CURTIS JAMES COLLINS

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CURTIS JAMES COLLINS

March 12, 1952 - June 8, 2025

We are heartbroken to share that Curtis passed away on June 8, 2025. His life was our blessing and his memory will always be a genuine treasure.

Curtis was predeceased by his parents Roderick and Muriel Collins, in-laws Stanley and Gladys Tymchuk, brother-in-law Bill Tymchuk, our uncle Bill, aunty Colleen, along with many aunts, uncles, many childhood friends and co-workers through the years. He will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Wendy and their children Andrew and wife Dayna, Matthew and partner Kayla and granddaughter Charlie.

Curtis also leaves behind his three older brothers; Kenneth and wife Christine, Franklin and wife Janet and Michael and wife Gloria, sister-in-law Leida Tymchuk along with his sisters-in-law Stanis and Judy and her husband Robert (Curtis always felt that Judy and Stanis were actually more like sisters to him). Curtis also leaves behind many nieces and nephews; Kevin (Karley and Finley), Susan (Cam and Felix and Jonas), Brian, Sean (Ashley and Hannah), Jennifer (Casey and Liam, Oliver, Isla) Nicolas, Natalie, Marcus (Mateo), Dayna and Brett.

Curtis grew up in Elmwood and remained in touch with many good close friends from then. It was a time of many childhood and teenage antics year-round in Manhattan Park (Country Club), Chateau, Blue Fountain and the Dipp. Various motorcycle mishaps and the $15.00 Morris car painted with a brush and roller kept Curtis busy with repairs and constant maintenance.

Wendy and Curtis were introduced at an Elmwood High School dance in 1970 while still teenagers and were married in 1977. They enjoyed time together with lots of fun, adventures and laughs. They took many trips, raised Andy and Matt and a few Airedales along the way. Curtis loved Wendy very much and he spent all the time he could with her. Many of Curt’s stories began with “Wendy and I”, as they had done so much together. From their first dates at the carwash, to flying to London, England for one night to surprise Curtis for a birthday dinner.

Curt loved to move the decoration bins and fix all of Wendy’s small project lists, even when he pretended he didn’t because it was another chance to be with Wendy and make a few jokes - his two favourite things. Curtis and Wendy loved each other like no others till the very end.

You could always find Curt tinkering with a car, boat or motorcycle in the backyard. This led him to work first as a mechanic and then to cross the hangar floor to become a commercial pilot on various aircraft for Perimeter Airlines. Again, remaining friends still today with people he worked with then. He retired from flying as a Captain - Silver Wings.

In 1984, the City of Winnipeg offered him his dream job as a Firefighter, allowing him to join the fabulous community of Brothers and Sisters who work hard every day protecting our communities. He remained in touch with many of his original classmates and friends he made along his way after working at every firehall in the city. He retired as a Captain after over 32 years of service from WFD to enjoy what the rest of his life would have for him and his family.

Outside of work, Curtis attempted and succeeded at many hobbies he tried. He was a great painter and sculpture and could often play back a melody on piano or kazoo after hearing it only once or twice. A true enigma, you never knew how else or when he could surprise you.

Curtis was always there for his sons. He chaperoned school outings for field days, band camps, ski trips and was always involved in his kids' hockey, soccer, and lacrosse teams. He even learned how to snowboard “Goofy” and golf so he could enjoy the fun on the slopes and greens with his sons and their always - changing hobbies. He truly enjoyed being there with his kids, their friends and his friends, learning more about each of them.

As a family, we loved camping which always included hilarious road trips, campfire stories, meals on the fire (campfire eggs and crispy things), various injuries and much humour and laughter… lots of laughter!

Curtis took great pleasure in teaching his sons about building and repairing things, including fixing dirt bikes, motorcycles and cars, sharing all that he knew, even if sometimes they were not really listening. He was always so very proud of his sons Andy and Matt and the men they have become. He would tell everyone this, given the opportunity or making one. Curtis set a perfect example for his sons to be the best men they could possibly be for life, and they are.

Andy and Matt made excellent choices for themselves in their chosen career paths. Curtis believed they also made exceptional choices with their life partners, the lovely, smart and strong women that Dayna and Kayla are. We were thrilled to be awaiting the addition of a grandchild to our family; Curtis would have loved Charlie to the moon and back, no doubt.

What set Curtis apart from some others was his deep love of his family and friends and his unmistakable, unmatched sense of humour and wit. We are not sure that HE really knew how old he was because the numbers changed often and were never the same twice in a row. He was loved by many near and far and he really loved you all back.

Curtis leaves us behind with an enormous hole in our hearts and lives and will be forever missed, remembered and loved. We will truly miss your jokes, whistling, singing and your laughter mixed with ours.

In loving memory, guests are welcome as we celebrate Curtis’ life on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Royal Canadian Legion - Henderson Hwy Branch 215, 215 Maxwell King Drive, East St. Paul, Manitoba.

Always With Our Love, Your Family

www.kilcollinscremationservice.com

204-782-3541

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 16, 2025