Obituary of E. Kilburn Currie
It is with deep sadness that the family of Ernest Kilburn Currie, known to all as Kilburn, age 85, of Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, announces his peaceful passing at Soldiers Memorial Hospital on the 27th of October 2025.
Born in 1940 to Juanita (Follett) and Ray Currie of Halifax, Kilburn lived a life rooted in family, community, and a deep love for the land. As a youth, he lived in Halifax, Rockport, Massachusetts, and Yorkville, Illinois, where he graduated from high school in 1958. Following graduation, Kilburn and his family relocated to Bridgetown, where he enrolled at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, completing his studies in 1959.
Together with his parents, brother, and sister, Kilburn contributed to the development of a thriving sheep farm in Bridgetown. While not a farmer by profession, he deeply admired the ways of farm life. This admiration was reflected in his special interest in horses, his fascination with tractors, his joy in gardening, and his love of spending time with animals and working outdoors — pursuits that brought him fulfillment and remained central to his life.
Kilburn’s professional career reflected his dedication to agriculture. He worked for 32 years as a meat inspector with the Federal Department of Agriculture, stationed at Larsen Packers in Berwick, Nova Scotia, until his retirement in 1996.
He was also a passionate sports enthusiast. As a youth, Kilburn participated on his school’s football and wrestling teams. As a young man, he competed in equestrian events across the Maritimes with his beloved horse Rebel, was a member of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College basketball team and played on several Bridgetown sports teams. He was an avid fan of baseball, hockey, and basketball, often switching channels to catch multiple games at once.
Kilburn was a devoted husband to Leona (Hiltz) Currie, the light of his life, with whom he shared 46 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2013. He was a loving and compassionate father and a proud grandfather, always eager to share stories, laughter, and his enthusiasm for rural living. Above all, Kilburn was a family man. He took immense pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and his love for them was unwavering. Whether sharing stories around the kitchen table or cheering them on from afar, Kilburn’s support and affection were constants in their lives.
He is survived by his daughter Margaret Sweeney, son-in-law Shane Sweeney of South Alton, and granddaughter Emily of Meadow Lake and her partner Jordan Rock, Saskatchewan; his son Scott Currie, daughter-in-law Tara Riddell, and grandchildren Ainslie and Quinn of Timberlea. He is also survived by his sister Heather (Richard) Gallant and family of Windsor, Nova Scotia; brother John Currie of Moncton, New Brunswick; and sister-in-law Donna Godwin and family of Upper Granville, Nova Scotia.
Kilburn was predeceased by his parents, Juanita and Ray Currie, and his beloved wife Leona.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Kilburn’s many friends and neighbours for their kindness and support, especially Glen and Meg Johnston, and Reverend Don MacPherson, whose friendship and care meant so much to him.
A celebration of Kilburn’s life will be held at Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Bridgetown, at 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 8, 2025, with Rev. Don MacPherson officaiting. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Kilburn’s memory.
Kilburn’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him. His warmth, humour, and unwavering spirit will be remembered always.