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Roy E. Collins, beloved husband of the late Maureen (Howell), of Lucknow, passed away peacefully at Wingham & District Hospital, surrounded by family, on January 16, 2026 in his 90th year. He was born in Kincardine on September 19, 1936, son of the late Dorothy (Robertson) and Russell Collins. Dear father of Jennifer (Steve), Angela, and David (Irene). Also greatly missed by 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Survived by sister Eileen (Richard) Martzas and brother Carl (Marlee) Collins. Brother-in-law of Ann, Jon (Prima), Sandra (Bill), Susan (Stan), and Sandy. Predeceased by brother Art Collins and in-laws; Joan, Peter & Ruth.
Roy was adored by his grandchildren. He was the grandfather who added the extra scoop of ice cream. The one who was asked to pour the maple syrup on pancakes, because grandpa always gave you lots. The one who was still playing hide and seek at 89. The one that never said no. The one that was simply overjoyed to be able to meet and hold his first great grandchild. He loved home-made pie, ice cream, and maple syrup with a side of peanut butter and toast. He didn’t really enjoy playing board games, but he would never turn down a hand of euchre. He had a generous and giving nature, and was always willing to help out those around him. Roy was a farmer at heart, and even after retirement, he couldn’t stay away, continuing to help out on the farm which kept him busy and fit. His deep connection to the Purple Grove Community was something that he cherished. Moving off the farm when he retired at 67 did not diminish or lessen his life-long connection to the area or the people.
A private graveside service and burial will be conducted in the spring at the Ripley Cemetery followed by a public celebration of Roy and Maureen’s lives at the Purple Grove Community Centre on Saturday May 30, 2026 from 1-4 PM.
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I met Roy for the first time last summer, when I spent several hours with Collins relatives at the Purple Grove School. I’m from the States and a Collins, too—Roy and my grandmother Lillian Collins Mitchell were third cousins. Grandma never met Roy or ever saw the Purple Grove Schol that her Grandpa Collins attended as a little boy. Roy and I exchanged just a few words, but I left with a warm feeling of familiarity: here was another Collins, just like Grandma’s brothers as I remember them from my childhood. I feel privileged to have met Roy, if only for a few moments, and I offer my sincere condolences to the family.
Message from Randy Collins2026-01-25 20:14:04
My sincere condolences to Jennifer, Angela, David and your families for the passing of your Dad. His gentle nature, kind smile and quick sense of humour will be missed by everyone that knew him. I have fond memories of Uncle Roy letting me help him out on the farm during the summers and our family get togethers when everyone was home.
Message from Laurie Gallant2026-01-21 09:43:47
Roy was a wonderful person. He always spoke in passing, very quiet but always that little smirk/smile on his face. He and Maureen were great friends with my Grandma Marj Thompson. They will be having their tea and cookies together. RIP
Our Deepest Sympathy to Roy's Family on his passing . He a kind man and always will to help sending hugs to the hole family at this difficult time you are all in our thoughts .
My deepest sympathy to all of Roy’s family and friends. Roy was so friendly to chat with and always enjoyed a good joke having that little grin on his face !
Message from Susan Cliffe2026-01-20 11:31:47
My condolences on the loss of Roy. Sometimes a man of few words we had quite a few
good chats over the years. Cherish your memories and share them with each other when
you get the chance.
Dear Jennifer, Angela, David & families, 50 years ago I met Roy & Maureen as they were my closest Purple Grove neighbours. Roy was a quiet, hard-working farmer who every fall brought us puffball mushrooms from a secret forest glade. My deepest sympathy in your loss. See you in May, Sandra Forster
Message from Stuart and Donna2026-01-19 22:02:07
Our sincere condolences to Dave and Irene and families
Message from Jim Dore2026-01-19 21:40:33
I remember Roy while growing up in Purple Grove, he always took time to talk to us “kids” and took an interest in what we had to say. He never changed and over the next 60 years whenever we would meet somewhere he always wanted to know what was new. Such a kind and gentle person and he was always proud to be from Purple Grove.
So sorry for you loss
Jim and Alexa Dore
Message from Jim and Fran Farrell2026-01-19 20:12:46
So sorry to hear of Roy's passing, a beautiful write up and beautiful photo of a great neighbour and wonderful man. We will miss him at the Grove functions - pouring coffee and tea and making sure everyone got enough dessert! A true farmer at heart always ready for conversation about the weather and how everything was going at your place. We will miss him alot.
our Prayers and thoughts are with you all, love Jim and Fran
What a wonderful man. I never knew him but the Lord put on my heart to read Mr. Collins obituary. I have connections to the Purple Grove community center as Amy Mother was born and raised in Ripley. . Prayers to the family who must be missing him dearly. God be with you.
Our condolences in the loss of your father, grandfather and great grandpa. May you rember the good times both your parents shared with you. They were kind and generous folks.
We will miss Roy soooo much at Purple Grove functions. He could serve tea or coffee like no other! He never sat idle at an event, he always wanted to help. We even found some new common Collins relatives this year and Roy was a great resource to let us all know who was connected to who. Condolences to the whole family and the "little ones' that I babysat on the odd occasion that Roy & Maureen went out during those busy years on the farm!
Sincere condolences to all the family members. After a lifetime of association with Roy and his extended family we can say that there was no finer person.
So sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. Cassandra enjoyed all the time she spent at his place over the years! Thinking of all of you at this sad time. ❤️The Bridge Family
To Jennifer,Angela and David and all of Roy's Family. Our sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. It sounds like he had a full life from raising family on the farm to the enjoyment of Grand and Great Grandchildren. May he rest in peace and may you all cherish the special memories that you hold dear. Brian and Wendy Pollock.
I will always remember Roy and Maureen as being just the best neighbours you could ever have the priviledge of having. My sincere condolences to David, Jennifer, Angela, and families.