Sydney
With immeasurable sorrow and heavy hearts, we, the family of Kevin Joseph Ratchford, announce his sudden passing on Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Sydney.
Born in New Waterford, Kevin was predeceased by his father, Joe Ratchford, and his brother, Blake Ratchford. He is survived by his mother, Eleanor (Nora) Ratchford, who has remained a constant presence in his life. Kevin was also the cherished husband of Marlene, his partner in life and love for over 40 beautiful years. Together, they built a life full of memories, laughter, and unconditional love. He was a proud and loving father to his daughter, Tiffany (Mylie) Ratchford, and nothing brought him more joy than being ‘Poppy’ to his beloved grandson, Caleb. Their bond was incredibly special—Kevin treasured every moment spent with Caleb, whether they were hanging out, watching him play sports, nerf wars, hitting balls, sharing stories, or just being silly together.
Kevin is also survived by his siblings, Susan (Fabian) Ratchford and Sheldon (Nadine) Ratchford. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Carol (Blake) Ratchford, and many nieces and nephews, including Matt (Allison) Ratchford, Steven (Brittney) Ratchford, Nathan, and Josh Ratchford.
Kevin will be deeply missed by his many cousins, extended family members, and a wide circle of friends who felt like family. He shared countless memories with lifelong friends such as Wilfred (Carol) Sampson, Gary (Brenda) Miller, Bill (Liz) Crummy, Ticker MacIntyre, and David Poirier. His incredible neighbours, the late Bernie (Agnes) Hayes and Paula (Steve) Stockley, as well as a great group of co-workers who became like a second family to him, frequently came up in his conversations. He often expressed how lucky he was to work with such wonderful people.
In his younger years, Kevin was a talented athlete. He proudly guarded the net as goaltender for the New Waterford Jets and spent many summer days on the baseball field. He graduated from Breton Education Centre in 1979, forming lifelong friendships and memories during those early years.
After graduation, Kevin began building a strong and steady life through hard work with various companies, such as Adam Clarke and Simmenco, to eventually find his place at Nova Scotia Power’s Lingan Generating Station. As a millwright, Kevin dedicated over 33+ years of service to NS Power, where he became known not just for his skills and work ethic but also for his easygoing nature and camaraderie with his coworkers.
Kevin had a deep love for travel, scenic drives and the outdoors, along with a lifelong passion for golf. The golf course was his happy place, where he could enjoy the fresh air, friendly competition, and the joy of the game. But perhaps more than anything, Kevin will be remembered for his quick wit and legendary sense of humour. A true prankster at heart, he loved making people laugh and had a special gift for turning an ordinary moment into one you’d never forget. His joy was contagious, and his laugh could light up a room.
Above all, Kevin was a man of heart, generous, kind, and fiercely loyal. He was the guy you could count on, the one who’d show up when you needed him, and the first to offer a helping hand. His absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled, but his spirit will live on in the stories we tell, the laughter we share, and the love that surrounds his memory.
Kevin will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
As per Kevin’s request, cremation has taken place. Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Kevin Ratchford will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street), Whitney Pier on Saturday, July 26, 2025. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 12 noon to 2 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Light refreshments will take place in the funeral home reception area, following the service.
Donations in memory of Kevin can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Please accept my sympathy on the loss of
a very fine loving father husband and friend to many. May you cherish many memories. God be with you.
From: Barbara Ruelland
My sincere condolences to the family of Kevin. I knew him as a a friendly and likeable person who was quick witted and very talented as being able to fix or repair anything. His passing took me by surprise and is a reminder to all to enjoy life in the present. May his memory live on.
From: Everett Colburne
I was shocked to hear of Kevin’s passing we had many a good laughs on the golf course our condolences go out to his family he will be sadly missed but never forgotten all our love goes out to Marlene Tiffany Caleb and family
From: Philip and Joan Shaheen
Our sincere condolences to the family on the sudden loss of Kevin… he will be forever missed.
From: Barbara shortall and family
Offering our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Kevin. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
From: Gary and Elaine Evely
So sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing
He played on our ball and hockey teams for a number of years. He was a great teammate and friend. He always had a crooked grin and a wry comment . Always enjoyed meeting up with Kevin over the years.
Marlene and Tiffany
Very sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. Thoughts are with you at such a sad time.
Marlene and Kevin’s family..so sorry to read of your devastating loss. I hope you are surrounded by love and support.
Marlene and family:
So sorry to hear about Kevin’s passing. May all the good memories keep him close to your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
So sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. I worked with Kevin during shutdowns at the Pt. Aconi generating station. A great loss for all who ever knew him.
Marlene we are so sorry for your devastating loss. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Steve enjoyed working with Kevin all those years,and has many great memories.we live in Dartmouth since 2019 Steve is unwell and not able to travel much these days,so unfortunately we cannot attend the service for Kevin. Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family
Marlene and Tiffany, we are so sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing.
Monica and I offer our sincere condolences to your family.
I loved meeting Kevin to talk sports, work (fellow Millwright)., travel and finance.
His smile could lift up anyone.
RIP Kevin. Too soon.
My condolences to Marlene and family Kevin was A gentleman, who had A calming gentle nature , … always A pleasure to greet him . Kevin will be missed by his family& friends .
My condolences to Kevin’s family
Marlene and family: We are so very sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. Our heats are with you and your family during this sad and difficult time. Pat and Bobby Gardiner and family🙏❤️
My deepest condolences to Kevin’s family and friends on your loss, my thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time.
So very sorry for your loss. Kevin was never without a smile. Our thoughts are with you all
My sincere condolences to you and ur family Tiffany. So sad to hear about the passing of your dad, may he rest in peace.
Marlene and family,
So sorry to read of Kevin’s passing. Keeping you in thoughts
and prayers at this difficult time.
OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU TIFFANY AND MARLENE. MAY HE REST IN PEACE ,AS WE WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYERS.
So sorry to hear about Kevin’s passing. Consonances to the family. RIP Kevin
Marlene: We are very sorry to learn that Kevin has passed away. I worked with Kevin at Lingan Generating Station; we played lob-ball on the same team and also played golf together. He was always competitive, but we always managed to have a few laughs. Offering our sincerest condolences to you, Tiffany, and Kevin’s family on such a devastating loss.
Kevin and Karen Black
Marlene and family,I am sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss condolences to the family
Marlene and Tiffany, I am so sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing! My condolences to all your family ❤️🙏 May he RIP ❤️🙏
Our deepest condolences to the entire family. We feel blessed to have gotten to reconnect and spend time with Kevin and the Ratchford family two summers ago. Sending you all our love.
So sorry to hear about Kevin’s passing Marlene our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Big hugs.May he R.I.P.🙏.❤️
Marlene and family
So sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. My husband worked with him at NSP and always spoke very highly of him. Thinking of you all at this most difficult time. God bless ❤️
Nora , Marlene, Tiffany , Carol and all Ratchford family
We were so sorry to hear of Kevin’s sudden passing. A man of strong work ethic and a passion for life it was truly obvious his family was the world to him.
Always on the move he enjoyed life to the fullest and that was evident in his little smirk smile.
Remembering his little pranks and jokes always brought a smile to others.
In your difficult moments always remember the love, laughter and happy times you all shared together.
It is in these memories he will continue to live in you all.
Sending our love and prayers
Sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you all . RIP Kevin Norman & Agnes
Ratchford family:
Sincere sympathy on the passing of Kevin.
My thoughts and prayers to his family
Dave French and family
We are very sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. God Bless
I just learned, from a mutual coworker, of the shocking news of Kevin’s passing. I offer my sincere condolences to Marlene and Tiffany. I worked for many years at the Lingan power plant with Kevin and can attest to the work ethic and his knowledge of the trade. He was instrumental in solving numerous technical issues that were common in the sophisticated process of power production. When you accompany that with his always willing to help, Kevin is a coworker I will never forget. Just as important, I will remember wonderful conversations with Kevin and Marlene over a coffee at the Bean Bank. All these will be treasured memories.
We were shocked to hear of the passing of Kevin.We knew him as a young man.We always thought alot of him and although it has been awhile since we saw him,it is very sad to hear this news.Our thoughts are with all his family at this time.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.