KARL-HEINZ PIEHL

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KARL-HEINZ PIEHL Too many times we forget that our entire life and death is a journey. The family of Karl-Heinz Opa' Piehl is blessed to have been a part of his journey on earth and also shared his journey to pass from this earth. Cherishing his memory is his wife of nearly 63 years, Herta; daughters Rita and Doris. Opa had four amazing grandchildren: Martina (Dean), Michael (Sarah), Stacie (Adam), Samantha (Jimmy), and one really great-grandson, Sebastian. Though having a small immediate family, Opa will be missed by his nephew Gerd in Germany, nieces, nephews and friends in Germany as well as friends and extended family in the USA, Canada and Australia. Opa was predeceased by his parents, sister, sons-in-law John Derwin, James McComb, and great-grandchild, Sidney. A true fighter to the end, Opa lived a full 88 years. He served in the German Army (Second World War) surviving a four year prisoner of war camp sentence near Dijon, France, came to Canada from Germany in 1951 with Mom and little more than the clothes on his back. Never one to rest, Opa's work ethic was unsurpassed with working at Weststeel for 39 years until his mandatory retirement which did nothing to slow him down. He moved into a security position at The Museum of Man & Nature then The Art Gallery; finally retiring at 78 years of age. Dad never missed a day of work as supporting his family was a priority. Being a quiet and cautious man, Opa's sense of participation in family conversations was always a grin or the lifting of an eyebrow. Faithful to his daily Free Press newspaper, Opa also loved the undertaking of painting - anything paintable, fences, inside and outside the house. Dad, there should be many fences to paint in heaven - paint on!! We send our sincere thanks to the entire Angels of the 3rd floor East Wing at Riverview Health Centre, their compassionate care is immeasurable. Private family burial to be held Wednesday morning, April 9 followed by a lunch for family and friends 12:00 noon at 1071 Charleswood Rd. Grief never ends...But it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith...It is the price of love. Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium 843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 08, 2014