Karl-Heinz Adolf Meier

Karl Heinz Adolf Meier who left us on December 19, 2024, his 70th birthday. Born in High River, Alberta to Adolf & Ursula Meier. Karl lived a life rich in passion, resilience and adventure.

As a boy, Karl found joy and camaraderie in scouting, where he developed a love for the great outdoors, learned valuable survival skills and fostered a sense of community and teamwork. This early passion for nature would remain a defining characteristic throughout his life.

A proud graduate of Whitecourt Hilltop High School in 1973, Karl’s journey was marked by both triumphs and challenges. In 1981 while working for Petro Canada at the Kaybob gas plant, he suffered burns that would shape his life. Just a few years later in 1985, an ATV accident left him paralyzed, yet he never allowed his circumstances to define him.

Karl was an avid outdoorsman who cherished hunting, trapping and living off the land. He had a deep appreciation for photography and collecting antiques, passions that brought him joy and allowed him to capture the beauty of life. His love for sports was evident in his participation in curling, cross country skiing and hockey.

In 1989, Karl made history as the first Canadian to participate in Nordic sledging, later becoming a proud member of the Canadian National Disables Ski team, where he represented Canada in competitions in Norway. His talent extended to shooting sports as well. He became a member of the National Pistol team in 1993 and competed nationally in sporting rifle events. He continues to hold national records from 1996 & 1998. His dedication to sports led him to become an active member of the Canadian Paraplegic Association and the Calgary Disabled Sports Club, where he inspired many with courage and determination.

Karl was predeceased by his beloved mother, Ursula Herta Meier, his brother Arnold Erich Meier and his father Adolf Heinz Meier. He leaves behind his cherished daughters, Melissa Meier of Cranston, Rhode Island and Gena Bowar of Dickinson, North Dakota as well as his beloved grandson, Mitchell DePardo of Warwick, Rhode Island. He is also survived by his god daughter Tarrah Isaac of Calgary, Alberta, with whom he shared many joyful holidays, and a host of close friends who enjoyed countless good times and laughter with him.

Karl’s legacy of strength, love and adventure will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be missed but never forgotten. A celebration of life will be held on September 21, 2025 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon at South Calgary Funeral Centre, where family and friends will gather to honor the remarkable man he was. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Canadian Paraplegic Committee in Karl’s memory.

Rest in peace, Karl. Your spirit will continue to inspire us all.