Obituary of Francis N. L. Collins

After a period of failing health, the passing of Frank Collins, husband of the late Mary (Killorn) Collins occurred at the Ridgewood Veteran’s Wing on May 9, 2009. He was born on May 31, 1921 in Montreal to the late Arthur and Lillian (Duffley) Collins. Frank enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942, serving in World War II, until his discharge in 1947. He was a Captain in the Canada Forces Militia (Army) from 1951-69 in Saint John and Treasurer of the Canadian Forces Officers’ Mess. After the war, he worked with Canada Revenue Agency, retiring as Chief of Audit. He was a founder of the Certified General Accountants association in New Brunswick and awarded the FCGA (Fellow Certified General Accountant) designation in recognition of his service to the CGA profession. Frank is survived by two sons: William Collins (Lori) of Dartmouth, NS and Gerard Collins of Saint John, NB; three daughters: Jane Collins of Halifax, NS and Catherine Collins and Anne Collins both of Saint John, NB; two brothers: David (Connie) of South Portland, ME and Carl (Judy, deceased) of Saint John; one sister: Reta Morris (Willie) of Saint John, NB; nine grandchildren: Patrick, Kate (Adam King) and Andrew Collins; Sarah, Martha and Meghan Carroll; Nicolle and Vanessa Brouillet; Kelly Sullivan and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife of 59 years and his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers: Gregory, William and Stuart Collins and two sisters: Patricia Hazelwood and Marjorie Mason. Frank loved nature, and spent many hours in the outdoors. He passed his knowledge and love of nature on to his children and grandchildren. He looked forward to spring so he could plant his field of potatoes at his cottage in Golden Grove, and late summer would find him searching under the plants for new potatoes. His children looked forward to sharing the harvest every fall. Frank was very proud of his children and his grandchildren. Frank’s family would like to extend its sincere appreciation and thanks to the staff at Liberty Lane at Ridgewood for their care of Frank over the past several months. Resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424), with visiting on May 11, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Peter’s Church, 50 Clarendon Street, on May 12, 2009 at 10 am. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.