Carl leaves behind his loving wife Maha Maria; his seven children Dorian, Jessica, Catherine, Madilyne, Lydia, Carl, and Clifford; his grandchildren, his brothers; Wayne Piehl, Sudbury, Robert Piehl, Madoc; sister, Brenda (James) Pajunen, Falconbridge; his heart daughter Nicki, his pets, and family and friends across Canada, Palestine, Jordan, and Italy.
Flowers are welcomed in Carl’s memory and may be sent to St. Ninian’s Cathedral in Antigonish, where a Funeral Mass to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. After the service, the arrangements will be shared with Palliative Care and St. Bethanie in gratitude for the care they provide.
And true to form, Carl would remind us all with a grin that life is far too short to put up with jackasses.
Here is the link for the funeral livestream for this coming Saturday, beginning at 1:45 p.m.
PRINTABLE VERSION
SERVICES & GATHERINGS
Memorial Service
Saint Ninians Cathedral
September 27, 2025 2:00 pm
121 St. Ninian St. Antigonish, NS
Celebrant: Fr. Daniel MacLennan
Catered by: Caterer 1
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Service Note
Here is the link for the funeral livestream for this coming Saturday, beginning at 1:45 p.m. Please join the family following the service for a time of refreshment and fellowship in the church hall.FAVOURITE CAUSES
An Act of Kindness in Memory.
PHOTOS
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The family have chosen this music to honour their loved one.
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Dear Auntie Maha,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Uncle Carl. He was not only your husband but also like a father to me. Uncle Carl was a kind, compassionate, and big-hearted man who loved everyone around him. I have loved him since I was a baby, and he always cared for me as if I were his own daughter. I remember when you used to hang out with Dad during your visits to Palestine. It felt as if we had known you forever and as if you had always been part of our family. He was one of the best people in my life, and his absence leaves a void that is hard to bear.
While Uncle Carl was your husband and life partner, his loss is also deeply felt by all of us who loved him. We will always cherish the memories of his kindness, warmth, and the love he gave so freely.
Farewell, Uncle Carl. You will forever remain in our hearts and thoughts.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Your niece and Carl’s heart daughter
Dear Maha,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Carl. Having known him for over 22 years, I have always admired the way you and Carl have been such incredible personalities; full of life, hope, positivity, and hard work. Both of you have touched the lives of so many with your warmth, generosity, and readiness to help others, even while carrying your own challenges. I am very sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. Carl will be remembered with deep respect and as the wonderful person he truly was. I wish you strength in the days ahead and peace in your heart.
Dear Maha,
I was so heartbroken to hear about Carl’s passing. Even from far away here in California, I can feel the weight of your loss.
Carl was such a kind, honest, and talented man. I will always remember his warmth, his music, and the way he carried himself with such integrity. The love you both shared over the years was inspiring, and I know those memories will always stay alive in your heart.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this painful time. I am holding you close in spirit and sending you strength and comfort.
With deepest sympathy,
Adnan Abu Ghene
Maha,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I will always remember the days in Chalk River, you and Carl were so wonderful together, such a true team. He was not only an honest and dedicated engineer but also an amazing friend. And of course, I will never forget his music, he played with such heart and it always brought joy to those around him.
My heart aches for you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With love and sympathy,
Cynthia
My deepest condolences Maha.
Carl was a lovely man, full of humor and wonderful stories to share with everyone. I will never forget the time we shared in Canada.
In loving memory of Carl Douglas Piehl —
Though the moments I shared with him were few, they felt as if they carried the weight of many long years. His presence was gentle yet strong, and the music of his guitar revealed the depth of a rare soul.
Through my sister Maha, I was blessed to witness the beauty of a love story filled with generosity, courage, tenderness, and romance. Carl was not only her beloved husband, but also a rare friend whose heart radiated warmth and strength.
My dear sister, I know your heart is heavy, yet even within the sorrow there shines the gift Carl left behind—mountains of love, kindness, and memories so tender that they will forever bring light to your days. Though tears may fall, let us not forget the laughter, the courage, and the romance he poured into your life. These are treasures that no loss can ever take away.
The legacy Carl left us is not one of absence, but of presence—his spirit lingers in every melody, every smile, and every act of love we carry forward. We were fortunate to share in some of that love, to witness a bond so rare and true. And even in mourning, we can smile, because what he gave to this world will never fade.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may your heart, my beloved sister, always find comfort in the endless love and memories you created together
In loving memory of Carl Douglas Piehl —
Though the moments I shared with him were few, they felt as if they carried the weight of many long years. His presence was gentle yet strong, and the music of his guitar revealed the depth of a rare soul.
Through my sister Maha, I was blessed to witness the beauty of a love story filled with generosity, courage, tenderness, and romance. Carl was not only her beloved husband, but also a rare friend whose heart radiated warmth and strength.
My dear sister, I know your heart is heavy, yet even within the sorrow there shines the gift Carl left behind—mountains of love, kindness, and memories so tender that they will forever bring light to your days. Though tears may fall, let us not forget the laughter, the courage, and the romance he poured into your life. These are treasures that no loss can ever take away.
The legacy Carl left us is not one of absence, but of presence—his spirit lingers in every melody, every smile, and every act of love we carry forward. We were fortunate to share in some of that love, to witness a bond so rare and true. And even in mourning, we can smile, because what he gave to this world will never fade.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may your heart, my beloved sister, always find comfort in the endless love and memories you created together.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Carl. Because of his kindness, encouragement, and the belief he had in me, I am today in France working toward my PhD. I will never forget him, nor the way he helped shape the person I became.
Maha, my heart aches for you. Please accept my deepest condolences. I will always carry Carl’s memory with me, with gratitude and love.
Querida Maha,nossa família deseja às mais sinceras condolências,que nesse momento Carl seja lembrado,como grande ser humano que era,alegre,gentil, espontâneo.Que ele seja recebido nos braços de nosso senhor e salvador Jesus Cristo.Carl estará sempre em nossos corações.
Our deepest condolences, Maha. We can’t imagine what you’re going through. You and Carl fit together so well, and he was the kindest soul we ever met. Our hearts ache for you and your family. In the 20 years we knew him, he always shined with happiness, carried the best smile, and his music still rings in our ears. He loved you so much remember that love and those happy days.
Maha you & Carl were my dearest friends. I am so sorry for your loss sweetie. He will be missed by all who knew & loved him. He is safe in God’s hands now pain free & his spirit soars. He has been reunited with all who passed before him. Condolences my dear friend & to his loved ones left behind. Love never dies, he will always be with us just in another form. Rest in Paradise Carl until we meet again HUGE HUGS
I was so saddened to hear of Carl’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Carl was not only a kind and genuine man, but also a true mentor to me. He had a way of guiding without ever judging, of teaching without making you feel small. His encouragement and quiet wisdom shaped my path in ways I will carry for the rest of my life.
I will always remember the conversations, the lessons he shared, and the steady example he set. Carl had a gift for lifting others up and making them believe in themselves. I was lucky to have him as a mentor, and I am even more grateful to have known him as a friend.
May his memory live on in all of us who were touched by his kindness and strength.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Dear Maha, please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of Carl. I am sure he is now in a place of peace and comfort. You and your loved ones will be in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you patience, strength, and comfort during this difficult time.
Maha I knew when you met Carl it was like an immediate attraction. You were soulmates for sure and the struggles you both endured over the past 10 years would have broken many !! But not you two.. it made you stronger. You will miss him so very much and I know he is watching from above to see your ok. I loved Carl and his music, knowledge and character. A true gentlemen. God Bless my friend sending you hugs 🤗
I’m so sorry to see this Maha. Are you ok?
Carl was a kind man and will be missed by many.
I have many fond memories of the time I spent with the two of you.