It is with great sadness, Darrell's family regretfully announces his passing on December 26, 2017 at age 69. He was the eldest son of Joseph Thomas and Shirley Brenda (Jollymore) McClure of Kentville. Darrell (Tom) had a life-long love of art and began his artistic studies as a young man helping and learning from the staff at the NS Museum of Natural History. His passion for the sea led him to join the Royal Canadian Navy at 17 years of age, serving as a clearance diver. After leaving the navy, he studied at the Vancouver College of Art. While in BC, he also spent time on the Coast Guard vessels. Darrell returned to the east coast in the 1970's to attend NSCAD, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in sculpture. His passion for technical knowledge and his natural artistic talent proved to be invaluable assets to his fellow students and friends. Darrell was a tireless worker, often helping others with art supplies or technical design problems. In 1976 he married his fellow art student, Margaret Abel. Together they moved to the Annapolis Valley where he took a position as Graphic Design instructor with the NS Community College. Upon retirement, Darrell immersed himself in his many passions, carving, woodworking, and collecting objects of interest, only to name a few. Always carrying #8B pencils, he was infamous for his art creations on every flat surface… from his studio walls to place mats at the restaurants he frequented. Darrell was a voracious reader of technical, historical and science-fiction books. His generosity to his family was legendary and he will be greatly missed at our family gatherings. Darrell was predeceased by his parents, brother Kirk, and infant son Andrew. He is survived by his daughter, Lesley Anne; friend and former wife Margaret; sister Karen (Purcell) Stockley;  niece  Kaitlyn, and nephew Nathan. "Grumpy Darrell" will be especially missed by his grandsons Drew and Jaxson. Cremation has taken place under the direction of the Middleton Funeral Home 398 Main St. 902-825-3448.  A  remembrance gathering will be held at a later date. Donations in memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of NS or charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com