Joseph Andrew Collins
October 11th, 2021
Joseph Andrew Collins
March 19, 1938 - October 11, 2021
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Joseph Andrew Collins on Monday, October 11, 2021. He passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Hospice Society with his daughter, Debbie at his side.
Born in Ontario he grew up with a love of sports and was an avid Toronto fan. He enjoyed baseball, football, hockey and a friendly sports rivalry with one of his favorite people, Ted Nicholas.
He joined the army at the age of 17, serving with the Queens Own Rifles, Princess Patricia Light Infintry. During this time he made his way to Calgary, AB and began a life long career with Wholesale Heating and Plumbing/EMCO.
Eventually settling in Red Deer, he met and married the love of his life Dorothy (predeceased) and they enjoyed a happy life together, often including her six children. He was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion, serving in various roles including President. There were many friends, many laughs and many fond memories.
He will be dearly missed.
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to his daughter, Wanda Anglos; and granddaughter, Bailea Doward; the Red Deer Renal Unit, The Staff at Red Deer Hospital and to the amazing team at the Red Deer Hospice Society.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, T4R 3S6.
Messages:
Condolences from all members for the Edmonton Branch of the PPCLI. Once A Patricia Always a Patricia. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him.
I had the utmost pleasure of providing care for Joe for over a year in his apartment before he moved to a facility. Joe was one of a kind and memorable and definitely made work feel not so much like work, but more a companionship and I enjoyed socializing with him. Condolences to family
My sincere condolences to Debbie and her family, Ted and Char and Bailey, Wanda and family. We go through life making friends and then there are friends who treat you as family. That was Joe and Dorothy. I will miss them and all our times together.
Condolences to the family. You will be missed by all. Your friends will miss your great smile & sence of humor.I myself will miss you more than you will ever know.Your friend forever Joe. Love always. Heather Waldron xoxoxo
Condolences to Joes family and friends.
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Serving many years with him at the Red Deer Legion, we shared many good times and laughs with the pool games on Friday’s. The visits Joe and Dorothy made to our Sydney home were so much fun. He will be missed by so many. R.I.P Joe.
I'm so sad to see Joe go. He has been a father figure in my life since I met him. I was 9 years old and adored him. It was 1969 when he introduced me to the Maple Leafs logo. He became my step dad shortly after, encouraging, tutoring and showing me a strong work ethic (hiring me at inventory time at Wholesale Heating to count the black iron fittings). I was 17 when I left home. He moved to Red Deer a few years later and moved on with his life getting married to Dorothy, when I gained another parent figure. She was such a lovely person. I can recall having so many good times and as much sports banter as possible with the both of them. One, a Maple Leafs/Calgary fan and the other the Oilers. I can't think of where I would be today without Joe's guidance early on and throughout my life. Love and respect. Until we meet again...
RIP my friend. Say hi to Dorothy. Until we meet again
The Collins Family - I write to express to the family the sincere condolences of the Patricia’s on the passing of Joseph Collins. The Regiment remembers Joseph's service all those years ago. The family I am sure are proud of that service. His name will be read in this year’s list of the lost when we read that out on November 11th, 2021 at the Regimental memorial to its founding in Lansdowne Park, Ottawa. His name will also be listed in the 2021 edition of the Patrician’s Last Post section. Thank you all. Brigadier-General Vince Kennedy (Retired) Colonel of the Regiment Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry