KEITH G. COLLINS

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KEITH G. COLLINS It is with deep sadness that the family of Keith Graham Collins announces his passing at his home on Friday, May 26, 2006. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Joanne of 48 years, daughter Donna (Wayne), son Ray, son Doug (Helen), son Gary (Sherri), daughter Jackie, and grandchildren, Laura, Kelsey, Brian, Stacy, Kyle, Hailey and Kevin. He will be greatly missed by his twin brother Gerald and his wife Margaret and by Joanne's sister Donna Chambers and sister and brother-in-law, Bev and John Hatcher. Keith also leaves cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, and many close friends. Keith was born in Winnipeg on April 28, 1935. He had fond memories of growing up on Dominion Street with his brother where much of the family's time was spent nourishing the boys' love of music through All Saints' Anglican Church. A love that lasted throughout his lifetime. Keith also spent many summers attending church camps both as a participant and also as a counsellor. Keith and Gerald graduated together from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in 1952 and from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Manitoba in 1958. Keith and Joanne married on June 20, 1957, and began raising their five children. Keith began to practice in the area of Insolvency. After his family, Keith's work was one of his greatest passions. He founded Keith G. Collins Ltd. and was proud to have his daughter Donna and son Doug join him in the practice. He enjoyed his time spent with their staff over the years. He took great satisfaction in helping individuals in times of financial difficulties. Keith's professional involvement was extensive. It included being a founding member and past president of both the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals (CAIRP) and the Manitoba Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals. He was honoured to be elected a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Manitoba in 1981 and a fellow of CAIRP in 1996. Many professional relationships turned into friendships and Keith enjoyed his interaction with numerous individuals. Keith's community involvement included being a founding member of the Assiniboine Christian Centre. He was past president of the West Winnipeg Rotary Club, past member of the Board of Trustee's and of the Executive Committee of the United Way, past vice-chairman and member of the Board of Directors of the Rehabilitation Centre for Children. Keith was a member of Northern Light Prince Rupert Lodge, a member of Scottish Rite Valley of Winnipeg, a member of Khartum Shriners, an honorary member of the Drum and Bugle Corps where he had been an active member until his appointment to the Divan. Keith did a lot of travelling and met wonderful people during his years on the Divan which culminated in his serving as Potentate of Khartum Temple in 1988. Keith was Director General of the Midwest Shrine Association in 1991 and the Director General of the Shrine Circus Association of North America in 1992. Notwithstanding Keith's many business, professional, and community commitments, he always played an active role with his children and their numerous interests. Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons were spent at the Winnipeg Winter Club or skating at the duck pond at Kildonan Park. There were numerous family car trips throughout the years when the children were young and many wonderful summers spent around the family pool, leaving all of us with happy memories. Keith and Joanne also travelled and cruised to some wonderful places. They also spent many great years with family and friends at their condo in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Special thanks is extended to all the people who offered the family love and support over the last few years. Thanks is also extended to the staff at the Rehabilitation Hospital, the Home Care nurses and caregivers, and special thanks to Joe Schroeder and Heather Ostop for your kindness shown to Keith. A memorial service will be held at the Assiniboine Christian Centre, 3390 Portage Ave. at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 30, Norm Pohl, Chaplain of Khartum Temple officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Campbell, Ron Collins, Bob Bridgewater, Clayton Edmundson, Ted Foreman, Barry Lloyd, Marcel Mollot, Jim MacDonald, Dennis Thompson and Ken Wankling. Reception to follow in church hall. Arrangements are entrusted to Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway, 783-7211. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, Khartum Temple Transportation Fund or a charity of your choice. I gave to you my love, you can only guess How much you gave back to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, But now it's time I travelled on alone. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears, Be happy that we had so many wonderful years. It's only for awhile that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2006