LCdr. (retired) Darrell Richard Kays, 65, of Hubley, passed away October 28 at home enveloped by the love of his family.
Darrell was the master of the one-liners, a loyal friend, champion dog walker to Charlie and kitty cuddler to Pepper, an exceptional model wooden ship builder, New York Times Crossword aficionado, first rate camping coffee maker, outstanding trip planner, and yarn detangler extraordinaire.
Most importantly, he was a deeply proud Dad to Lara and Flinn, grandfather to Andre, loving stepdad to Breanna, Nicholas and Gregory (Miller), and profoundly devoted husband to Beverley (Ware).
Darrell lived a life defined by gratitude, curiosity, kindness, laughter, and an extraordinary love for the people and world around him. He had a gift for finding joy and meaning in the wonders of the universe and the smallest moments of everyday life.
Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, he was the son of Abraham and Frances (Ryan) Kays. Darrell spent most of his teen years in Timberlea where he cultivated life-long friendships as evidenced by the integral role they continued to play in his life.
Darrell joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1978 as an NCM Sonar Tech before becoming a Combat Systems Engineer and ship’s diver. Darrell was so proud to be part of the crew that sailed the first Victoria class submarine from England to Canada while spearheading pranks on his tolerant shipmates. Darrell retired in 2003 to work as a contractor for NETE, a Weir Canada company, and walk bare the streets of his neighbourhood with Good Boy Charlie.
Darrell was predeceased by his parents, his in-laws, the Rev. Tony and Jackie Ware, and stepson David.
His Celebration of Life will be held November 7 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1300 Oxford Street, Halifax, with the Rev. Rusty Edwards officiating. The service will be live streamed at https://fbchalifax.ca/fbch-online/ an on the church’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Internment in Riverview Haven Cemetery in Brooklyn will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to a charity of your choice that does good for people or animals in your community.
Arrangements are entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists.
Darrell and his family would like to thank Dr. Pedro Diaz for his exceptional and responsive care when we needed him, Dr. Richard Spence, Dr. Nathan Lamond and Nurse Melissa for their quick intervention and the nurses and physicians at the Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department who helped us with their compassionate care and expertise.
Choose to live each day as Darrell did – with gratitude, humour and joy.