Obituary of Kevin Douglas Crosby

Age 70, of Falmouth, died Saturday, March 30, 2024 in the QEII Health Sciences Centre - Infirmary Site, Halifax. He was the son of the late Dr. Adam Brown and Madeline (Evans) Crosby.

Kevin graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Dalhousie University. He dedicated his life to equestrian sport and the breeding and training of warmblood horses. Kevin was an extremely accomplished equestrian and a lover of all animals. He owned and operated Crosby Stables, out of Falmouth, Nova Scotia. 

One of Kevin’s greatest accomplishments was the importation of horses from the Soviet Union, before the Iron Curtain fell. These horses, along with his famed Belgian Warmblood Stallion and Grand Prix Mount, Buntspecht, became the foundation of his breeding program of imported Warmbloods at Crosby Stables, one of the first of its kind in North America. 

Kevin had many accolades as a rider, including a second place finish in the Coca Cola Olympic Talent Squad, aboard his horse, In the Mood. Although he was a very talented rider, he had an equal passion for teaching and helped produce a countless number of top equestrians over the years. 

Kevin will be remembered for his immense bravery and strength. In 2015, the original barn at Crosby Stables was destroyed by fire. Kevin ran into the burning building and saved the lives of several horses, at the risk of losing his own life. He overcame the odds and survived after a harrowing period of time spent in the ICU in the QEII Hospital after the fire. Crosby Stables was rebuilt with the help of the equestrian community across Canada. Kevin was eternally grateful for the support he received during that time.

More recently, Kevin fought a valiant fight against an acute illness, accompanied by his loyal partner, Lorraine. He defied all odds with his heroic recoveries on multiple occasions and was able to share special moments with his family and loved ones in his final days.

Kevin will be missed tremendously by his family and close friends, as well as his beloved horses and cats. He is survived by his partner and soulmate, Lorraine Susan Rawlins; daughter, Dr. Candice Evans Crosby (Kirsten); son, Kevin Robert Brown Crosby (Mariana); step-daughter, Amanda Wamback (Trevor); step-son, Shane Rawlins (Maggie); grandchildren, Benjamin and Emma Crosby and Lola and Liam Wamback; the caretaker of Crosby Stables horses and Kevin’s right-hand man, Ethan Caldwell, whose accomplishments have made Kevin so proud for the last 10 years; as well as his chosen family, Jordan, Charlotte and Rebecca, who he loved very much.

Kevin’s family would like to express their immense gratitude towards the doctors and nurses in the ICU unit 5.2 for the care they provided to Kevin during his stay there. They would also like to thank the close friends and extended family who helped provide support for the operations of Crosby Stables during Kevin’s hospital stay in Halifax.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). A Celebration of life will be held in The Spitfire Arms, 29 Water St., Windsor on Monday, July 22 from 1-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Kevin may be made to the Halifax Lancers, 1690 Bell Rd., Halifax, NS B3H 2Z3. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca