Obituary of Darrick Alden Killen

KILLEN, Darrick Alden, age 62, of Oakfield, passed away peacefully on February 19^th, 2026, surrounded by family, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.  Born in Halifax, he was a son of Alden and Shirley (Hebb) Killen.

Darrick graduated from Prince Andrew Highschool. He received his Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) in 1987 from the Technical University of Nova Scotia. Upon graduation, he pursued his career at Litton Systems Canada Limited (later L-3) as a respected engineer and project lead on many CP-140 projects. Notable projects at L-3 included working with the DND Project Management Office on the Aurora Incremental Modernization Project. He was instrumental in the design and build of the Navigation System Emulator used for training aircraft and maintenance crews. He also served as the company Security Officer and he led the corporate initiative to achieve CMMI accreditation.

Darrick was proud of his two girls and he cherished being a grandfather.  He enjoyed many hours ballroom dancing and travelling the world with his high school sweetheart. He loved everything outdoors, from sailing on Grand Lake, scuba diving, hunting, and camping. He has fond memories of spending summers taking his daughters, nieces and nephews tubing and water skiing. He took great pride in their family home that he was always renovating, with help from family and friends. He spent many hours in his woodworking shed (“Uncle Darrick’s Workshop”). He enjoyed serving on the Shubenacadie Canal Commission after retirement.

Besides his parents, he is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Heather (Dowell); daughter, Melanie Killen (Jason Gibson); son-in-law, Justin Sellers; grandchildren, Lucas and Chloe; brother, Terrell (Nancy) Killen; sister, Katrina (Stephen) MacDonald, sister-in-law, Carolyn (Craig) Cameron; several nieces and nephews. 

He was recently predeceased by his daughter, Jessica Sellers.  

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, February 25^th, at 2:00pm, at Riverview United Church, Elmsdale. A livestream of the service will be available beginning at 1:55PM at: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=44eef059-ad11-42c0-9e9a-8b0fd263acea

A reception will follow in the church hall. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society: https://www.craigscause.ca

Darrick was extremely appreciative of the compassion and care he received from the nurses and doctors on 8B during his last month. 

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