Obituary of Carl Leesti

February 2, 1950 to November 23, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce that Carl passed from this world.  He was surrounded by his family Donna, Samantha and Jessica.    

Carl was predeceased by his loving parents, Georg and Lonni Leesti, his brother Enn (Sandy) and his second family Sam and Violet Carter to whom he was like a son.  Carl left behind his siblings Mart (late Stephanie), Anne (late Glen), Peter (Liisa), and Anu (Guy), and many nieces, nephews and friends.   

He was a devoted and loving father to Samantha and Jessica.  Always tender and quietly watchful over their days.  He took his daughters on canoe trips and ski hills when they could barely walk, he coached their soccer teams and taught them skating, music, woodworking, gardening, and much more.  He will be profoundly missed by his biggest fan Donna, to whom he was a life partner for 50 years, fellow adventurer, constant supporter and great inspiration.   

Carl was a proud Canadian and Estonian.  Born in Sweden, he came to Canada as a baby when his parents made the courageous decision to move the family to this country.  He studied at Queen’s University.  He spent his life in Ottawa, Kingston, Calgary, Arnprior and finally Victoria, B.C. as he always desired more time at the ocean. 

Carl was an accomplished athlete at any sport, received numerous awards and played varsity football for Queens University.  He enjoyed many days on the ski hills, golf courses, travels in South America, a sailing trip through the Greek islands, and in countless back country canoe trips with Donna and friends. 

Carl’s career crossed many professions with the Federal Government, retiring from leading the Business Intelligence Decisions Systems section of CRA. 

He enjoyed people and would take hours to pick up a loaf of bread at the local store.  As Brett, one of his best friends would say, “Carl could fit in anywhere”.  He was well liked, enjoyed telling a story, laughing at his own jokes, singing and playing guitar with others, dressing up as Elvis or others for fundraisers.  He will be sorely missed by his constant companion, Hugh. 

The world is a better place because of Carl Leesti.   

Carl’s care and arrangements have been entrusted to the Pilon Family Funeral Home, 50 John Street North, Arnprior.  An open visitation will be held for Carl on Sunday afternoon, December 1^st from 3 to 5.  A private family funeral service will be held for Carl. Interment Malloch Road Cemetery, Arnprior.

Flowers can be sent c/o Pilon Funeral Home or donations to the Arnprior Humane Society.