To view the Service, please click here.
“I’se The B’y that sails her”
On January 24, 2022, John Collins passed away peacefully at the University of Alberta Hospital at the age of 86. Born in Lamaline, Newfoundland and Labrador, he was the seventh of fourteen children of Michael and Bridget Collins.
John was predeceased in 2018 by the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Rena Mae. He is survived by his cherished children: Peggi (Tom), Kathy, Linda (Rui), and Sean; ten grandchildren: Chris (Gillian), Dan (Margot), Matthew (Laurel), Michele (CK), Joseph, Aria (Steve), Kai (Emily), Koji, Jonah and Elliot, and seven great grandchildren: Simon, Jeremy, Natalie, Mary, Harvey, James, and Teo.
Jack (as he was known by his family) was predeceased by siblings Mary, Tom, Andrew, Carmel, Mike, Bill, Peter, Bernie, Joan, and Marjorie. He is survived by sister Elizabeth and brothers Max and Paul.
Growing up in Lamaline provided a foundation for an enduring love of Newfoundland. John would regale any who would listen of childhood memories of rowing the family to church in a dory, accompanying his fiddle-playing father on his accordion at many Saturday night affairs along the Burin Peninsula, the annual capelin roll, lobster, fishing, and swimming in the pristine waters of Piercy’s Brook.
John left his job as the manager of the Co-op in Point May (and a side-hustle as a bootlegger) and moved to Edmonton in 1954, he was among the first generation of Newfoundlanders that made the move out west, a pioneer of sorts. A self-made man, his first jobs included delivering milk by horse and carriage and working as a journeyman welder on the Trans Mountain Pipeline. After completing his time with the pipeline, John returned to Edmonton and worked for a brief spell before breaking out on his own, initially fabricating ornamental railings in a small welding shop and selling them door to door. That enterprise grew, joist by joist, and ultimately became Collins Steel Products, which, at the time of its sale to Consolidated New Pacific in the early 1970’s, was one of Edmonton’s then most successful steel fabrication and erection
enterprises, having a work force of over 200 that left its mark on Edmonton’s skyline and industrial areas. Many prominent steel fabrication businessmen began their careers with Collins Steel. Following the sale, John remained with the company for a while before moving on to new things including continuing in business with his brother Mike in a successful land development company. Mike and John complemented each other perfectly in their many business ventures. More importantly, they and their families were and remain the best of friends.
John was the embodiment of working to live and he eschewed many business opportunities in favour of enjoying and living life to the fullest which involved spending time with Rena Mae, their children, relatives near and far and forging deep and enduring friendships. Friends will recall annual sailing, hunting and fishing trips where John would often bring along his concertina accordion and play jigs into the early morning. Much time was spent at the family cabin on Pigeon Lake, respite from the harsh Alberta winters was found in Maui, and later in Mexico. Scarcely a year passed without an extended annual pilgrimage to his sacred homeland of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Nothing was more important to John than family. Despite not being the eldest, John was the patriarch of his family. He was a constant mentor and companion to his brothers, sisters and their children.
John and Rena Mae met on a sunny Sunday night in Edmonton having been invited to Rena Mae’s rooming house at her aunt Martha’s to watch Ed Sullivan. Their relationship flourished quickly and they were wed shortly thereafter. They moved to St Albert in 1963, were active and respected members of the community and made many life-long friends along the way. Their family grew with the arrival of three daughters and a son. John was a loving and generous father. Poppa, as he is known to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, occupied a special and unique place in each and every one of their lives; most of whom spent long summers at the lake learning to sail, waterski and swim with their Poppa on many a splendid and endless summer day.
John was a principled man; a man of faith whose word was his bond. Our loss is indescribable but John’s legacy and Spirit lives on in his family and friends.
A Private Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the St. Albert Catholic Parish. Interment to follow at the Holy Cross Mausoleum. Extended family and friends who are unable to join in person at the Funeral Mass due to capacity restrictions, are welcome to attend and view the live stream at St. Albert Inn (#156 St.Albert Trail) including a reception. St. Albert Inn is participating in the Restriction Exemption Program. A valid QR Code Proof of Vaccination or a negative COVID 19 test within 72 hours and Photo Identification are required to gain entry.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Max Hillier says
Sorry to hear of John,s passing, sending condolences to the family
Lisa and Dave Maxwell says
Our deepest condolences to the whole Collins clan. I’m sure John and Stan are already telling jokes and sharing a laugh. Dave and Lisa Maxwell (née Warshawski).
Paulette Foote (Green) says
So sorry to hear of John’s death. Deepest sympathy to all the family. I last saw John on the bridge at Piercey Brook in the early 2000’s.
My husband, Don, and I had a chat with him during which he mentioned to me that we were cousins, which I knew. May God give you comfort and peace. I will keep you in my prayers.
Joan Saul says
As a friend of both Marjorie and Bess I had heard many stories of John but was not fortunate enough to have met him, What a legacy he left behind, What a life he lived and touched so many people.
My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Norma Stacey (nee Greene) says
Sincere condolences to all family members. May God bless you and provide you strength during this difficult time.
John Yamamoto says
All the best to an excellent family man. John Yamamoto
John & Ann Todd says
We both know that John loved telling stories that were legendary, humorous, and hilarious.
He was a treasured (Mischievous, Crusty, Gregarious, Fun-Loving) friend. No doubt, there will be many glasses of cheer raised in his memory.
“Thanks for the Memories – Good Bye old Friend”
Donald Oborowsky says
What a beautiful obituary for John.
Him and I reminisced on many occasions of our past, present and future endeavours and always with laughs and smiles.
John provided the opportunity for me to get into the steel business. After working for him for about a half year, I then went on to found Waiward Steel Fabricators Ltd. 50 years ago.
Throughout those years we remained as valued and respected friends.
On behalf of my wife and myself, our condolences to his family.
John was a lot of fun and we will miss his smile and his humour which always had a special twist and continued to keep us laughing long after seeing him.
Donald & Judy Oborowsky
Donald Oborowsky says
What a beautiful obituary for John.
Him and I reminisced on many occasions of our past, present and future endeavours and always with laughs and smiles.
It was John who provided the opportunity for me to get into the steel business. After working for him for about a half year, I then went on to found Waiward Steel Fabricators Ltd. 50 years ago.
Throughout those years we remained as valued and respected friends.
On behalf of my wife and myself, our condolences to his family.
John was a lot of fun and we will miss his smile and his humour which always had a special twist and continued to keep us laughing long after seeing him.
Donald & Judy Oborowsky
Charlie Greene says
John was an integral part of our extended family. He loved and nurtured his sister, my mother Mary and had an unique, close relationship with my father Walter.
At a critical time in my early adult life he provided support and foundation that enabled me to achieve a critical step in my academic growth. I was fortunate to have him as a mentor for all my working life.
Most of all, my brothers, sisters and I remember John for treating us with such love, kindness and respect.
While John has gone to his peaceful reward his legacy and memories, especially his stories will remain always!
Anne Collins says
Sincere condolences to all of you including Bess, Max and Paul. We are keeping all of you in thought and prayer!
Sisters Marion and Anne Collins
Jill Restau (Brake) says
My sincere condolences to the family of John Collins. I have know John for the past 6 years as his Newfie Foot Care Nurse. It’s a small world is right as I have family that helped him build that Cabin on Garnish Pond as well only to hear about his Rum Running years from John himself and to find out how he bought his first 56 Chev .
Every time I came for foot care you would always great me as the sweet Newfie gal. You will and always be a true gentleman with a great heart. Miss you John
Douglas Pruden says
Expressing sympathy to all who met or knew John collins close, and all next of kin. Condolences to collins family and friends of John or as a brother, uncle, father, dad, grandfather. And mentor to all. My prayers extended to each within collins family. God be with all. Peace. At this difficult time.
Garry Greene says
Condolences to the family. Over the years John and Rita Mae were incredibly generous to the Greene family. John’s presence will be sadly missed.
arch r bonnell says
to the collins family….i did not know mr collins but like my father robert bonnell was born and grew up there in lamaline only to leave as a young man……after my father died i got together with a friend and wrote a song in tribute to my father and to those who left lamaline in their youth and it helps to remember and honour such people …the song is called THE MISTY SHORES OF LAMALINE and if you think it might help honour your father i can email you mp3 recording ..my sincere condolences , it was a very inspiring obituary of mr collins……..sincerely , arch bonnell archbonnell@bonnellaw.ca………..tel no 709 424 0312
Karen and John Graham says
Sorry for your loss of your dad. Uncle John was always warm and welcoming. He made everyone at ease and part of the group. He will be remembered as a charismatic man with a warm heart.
Karen says
Bessie, Paul, Max and family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of John. Words of comfort are all I have to offer during this time of great loss and grief. I couldn’t help but feel incredibly moved by the obituary references to Newfoundland and the wonderful stories of growing up there. An allegiance to a place and its people that John exhibited such obvious love and respect for. How wonderful to know that the island John so dearly loved had indeed loved him right back.
A man of honorable faith, I have no doubt that his spirit will continue to comfort you through this difficult time.
Sending much love,
Karen McBean
Edmonton
John Crane Jr. says
I am not 100% sure if this John Collins was the friend/relative of my Dad, Jack Crane and Edith of Bay Bulls, NL! Dad always spoke highly and managed to visit John and family over the years during their many trips back and forth between Florida and Colorado visiting his sister. Dad had relatives in the the Lamaline, NL, area, the Terrants I think but I guess I did not pay enough attention. Actually I thought the connection was from maybe John’s wife side however it appears it had to be from the Collins side instead. Dad (Jack) died on 08/08/08 at age 86, he got his drivers license renewed 5 days prior to his passing. Mom (Edith) died in 2018 at 96, not a great 96, both born in April 1922.
Anyway, if it is the John that Dad fondly talked about for years, so sorry to hear and read his Obit in Telegram, St. John’s, NL. Had to reach out!
John Crane, Jr. (63)
Goulds, NL (formerly Bay Bulls)
709 685 4331
johncrane@nf.sympatico.ca
M dave skrobot says
John was a great man where truly his word was his bond. Condolences to the Collins Clan. Love ya
David Skrobot
Son of Dr. Walter M Skrobot and godson to JFC
Pat Devlin says
So sorry to hear of the passing of John. Our condolences to the entire Collins’ family.
Trish, Pat Brooklyn and Carson Devlin
Geraldine Devlin says
A fine man. We will all miss John.
Murray Olsen says
John is accurately described as a principled man. One favoured to have had him as a mentor spends a good portion of life measuring against the bars he set; with gratitude to have such tasks.
Bob Gal says
To all of John’s family I give my prayer & condolences. What an honour to be lead by God’s Spirit to celebrate Holy Communion with John & his brother Paul after he was admitted to the hospital. I will not forget following sharing the Lord’s Table together John saying, “Praise the Lord”. You are forever with your Lord now John.
Heidi, Chris, Banon & Aria Devlin says
A man much loved by so many. He will be greatly missed. Gods speed John.
John and Darlene Nordstrom says
We are so blessed to have great memories of our time with John and Rena Mae. Especially the hunting and fishing trips with John. His spontaneous eruption of stories and humor always added to the experience. One could not ask for a better friend. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.