John “Gary” Collins of Goderich and formerly of Kincardine, died at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Goderich, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, in his 80th year. Fondly remembered by his son, Don Collins, and his wife, Rona, their children, Janessa and Wyatt, and granddaughter, Everleigh. Gary will be missed by his stepdaughter, Dianne, her daughter, Kassandra, and her grandchildren, Kaiden, Kyler and Destin. Also survived by his son, David; daughter, Sheryl; son, Dale; and son, Danny; their spouses, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Fern Hewitt; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents, Hamlin and Gladys (née Shier) Collins; his wife, Irene Dickey; and siblings, Gwen, Roy and Edwin. Gary was the youngest child of Hamlin and Gladys Collins. He was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, uncle and friend. Born and raised in Kincardine Township, after Grade 8, he then helped his parents with their farm, married and had five children and became a self-employed contractor. Gary worked over the years throughout the southwest region of Ontario up to northern Ontario and briefly in British Columbia and Alberta. Gary enjoyed the outdoors, doing wood, and hunting and fishing in his younger years. He was fond of his grandchildren and helped raise his great-grandson, Kaiden, for several years. A graveside service to honour Gary’s life will be held at the Kincardine Cemetery, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, at 1 p.m., with Rev. Gord Dunbar officiating. Reception to follow at the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine. Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. |