Person Page 1576

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Darren, taken from us far too soon, due to an unexpected medical emergency on March 21, 2025. Born in Kentville, Kings County, on December 5, 1970, he was the son of Rudy and Marilyn (Bennett) Burghardt. Darren was a man of great integrity and a source of joy for all that knew him. He was proud of his dairy farming roots in Canaan and passionately embraced the family’s trucking traditions. He enjoyed being in the tractor and making hay. While adventures with his family led him to new places, he always settled back home, in Canaan.

Darren’s childhood was filled with adventure, curiosity and a deep connection to the land he called home. He played minor hockey in Kentville, where he built lifelong friendships and found true joy in the game. Off the ice, he embraced the freedom and adventure of farm life, spending his days outdoors, soaking in all the wonders and excitement that came with growing up in the country.

He was a devoted son, working alongside his father, milking cows and hauling milk for Rudy Burghardt & Sons. In 2006, he moved to Ontario to support Corrine’s military career. There he continued to pursue his passion for hauling milk with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario for five years. In 2010, they were blessed to return home for 7 more years, before proceeding to their next posting in British Columbia. There, Darren worked on the base as a civilian. In 2019, Darren made one final trip across the country, to support the family business during his father’s deteriorating health. Darren’s priority was family and ensuring the integrity of the Burghardt name.

Darren was a cherished son, friend, brother, uncle, father, and husband. Work was his life. He loved making memories with his family, especially with Kyle in the office, Cohen on weekly wing night meetings and Bennett in the milk truck or in the hay field. His time with Corrine in the barn caring for the horses; it was always the best of work. It was all the best of work. Every moment spent with his family was precious to Darren. He was a man of many words. He loved to talk, often at the kitchen table over a cup of coffee with his mother. In those moments, Darren shared guidance, wisdom, stories and lots of laughter.

Darren, alongside his brother and best friend Hans, carried on the legacy that started in 1973, and evolved into Burghardt Transport Ltd. in 2021. He was proud to serve the dairy farmers of Western Nova Scotia, who he deeply respected. Darren served on the Transportation Committee for the Dairy Farmers of Nova Scota and was a reliable source of wisdom within the dairy industry.

Darren is survived by his wife of 20 years, Corrine (Bezanson), sons Kyle (Annelies), Cohen, and Bennett; mother Marilyn; brother Adrian, his children, Savannah and Cody; brother Hans (Threna), their children Kohl and Broc; sister Erika (Tyler) Bowley, their children Ella and Shaya (Calgary); father-in-law Dale Bezanson and mother-in-law Frances Bezanson among many other family members.

He was predeceased by his infant daughter Emma; father Rudy, and grandmother-in-law Yvonne Bezanson who he had a special bond with.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the New Minas Volunteer Fire Department, EHS, Emergency Department, and ICU staff of Valley Regional Hospital. The visitation will be held Wednesday, March 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, where the funeral will be held on Thursday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the service will be available. A private family burial will take place at the Holy Cross Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.

Forever in our ears, we will hear you. Forever in our eyes we will see you, forever in our hearts we will love you. Well done, Big D. We will keep the milk rolling for you.¹