It is with great sadness that the family of Kenneth David Collins announce his peaceful passing on September 23rd 2011, with his wife and children at his side.
Ken was born on November 1st 1928 in Dryden, Ontario, to Ken and Eva Collins, the eldest of three. On August 1st, 1952 Ken married his life time sweetheart, Theresa Maslach.
At 15 years old, Ken was hired by the mill in Dryden as an apprentice machinist and worked at the mill for 47 years. This provided a lifetime of support for his family, which was Ken’s most important job.
He had a love for gardening, even trying to create “blue roses” and “black pansies” long before their time. He particularly liked African Violets and Orchids building a small greenhouse attached to his home to house them.
He spent many, many hours woodworking, mostly to be given as gifts to his wife, children and grandchildren. His home was filled with many items that he had lovingly made.
His greatest pleasures in life was time spent taking his children and later grandchildren to Aaron Park for swimming, playing cards for hours, crib, dominos, and many family gatherings and activities.
After his retirement Ken courageously battled several health issues without complaint, cancer being his last battle.
He leaves to celebrate his life his devoted and much loved wife of 59 years, Theresa, Debby Collins & Gerry Hicks of Dryden, Kandiss & Bill Birnie of Dryden, Wanda & Jim Ingoldsby of Red Deer, AB, Fran Collins & Joey Crowe of Dryden, Ken & Kathleen Collins of Dryden, Kathy Collins & Bryn Miles of Thunder Bay, Nicole Collins & Cam Gamble of Queen Charlotte B.C. He also will be greatly missed by his 39 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Ken and Eva, sister Shirley Anderson and baby sister Yvonne.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Oct. 3, at 10 am at St.
Joseph’s Roman Catholic church with Father Al Campeau officiating. A private family internment to follow the Mass.
If friends desire, in lieu of flowers donations can be made through the Dryden Community Funeral Chapel to the Ottawa Heart Institute that helped Ken spend another 3 years with his family. You may also donate to a charity of your choice.
