In loving memory of
Darren Farrell Coolen
Darren Coolen, of East River, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the age of 64 in Mahone Bay.
He is survived by his wife Victoria/Sheila (Mathias), daughters Shannon and Melina, brother Todd and sister Krista(Aki).
He was predeceased by his parents Barry and Rosalene and brother Shayne.
Darren was employed by Lockheed Martin Canada. Thank you to all the home care support workers as well as the staff of Macleod Cares in Mahone Bay. Also, thank you to Dr. David King, Dr. E.Raymond and nurse practitioners Schelene Swinemar and Laura Paul for their care. Thank you to Mike Thornborrow for making this difficult process more manageable.
In keeping with Darren’s wishes cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11am at St. George’s Anglican church cemetery in East River Point, Fr. John Macpherson officiating. Following this will be a reception for family and friends at the UNIFOR union hall in East River Point, 7216 NS-329. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Personal Care Cremations and Memorial Services.
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SERVICES & GATHERINGS
Graveside Memorial Service
St. George's Anglican Church Cemetery
June 6, 2026 11:00 am
7478 Highway 329 East River, NS
Celebrant: Fr. John MacPherson
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Reception
Unifor Union Hall
June 6, 2026 12:00 pm
7216 NS-329 East River, Nova Scotia
Celebrant: Fr. John MacPherson
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Dear Sheila, Shannon, Melina & family.
Having just attended Darren’s internment and reception, I just wanted to extend my sincerest condolences once again.
I did not know Darren other than as a neighbour, trick or treating growing up etc, but by the sounds of it, that was my loss.
Watching the video montage of photos, it is clearly evident for everyone to see the deep love he had for you and your daughters. I can see it in his eyes, the way you look at each other.
Hearing people talk about him, and reading through the condolences, with the most common adjective used to describe him being “kind”, it is obvious he was a very good man who left a positive impression with everyone he met. That is a sign of a life well lived. You should be very proud.
Dear Darren,
Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure meeting you again. It has been awhile since we’ve bumped into you.
It’s too bad as neighbours that sometimes we have to meet for occasions such as these. But that’s not bad as it shows that we have a strong community that always comes together. Hope to see you again. Say hi to your parents.
Sheila ❤️
Dear Sheila, Shannon & Melina,
Having just attended his internment and reception, I wanted to express my sincerest condolences once again. Seeing photos from throughout your life together, the love you shared for one another and towards your daughters is clear to see from the way you looked at each other. I only knew him as a neighbour, trick or treating as a kid etc, but from the sounds of it, that was my loss. When every single person has nothing but the warmest memories and “kind” being the most common adjective when talking about him, it is a sign of a good man, and a life well lived. You should be proud.
Dear Victoria,
We only got to meet and chat a few times at Mahone but I was able to get to know Darren when on his Unit.
I so enjoyed our Meal Time Chats … me talking and he listening, hope I brought a little cheer.
My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of such grief, sadness and great emotions in losing him at such a young age and to a horrible disease.
Please Take Care of Yourselves and May the Happiness of Memories Outweigh Or At Least Equal the Sadness of Loss.
Cynthia Stevens (LTCA)
Thank you Cynthia. Yes we’ve met a few times. Darren enjoyed your visits.
You are welcome to come tomorrow for burial and/or reception.
Sheila ❤️
Thank you, but I must be at the Airport for 1100.
My thoughts will be with you and your family.
Take Care and it was a pleasure meeting you and Darren.
Cynthia S.
Dear Shelia and family.
So very sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you at this very sad time.
Glen&Judy.
Thank you Glen and Judy. ❤️
So sorry to hear of Darren’s passing. May you find comfort in in the many memories you’ve made along the way.
Thank you Susan. ❤️
Hello Victoria:
I was so sad to hear of Darren’s passing. I know you and your daughters must be devastated. As time goes on, hopefully the sadness will turn into memories of the good times you shared.
I am so grateful that I reconnected with you and Darren and got to visit a few times recently. Those visit will stay with me forever.
Take care dear friend.
Susan Cook (Church)
Thank you Susan. I’m glad you were able to see Darren a few times. Keep in touch.
Victoria ❤️
Dear Victoria, Shannon, and Melina,
I was so deeply saddened to hear about Darren’s passing. My heart is with all of you during this incredibly difficult time.
Darren was such a kind and gentle soul, and it was always clear how deeply he was loved. The steady love and care you gave him over the years was a beautiful reflection of devotion and strength, and I know that bond meant everything.
I hope you can feel surrounded by love and support right now, and that in time, you find comfort in the many memories you shared together and the love that will always remain.
Please know I am thinking of you and holding you close in my heart.
With deepest sympathy,
Susan
Thank you Susan. ❤️
I retired from Lockheed 15 years ago, but still have fond memories of Darren. Although we worked in different fields our paths crossed almost daily. I recall Darren as a very dedicated employee and an even better person. I am saddened by the news of his passing at a young age.
My condolences to the family and friends.
Hi Fred
Thank you. I remember you from way back.
Darren had Multiple System Atrophy a terminal illness.
Sheila
I am devastated to hear of Darren’s death. Such a good man and gentle soul. I rejoiced when you and Darren fell in love. Two of my favourite people, marching into the future, hand in hand, advancing the whole world!
You and your family are in my heart. I am praying that this sorrow becomes a bit more bearable with the passage of time.
Thank you John. You were definitely one of our favorite people as well. ❤️
Victoria
Hi Victoria,
I’m B.J and have worked with Darren at Lockheed Martin Canada for many years. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. Darren was a guru in his field at work and we always could rely on his assistance to solve our issues. Such a nice person. We will all miss him greatly!
Hi BJ
Thank you for your kind words about Darren. He spoke of you too. ❤️
Victoria/Sheila
To the Coolen Family.
I am very sorry for your loss. Darren was one of the nicest people I have had the privilege to work with. He always greeted you with that big smile.
He was very devoted to you and beamed with pride when he spoke of you.
Hi Stephen and Marlene
Thank you for your kind message. Darren spoke kindly of you too. ❤️
Victoria/Sheila
Dear Victoria,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I know this has been a very challenging journey, and I have so admired your strength and grace and dignity. Sending much love to you and your family.
Lori ❤️
Thank you Lori. ❤️
Dear Victoria,
Please know that Peter and I are thinking of you, Shannon, and Melina during this difficult time.
Thank you Sandra. ❤️
Dear Victoria/Sheila,
So sorry to learn this. Across the years and across the miles I send my deepest sympathy and ongoing love to you and the girls.
Mary Ellenmn
Thank you Mary Ellen.❤️
I simply can’t articulate my feelings today. Victoria and Darren, bearing witness to your love, devotion and enduring commitment to each other was a sacred gift that I will forever hold dear. Darren’s indomitable spirit, humour, gentle kindness and magnificent smile that sparkled in his eyes – left a mark on all our hearts. Victoria, you warrior woman. You burst into our world and demanded we see the mind and soul of the vulnerable man in front of us. My darling, you kept him safe and held him until you’d walked him home. I am forever changed by knowing you both. Until we meet again, your friend Rachel.
Thank you Rachel.❤️
Wow, you have written a powerful message that really touched me.
Your eloquent writing made my “complaining” sound so positive. 😉 This made my day. Victoria
So sorry to hear about Darren’s passing….we all knew each other since we were little kids growing up in Fox Point…we were all welcome in his house there, and later on , at your house in East River…we will all miss him so much., and we were all thankful to have spent some time with him a few weeks ago…thinking of you, Shannon and Melina, Todd and Krista, at this very sad and difficult time….Radha, Raju, Chinchu and Ajeet
Thank you Ajeet. ❤️