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DONALD WALTER COLLINS Obituary pic

DONALD WALTER COLLINS

Date of Passing: May 28, 2017

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DONALD WALTER COLLINS Passed away peacefully but suddenly at home on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at the age of 85. Lovingly predeceased by his wife Patricia (nee O'Sullivan); and parents, Harry and Teenie Collins; mourned by his children, Cathy Faulkner, Don (Paul Hickey), and Joanne Warkentin (James) and grandchildren, Joshua and Jordan Faulkner, Rebecca and Thomas Warkentin and many nieces and nephews. Dad was born and spent his life in Norwood and St.Vital. A devoted sports fan, his youth was spent on the ball diamond with the St. Boniface Native Sons and in goal for the Winnipeg Monarchs and Maroons hockey clubs. The adventures included an Allen Cup victory and international tournaments as de facto Team Canada culminating in playing the Russian National team in 1965. His passion for the game continued into his later years by creating goal masks for up and coming North American and European goal keepers and such notables as Gilles Villemure. These games and experiences with the teams brought him great joy and years of loved stories shared with family and team mates. Never one to boast about his own role on the team Dad shared the wisdom of the team experience and the importance of being a contributor. Dad spent his career at CN Rail retiring happily at age 55 and enjoyed a long retirement of travel, great walks on the golf course, and even the occasional great game. His life was marked by strong family ties and friendships which were important to him. From decades of Saturday "meetings" with the boys at the Norwood hotel or the legion to regular CN luncheons and the Thursday morning breakfasts with the St. Vital guys, Dad's connections to friends was a priority. He valued and maintained the circle of friendship across provinces and the connections back to the Norwood days. He was known to love a good debate and never shied away from sharing his opinions. We'll miss those great discussions. Cremation has taken place and at Dad's request there will not be a service.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 03, 2017

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

  • Thank you so much for the great stories of your mask-making past. It was both a thrill and an honor to speak with you of your methods and all the work you did for goalies both young and old. I miss and will continue to miss our conversations with one of my greatest peers. Rest in peace, Rest Deeply and Deservedly. - Posted by: Marc Poulin (friend) on: Dec 21, 2017

  • Thanks for the time over the years, Don, to help tell the story of Father Bauer and the Winnipeg Maroons. Your phone calls just to chat were always appreciated. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Greg Oliver () on: Sep 07, 2017

  • After many years watching Don play in hockey and baseball I was lucky to end up as a teammate on his Native Son and Maroon teams. He was a talented, competitive player and always fun to be around. In recent years Don and his close fried Tommy Van Raes brought their fun and excitement to Tom Gill's golf tournaments in AZ and LaSalle, MB. Their presence was enjoyed by all! My condolences to Don's family and to his many friends. - Posted by: John Rendall (Friend/Teammate) on: Jun 08, 2017

  • So very sorry for your loss. As a number of my siblings have already expressed, I also have many fond memories of time spent with your family. Those backyard bonfires were always so much fun!! Seeing your Dad's photo, I can't believe how little he changed & how much I loved his gap-toothed grin. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: Carol Schmid ( Hansford ) (family friend) on: Jun 07, 2017

  • The passing of a parent is very sad. I remember meeting both your Mother and Father for the first time when Cathy took me home for dinner while we were at university. It was a happy, boisterous dinner with everyone sitting around the crowded dinner table; it seemed like something out of a movie with everyone talking at once and having a lovely time. The last time I spoke with your Dad, he was very upbeat and filled me in on what had been happening. Even when you spoke on the phone with him you knew he was smiling. These are my memories of him. - Posted by: Anne Wallbridge (Cathy's friend.) on: Jun 05, 2017

  • Don and my dad Tom Van Raes became friends many, many years ago, and in doing so Don became a part of my life also. They enjoyed many Saturday meetings at the "office", golf games, and trips to Texas, Arizona and wherever their gypsy souls took them. I don't think a day went by that they didn't solve the problems of the world on the phone, if not in person. He was a true friend to my dad and I am most grateful for that. I'm certain they are enjoying their best "round". - Posted by: Donna (Van Raes) Cushnie-Alexander (Tom's daughter) on: Jun 04, 2017

  • Such great memories with Don and family, whether on St. Boniface Golf Course or around a bonfire in the backyard. I was one of the lucky recipients of a Don Collins mask which he built on very short notice due to an injury which allowed me to not miss a game and we won the Provincial championship. Don and Pat were great friends of my parents, I will always remember our times together with great fondness. My condolences to the family, I know he will be missed. - Posted by: Don Hansford () on: Jun 03, 2017

  • My family and I are very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I have lots of fond memories of times that my parents and yours got together for many a fun evening. May your fond memories carry you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Linda Rock (Hansford) (Family friend) on: Jun 03, 2017

  • My deepest condolences to the family. I am so sad to hear of Don's sudden passing. My grandfather (Tom Van Raes) was one of Don's dearest friends and I remember all the times they spent together and trips they took and the stories I would hear. Don would call the house and I would answer and have a chat with him while waiting for my grandpa to pick up. He was always such a kind man. I know Don and my grandfather are now together having a drink and are watching down on us all. - Posted by: Sherri Flint (Friend) on: Jun 03, 2017

  • First association with Don was 1965 when I joined the Maroons to be a part of Canada's 1965 National Team. "Boner" was a great mentor for some of us younger players. He thought every goal he let in was his fault and this competitiveness rubbed off on the team. Doubtful he ever has a teammate that didn't respect him. Unfortunately, our paths didn't cross often in later years. Our sincere sympathy to his children and friends for sure, Marshall & Barbara Johnston - Posted by: Marshall Johnston (A friend & Teammate) on: Jun 03, 2017

  • Please accept my sincere condolences. I was lucky to have don as my teammate on both the 1964 Winnipeg Maroons and the St.Boniface sons senior baseball team. Warmest regards,Al Johnson - Posted by: Al Johnson (Teammate) on: Jun 03, 2017

  • My deepest sympathies to the family. Don had an infectious laugh and sense of humour. He was a role model to a generation of men as an athlete, husband, father and friend. I can truly say that Don's influence, philosophy and advice significantly impacted me. Thanks Don! May you rest in peace. You will be missed! - Posted by: Chris Chapman (Friend) on: Jun 03, 2017

  • My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. I remember many an evening spent in the Collins' basement. Your dad and mom made all of us feel so welcome. - Posted by: Sharon Bewza (Family friend) on: Jun 03, 2017

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