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William (Bill) Collins

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William (Bill) Collins

October 13, 1941 - July 29, 2019

Tribute

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and brother-in-law after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was predeceased by his parents and grandson, Connor Long.

Bill leaves behind Lorraine, his loving wife and soul mate of 56 years, Daughters Sandra (Trevor) Long and Teena (Patrick) Monkman. Grand­sons Travis (Sabrina)Winter and Adam Monkman, Great grandsons Ezekiel and Elias Winter, his brothers Fred and Mickey and sister Carrol, many sisters and brothers in law, his mother-in-law Rose Matheson, Mick, Leslee, Brody & Kansas Hatherly, lots of nephews and nieces, and many friends and acquaintances whose lives he has touched over the years.

Willie was born on a small farm in Cowley, Alberta. He moved with his parents, one brother and grandparents to Winlaw, BC. He started school in a one room schoolhouse in Penticton where his parents lived for a short while when they were picking fruit. They moved back to Winlaw and attended school until he left home and entered the workforce at 14 years old peeling logs in Beaverdell. He moved to Nelson and worked at Palm Dairy then drove a truck delivering match blocks. An opportunity to learn the tire trade brought him to Penticton where he worked for Len Reeve Tire before purchasing John’s Tire Hospital and moving his family to Osoyoos on March 1, 1966. He changed the name to Osoyoos Tire Hospital and took on the OK Tire Franchise. Health issues prompted the sale of this business of 12 years.

In 1979 he was elected as alder­man for the Village of Osoyoos.

Two years later in January 1980, he, along with his wife, bought the Heslegrave building and established Imperial Books and Office Supplies. They joined Guild Stationers as a share­holder and the group estab­lished Office Pro. They became Imperial Office Pro until health issues again forced him into retirement after 35 years.

Bill was a people person. He enjoyed serving his customers and solving their office machine and furniture problems.

His community services includ­ed; three years on the board of directors for the South Okana­gan General Hospital, Director of the Southern Interior Devel­opment Corporation, Member of the Okanagan Regional Library board, Member of the Osoyoos Chamber of Com­merce, Spanish Development Society, Osoyoos Lions Club, The Cherry Festival Society – pulling the float, and royalty to many communities in BC and Washington.

Bill was an avid fly fisherman and in all his years of stream fishing he was never skunked. His greatest joy was to take his girls fishing and camping. He enjoyed working in his yard and fixing things.

He loved visiting with friends and family and many of them have experiences and tales to tell. He loved his trips across Canada, visiting all the provinc­es and enjoying the uniqueness each one held. He favored the Maritimes and made many good friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 10, at 11:00 am at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. 7610 – 87th St., Osoyoos.

In Lieu of flowers, it would be lovely to have donations to the BC Cancer Agency.

Condolences

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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium

Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Judy Dallas
Relation: Through many visits to purchase office and stationery requirements over many years.

My sincere sympathies to the family. Bill was always a gentleman, had a good sense of humour, and was always able to resolve office supply issues. The family will have many, many memories to treasure and cherish always.

From: Carrol spear
Relation: Sister

My dearest Willie, it is with such profound sadness that I will say my final goodbye to u tomorrow…..no longer do u suffer… thruout ur journey of ill health, u were such a warrior, never sharing ur pain , but always caring n smiling to whomever was visiting u. Heavens gate opened for u n allowed the most gracious angel to enter… I miss u so my dearest brother!!❤️❤️ And my luv for u will always keep my heart warm

From: Alice LeBlanc
Relation: Friend

Our hearts are heavy and broken having to say good-buy to such a wonderful man and friend that seemed more like family. We are honoured to have known Bill and having the opportunity to have a summer vacation with Bill and Lorraine last summer. He will always hold a special place in out hearts. Thank you for such great memories that we will cherish forever. God Bless you all. Sending hugs to all of you.

From: The Lee family of Osoyoos
Relation: Friend

Our condolences for Lorraine & family.

From: Teena Monkman
Relation: Daughter

Hello, my name is Teena Monkman. I am Bill’s daughter. On behalf of our family I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all who attended my Father’s Service. Also thank you to those who were unable to attend though offered words of kindness, condolences and support to our family. Your hugs, thoughts, prayers and sentiments are helping us get through this trying time. Our heartfelt gratitude to you all.

From: Erla Pedersen
Relation: friend

Lorraine – sending you our very sincere condolences. We have so many fond memories of Bill. Erla and Stu Pedersen

From: Dolores Pescada
Relation: A long time friend

How sad I was today to hear of Bill’s passing. Lorraine, Sandy & Teena, my deepest sympathy. Bill was such a good friend and we have so many fond memories. His suffering is over & heaven is richer because of his presence. Dolores, Lynnette & Rob

From: Donna Deeg
Relation: long time friends

Our deepest condolences to Lorraine and the entire family. Bill won’t ever be forgotten for what he did in this world. He will be missed by all. Hugs to the family. Donna & Cal

From: David & Nan Maldaner
Relation: Friends

Lorraine and family,
We want to extend our condolences on the passing of your dear Bill. You two were such a joy to visit with and we always thought we wished we had met you and Bill years ago. We have plans to come to Osoyoos in September and hope we can visit then. We, along with everyone who knew Bill, will miss his outgoing personality and friendly smile.

Service Schedule

  Memorial Service

Date & Time:
August 10, 2019
Beginning at 11:00am

Location:
St. Anne's Catholic Church
7610 - 87th Street
Osoyoos, BC Canada

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 10, at 11:00 am at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. 7610 – 87th St., Osoyoos.

7610 - 87th Street
Osoyoos, BC Canada

Memorial Gifts

In lieu of flowers, it would be lovely to have donations to the BC Cancer Agency.

Thank You Notice

Send Flowers

Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088     Toll free: (844) 498-0088

Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270     Toll free: (800) 665-9983

Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438

Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226

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