CREELMAN, Darrell Gordon- age 72, of South Branch, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 17th, 2025. Born in Truro, he was the son of the late Gordon and Blanche (Curtis) Creelman. 

Darrell grew up the middle child between his sisters, Lucy and Susan. He was the perfect combination of his parents: possessing Gordon’s strong opinions and love of horses; while also possessing the Curtis family’s legendary sense of humour and storytelling ability. 

Darrell wore many hats in his lifetime: surveyor, miner, blueberry farmer, truck driver, lumberjack, entrepreneur and self-taught guitarist. Darrell was commissioned as a Nova Scotia Land surveyor and assigned #593 (resigned).  His years working for Emmerson Keene were formative and provided stories for years to come. 

His sparkling blue eyes were a blessing and a curse- while the light bothered them, they always drew in the ladies. Darrell had a knack for raising children and dogs with personality, and he had a special love for his dog, Fisher, named in memory of a good friend. 

Darrell was a devoted brother, husband, father, and grandfather. Life with Darrell was never boring. He loved his time in the woods, building a home in South Branch; but also travelling, having multiple adventures in the Yukon, Caribbean, and Texas. 

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 45 years (51 together), Myra; children, Katie (Jayme Stevens), Roddy (Carrie); grandchildren Russell and Margaret; sisters, Lucy (Frank) Leblanc and Susan Creelman (Sandy Cameron); many loved in-laws, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a community of friends who were drawn to his stories and music.

Darrell dealt with depression throughout his lifetime. One of his greatest legacies will be how he was able to use his own struggles to counsel so many others throughout the years.

Darrell was an avid funeral goer in his lifetime; he requested we spend this time informally sharing songs, stories and peppermints. This celebration of his life will take place on Saturday October 25th at Ettinger Funeral home, 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie from 1-4PM. Personal remarks will be shared at 2PM. A private graveside service will be held in Pine Grove Cemetery at a later date. 

Donations in Darrell’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, whose support throughout his illness was remarkable. Special thanks to all medical staff who assisted Darrell through his illness, but especially to Dr. Day, Dr. Thana and the Pallative Care team. 

To truly honour Darrell, tell a good story, laugh until you can’t breathe, or play a John Prine song for a man of a thousand songs. He was, all in all, a damn good man. 

Condolences, words of comfort, and memories of Darrell can be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com.