CARL HULTIN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CARL HULTIN

March 5, 1936 – March 22, 2024

At Deer Lodge Centre, in Winnipeg, on Friday, March 22 at 8:00 a.m. in the morning, Carl, with Vi by his side, peacefully passed away.
Carl, an only child, was born and raised on a farm in Saskatchewan. His dad, Axel and his mom Sophie had a mixed farming operation north of Wadena. Living on a farm, meant playmates lived many miles away and were only seen on Sundays; when visiting took place. The family dog “Sport” became his constant companion and playmate. Carl often told stories about him and Sport, running on the paths in the bush, which surrounded the house. At times Sport pulling the sleigh and at other times Sport riding while Carl pushed.
Close to the family farm, lived the Flis family, with seven children, so he lived for the weekends, when they would visit and he had seven playmates. They attended school together “riding in the caboose” during the winter. Needless to say, he was very lost when in his teenage years the family moved to Toronto. He stayed in touch with them, visiting occasionally, phoning, but always corresponding, right up to the end.
Carl’s passion was his music. Talented beyond belief, he shocked his parents when at the age of four, he ran over to the piano and by ear, played “Life in the Finland Woods” a Swedish tune, his dad’s favourite. On many a trip with Vi, he would completely baffle her as he would hum the tune like “Delila” when travelling down the Rhine River in Germany until they got home weeks later and he could get to the piano to play the song.
In his early years he played the accordion in a dance band. For over 60 years he has been a church organist. He has walked many a bride down the aisle, some twice over, and a few three times over.
By profession, he was a teacher and truly loved his job, always being concerned about his students and doing everything he could to help them. Staying after school to help those who needed extra guidance was a daily occurrence and marking essays was a nightly ritual. He taught in various locales in Saskatchewan, a year in the Yukon and finished off his last 25 years in Thompson, MB where he really enjoyed his classes as he encountered many international students. Being the organist at the United Church he cherished his working with Rev. Glen Thompson.
He loved puttering in the yard and garden. He did woodwork for many years and made several pieces of furniture for the house. Reading was another passion, reading anything and everything, but history was his favourite - no wonder he enjoyed teaching History.
Travelling was a joy, travelling with Vi to distant places; Sweden where he met several cousins, Hungary where they met Vi’s relatives, several times to Europe and a special Teachers trip to Russia back when it was known as the Union of the Soviet Republic. They went on cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, etc. but enjoyed the river boat cruise down the Danube from Nuremberg to Budapest the best. They spent winter holidays in Spain, Portugal, Cuba, Hawaii, and two winters in Florida before opting for a winter holiday in Victoria.
They drove Canada from coast to coast and enjoyed a year of teaching in the Yukon at which time during the Easter Break they were in Alaska when the earthquake struck in 1964.
After retiring from teaching in Thompson, they moved to Winnipeg where they enjoyed many musical events and continued with their travels.
Carl leaves Vi his partner of over 60 years, numerous family and dear friends across Canada and several cousins living in Sweden.
A service of remembrance and interment of ashes will take place during the long weekend in May.
A musical award in Carl’s name has been established at his home university, the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Campus. This award in perpetuity will annually provide $4000 to a student to further their studies in music. Carl’s name and his love of music will live on forever through the lives of these students.
Special thanks to the wonderful HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS at Tower 4, Deer Lodge Centre. Your kindness, care and love for Carl was out of this world. Your kindness towards and constant concern for the wellbeing of Vi is beyond words. They say angels walk the earth, you are all angels. Many, many thanks.

Peacefully sleeping, resting at last
His weary trials and troubles are past
In silence he suffered
In patience he bore,
Till God called him home
To suffer no more.

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715

Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 27, 2024, Mar 27, 2024