‘Darren mattered’
Benefit planned for family of Kentville man killed in Brooklyn Corner crash
Darren Pineo’s family is on the minds of many as Christmas nears.
His wife, Carie, and their three teenaged children lost Pineo to a tragic single-vehicle accident that occurred in the Brooklyn Corner area Nov. 23.
A prepared statement from the RCMP said the car veered off Lovett Road, not far from Coldbrook, shortly before 10 a.m. that Saturday morning. It was found in the nearby Cornwallis River.
A group consisting of family friends, coworkers and fellow Pirate Off-Road Nation club members is hosting a benefit to support the Pineo family as they grapple with the aftermath of the accident.
“Darren was the main breadwinner of the family… and now being left alone with three children out of the blue around Christmas, we wanted to make sure that Carie had the support that she needed so she can take as much time off as she needs to be able to help her children grieve, as well as herself, and to still be able to give them a Christmas,” says family friend Trenda Corbett.
The Port Williams resident says the goal is to collect monetary donations that will help alleviate some of the financial stress associated with the holidays.
“We decided to get together and do it for the family because Darren was a very well-loved person in the community, as well as Carie, and they would both do anything for anyone
They would literally give the shirts off their backs for you.”
She hopes the family will find comfort in knowing how many lives Pineo touched in his 51 years.
“We just thought it would be a great way to show them that they’re loved, they’re not alone, and that we’re here for them.”
Corbett’s speech is momentarily interrupted by a quiet laugh as she describes Pineo as a man who, conveniently, “loved to break things and build things.”
He was well-known in the Windsor area for the work he did as a mechanic at Schofield’s Autopro.
“Darren was a man that could fix anything with his hands. He loved to be outdoors with his Jeep families.”
Pineo proudly joined his off-road comrades in backing benefits held in honour of Jacob Stern, a Centreville boy who shared his love of Jeeps. Jacob’s short four-and-a-half years included a lengthy battle with cancer. He touched the hearts of many, especially Pineo, before passing away in October 2016.
Pineo’s obituary said donations made in his memory can be directed to the Jacob Stern Memorial Toy Drive. The event, held Nov. 30, helps the Salvation Army ensure local children in cash-strapped families receive toys on Christmas morning. Jacob’s family does it every year as a way of giving back to the community that stood by them in times of strife.
The benefit in support of Pineo’s family was slated to be held at the fire hall in New Minas Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. There was a ticket auction, potluck supper at $5 a plate, entertainment, music and highresolution photos with Santa for $10 each.
“We’re just hoping to show Carrie and the kids that they’re loved, they’re supported and that Darren mattered ”