CURTIS J. COLLINS

Condolences & Memories (19 entries)

• I miss my BBQ buddy Curt and I did the picnic for 30 plus years I couldn't do the picnic this year without my little buddy. My deepest condolences. - Posted by: Bruce Duncan (Firefighter and friend) on: Aug 16, 2025

• I was truly saddened to hear of Curtis' passing. My sincerest condolences to Andy and his family. I had the privilege and honor to work with Curt, he was a proud and dedicated fire fighter and father with a sense of humor and quick wit matched by few. Rest in peace Curtis - Posted by: Marty Nienhuis (Colleague) on: Jul 15, 2025

• Condolences to family, friends and colleagues. Had the privilege of working with Curtis as apprentice aircraft mechanics at Perimeter. He made work a lot more fun than it should have been, lots of memorable times. Sold me his Triumph motorcycle that got me started into that world. He was genuinely liked and appreciated by everyone. Silver Wings. - Posted by: Mark Wehrle (Worked together at Perimeter Aviation) on: Jul 12, 2025

• I had the privilege of working with Andy before being hired by the Winnipeg Fire Department. We became fast friends and built a strong bond that has only deepened over the years. Even so, nothing could have fully prepared me for the wit, humour, and larger-than-life personality that Curt brought to the station every single day. As my senior man—and later, my Lieutenant—we spent countless tours together on the squad: me as a new firefighter, and him as a new officer. So many calls, so many stories, and so many incredible memories. No one ever “wanted” to ride the squad—but everyone wanted Lt. Collins as their officer. When we both moved up to Engine 103, I was fortunate enough to continue serving as his driver. The crew generously outfitted us both with booster seats, an MPI student driver label, and “the Little General” even received a step stool outside the officers door. Not a single shift went by without laughter, smiles, and Curt somehow taking credit for any donuts, cinnamon buns, cake, or ice cream brought by a rookie or a firefighter celebrating a birthday. His timing was perfect, and his dry sense of humour was unmatched. It was a time filled with pranks and no one was ever off-limits. Curt’s creativity was legendary, and there were more than a few occasions where I unknowingly walked around with shoe polish on my ear after answering the phone, or soaked pants from a hose connected to the sink tap that I could never prove - but certainly credit to him. With my mom’s side of the family sharing the Collins name, I always tried to live up to the family legacy. Wendy was kind enough to occasionally refer to me as “her other son,” but of course Curt never let me forget who the real Collins were. Even in retirement, Curt remained a fixture in our world—always a favourite behind the grill at the UFFW Kids’ Picnic, always giving back with that same warmth and spirit. Hearing of his sudden and unexpected passing was devastating. We lost a great man far too soon. Curt will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and never forgotten. I will always carry the privilege of having served alongside one of the very best. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to Wendy, Andy, Dayna, Matt, and your growing family. With love and respect, Nick and Laural - Posted by: Nick (Collins) Kasper (Friend, Firefighter, couldn’t ever make the cut as a true Collins) on: Jun 26, 2025

• We are so sorry to hear of Curtis. So shocking and unbelievable. We always enjoyed the laughter and fun we had with Curt and Wendy. Such a beautiful family. Condolences to Wendy, Matt and Andy. Our thoughts are with you all. - Posted by: Cathy and Dean Fuwette (Friends co- worker) on: Jun 25, 2025

• So sorry for your loss Wendy. Thinking of you & your family at this sad time and sending hugs your way. Take care… Jessie from AC. - Posted by: Jessie (Worked with Wendy at Air Canada) on: Jun 24, 2025

• My sincere condolences to Curt’s family. I worked with him at the fire department. I really enjoyed working with him, he had a great sense of humour. We both had a background in aviation so we spent many hours talking about our adventures flying in northern Manitoba. He was truly a good guy that is gone way to soon. - Posted by: Frank Roberts (Colleague) on: Jun 24, 2025

• Wendy & family, so very sorry to hear of Curtis’ passing. I’ll always remember the phone call from Curtis to you @ work, about picking up some “tuck tape/duct tape”. And the story about Curtis buying the pre-assembled dog house (display model), & driving it home in a big hurry to get there before the school bus arrived- & forgetting he had it on the roof of his vehicle: the garage door wasn’t high enough! And a few burning couch stories on the job..My condolences to you & the boys, the world has lost a gem of a human being… - Posted by: Holly Andreosso (Work colleague w/Wendy, Air Canada) on: Jun 23, 2025

• Wendy, my sincere sympathies to you and your family. I was shocked to hear that Curtis passed away. As Terry said we all have great memories from our time spent in Elmwood. - Posted by: Bev McNamara (Friend) on: Jun 19, 2025

• There are very few that I have crossed paths with that could match the dry wit & humour of Curtis…a wonderful man to have known & to have had the pleasure of working with. Sincere condolences to his wife & family. Rest easy brother - Posted by: Chris Welham (Colleague) on: Jun 18, 2025

• It was with great sadness and shock to hear that my long life friend Curt passed away suddenly. I knew Curt for 67 years since kindergarten. I will treasure the memories of us growing up together in Elmwood. Our thoughts and prayers along with our sincere condolences go out to Wendy, Matt, Andy and family. Sincerely Al and Diane Miller - Posted by: Al and Diane Miller (Best friend) on: Jun 18, 2025

• One of the best people I ever worked with. - Posted by: Glen Godri (Work friend) on: Jun 17, 2025

• Met Curtis through his brother Ken. Although we didn't see much of each other our meetings were fun, interesting with a lot of kibozing going on when we did meet. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: K.King (Friend) on: Jun 16, 2025

• Our condolences to the entire Collins family on your loss. I new Curt for about 60 years. We had some good teenage years together from Manhatten Park to Evelyn's restaurant to Chateau Lanes to Keystone/Bison Dragways. Then his marriage to Wendy. These memories will always be cherished, he was a good friend. Terry & Barb Matthes - Posted by: Terry Matthes (Friend) on: Jun 15, 2025

• I’m so sorry to hear of Curtis’s passing. My condolences to his family and those closest to him. Curtis was a dedicated firefighter, a great colleague, and a true mentor to those he worked with. He was one who will be remembered as a positive influence, and a truly good man. I will miss his sense of humour, his quick wit, and his wonderful personality! A good man that was taken much too soon! Rest easy Curtis …… - Posted by: Walter Kloos (Colleague / Friend) on: Jun 14, 2025

• I loved working with Curtis Collins… the hall was always filled with jocularity when Curtis was there! My condolences to Wendy, Andy & Matt. A good man and a good friend. Such a sad day. - Posted by: Laura Graham (Friend/workmate) on: Jun 14, 2025

• I have known Curt since kindergarten. We grew up together, from riding bikes to the corner store, high school parties, getting married, having children, too many fantastic memories as best friends do have. So many stories, Curt was funny, kind, strong and pure in heart. I will miss you buddy. Deep condolences to his family. We love you all very much. “Everything moves on, except the pain of absence. It resurfaces in every moment we wish you were still here” - Posted by: Toby & Mary Desmarais (Best friend) on: Jun 14, 2025

• I was very saddened to hear about Curt's passing. Prior to his career in the fire department, we both started careers in Aviation at Perimeter Aviation, in the mid 70's. We had a small but great group of employees who worked hard and enjoyed each others companionship after the work day was done. Curt was a genuinely funny guy, who fit in perfectly with our group. My Sincere Condolences go out to all Curt's family and the many friends who had the privilege of knowing him. Sincerely, Kim Sharpe. - Posted by: Kim Sharpe (Work Colleague) on: Jun 14, 2025

• Curtis worked with me at Station 20. He was on the other shift but we worked together on day changes. He was a good firefighter and a genuinely nice man. He served with honor. I offer my Condolences to his family. - Posted by: Scott Miner (Collegue) on: Jun 14, 2025