Obituary of Lionel "Karl" Hinds

December 16, 1933 — May 2, 2026

Lionel “Karl” Hinds passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at the age of 92, with his loving wife, Joanne, by his side, following a courageous battle with cancer. Known for his sharp wit and immense wisdom, Karl lived a life defined by professional excellence, an analytical mind, kindness, fairness, and deep devotion to his family.

Born in Salters, St. George, Barbados, Karl’s early years were marked by academic distinction at Harrison College. He later moved to Canada to attend McGill University, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Power in 1956, followed by an MBA from the University of Western Ontario (Ivey Business School) in 1961.

Karl began his career at Shawinigan Water and Power Co. in Quebec. While living in Shawinigan, he became a founding member, President, and Competition Chairman of the Club Autosport Mauricien (CAM), reflecting his lifelong passion for motorsports.

His career as an engineer and consultant spanned the globe, including South Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Africa. During his international work, he was married to Carol, with whom he raised four children. Although they later parted ways, they remained good friends, and she predeceased him. Carol remained an important part of the family’s story.

A highlight of Karl’s career was his role as “El Jefe” at the Compañía de Alumbrado Eléctrico de San Salvador in El Salvador — a position and place that remained especially meaningful to him. He later served nearly thirty years as Vice President of Finance and Administration at CI Power Services Inc. In 1984, he established his own consulting firm and continued working well into his later years. He was respected for his integrity, fairness, and ability to bridge cultures through his fluency in French and Spanish.

Karl was a gifted storyteller with remarkable comedic timing. A natural engineer at heart, he was endlessly fascinated by how things worked, particularly the Suez and Panama Canals, which he visited and observed firsthand.

Above all, Karl was a devoted family man. He was the steadfast champion of his wife, Joanne. Their partnership was grounded in mutual respect, quiet daily rituals together, and a love that deepened with time. For the past twenty-six years, Karl and Joanne made their home in the Ottawa area, where their front porch became a familiar gathering place for friends, family, conversation, and laughter, often with their dog by his side.

Karl is survived by his wife Joanne; his children Karen (Marc), Lindsay (Valerie), Lori (David), and Krista (Kent); eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his brother Ronald; his sister Anna; and his extended family. He will be remembered for his warmth, humour, mentorship, kindness, fairness, and quiet dignity.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Irving Greenberg Cancer Centre and The Ottawa Hospital (Ward 6E) for their exceptional care and compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.