Kucey, Kenneth Darin – Age 61 of Windermere, Kings Co., passed away peacefully Thursday, March 17, 2022 in the comfort of his home. Darin exuded an effortless, humble strength throughout the entirety of his life, but especially so in the last 5 years with his cancer journey. His unwavering faith was the foundation for his positive outlook – and his patience in dealing with the unimaginable inspired many who loved him, along with those who had never even met him. Described as a hero in the messages of condolences from the countless lives he touched and inspired, Darin believed (and said on many occasions), that if he was able to change just one person's life, it would make his entire battle worth it. When he said this to Tonya, his wife to whom he was wholeheartedly devoted, she thought him to be crazy. During every hardship Darin had to face these past 5 years, he often reminded his family that he fought for them because they meant the world to him.

A man of careful words when Darin spoke it was with chosen purpose – never self-exulting. His patience was constant and his loyalty unshakeable. He cared not for possessions, position, or popularity, but instead devoted himself to God, his family, and his many passions. Primarily, Darin loved woodworking and creating beautiful pieces of furniture with his hands using locally sourced wood. This was not only his therapy but also how he showed his love, having crafted countless pieces for his family to use and enjoy. The custom pieces he made with such care were a testament to his talented, gifted, and giving nature. And the tables he made will continue to host gatherings of his loved ones for years to come, ensuring he will always be present.

Gardening was yet another hobby in which Darin took solace. He loved to see new life living and growing, and he truly had the greenest of thumbs. From hydroponic gardening to his impressive collection of houseplants, to his deep love for animals, Darin's desire to connect with nature was never-ending. His love for the ocean also soothed him – which is why images of beaches graced the background screens of all his devices. And speaking of gadgets, Darin had a knack for "upgrading": always buying and selling his electronics to level up from the 4 ^th oldest model to the 3 ^rd oldest model.

Another one of Darin's passions was football, in particular cheering on the Patriots and the Blue Bombers. Watching his favourite teams play was his time to escape and do what brought him joy. An athlete in his younger years, Darin was himself an avid football player along with hockey. He was well-recognized for his natural talent and passed his athletic prowess onto his beloved son Ryan.

And though Darin lived a healthy lifestyle – remaining active and growing his own vegetables – he had quite the nagging sweet tooth. He always had a stash of goodies nearby from which to sneak his sweets, and even passed away with cookie crumbs still on his shirt. A coffee lover through and through, Darin didn't let his feeding tube take that away from him. Instead, he would simply squirt his coffee into his tube with unapologetic pleasure – yet another example of how Darin persevered with positivity despite unimaginable circumstances.

He never tried to be funny, yet his constant Dad Jokes earned him countless amounts of laughter from his family. "Hi hungry, I'm Dad" was a classic line he delivered with his signature grin and wink. He found ways to joke with his nurses and doctors, even though all the pain he was enduring. And though Darin never sought attention or to be liked, that was always the natural result. You couldn't help it: to know Darin was to love him. His oncologist even said: "All of my patients are important to me, but there is something special about you."

As much love as Darin received, he gave back into the world tenfold. The most notable example of this was his devotion to helping the people and orphans of Haiti. Living there for 8 years with Tonya, together they led teams of people totaling in the thousands to build homes, clinics, schools, and churches in remote areas of the country that so desperately needed them. Darin described these years as the best of his life. He became the father of the fatherless by caring for 15 orphan children, but his selflessness and dedication far exceeded these 15 lives. He fed, clothed, educated, and loved hundreds of children, impacting the lives of generations to come. By co-founding Loving the Least of These Ministries International with Tonya, Darin sought to help as many Haitians (and people around the world) as he possibly could. His legacy will be carried on through the work of this charity that was so near and dear to his heart.

A man of prayer, Darin spent hours talking to Jesus every morning. It was an important part of his every day, and he found continued comfort in the arms of the Lord no matter what he was facing. He was grateful to God for each day, each moment, and each breath. Darin's testimony has resonated so much with those who have followed his story and has certainly changed more than the one life he was hoping to inspire.

Darin was, at his core, a man of God who loved his family beyond compare. He lived for Tonya, his best friend of 31 years, and did anything and everything he possibly could for her. He was an incredible father to their 3 children, Ryan, Cory, and Karissa, and nothing made him prouder than being a father to them. His strength could move mountains, but in the quietest of ways -it could easily be overlooked until it was tested and shown. He was patient. Calm. Loving. And more than content with the life God gave him.

Darin will be deeply missed by so many people, as his passing leaves a void impossible to fill. Undoubtedly, his courage outlasts his life, and now lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the strangers he's inspired.

It was Darin's request that in lieu of flowers and in his honour that donations be made to help continue his mission work in Haiti by donating to Loving the Least of These Ministries International.  Tax receipt donations can be made online at www.icms.org.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, April 9 ^th at Steven's Road United Baptist Church. 2 Stevens Rd, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1P5. Masks are required. The online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com