Roy died peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on April 5, 2021, in Abbotsford, BC. Roy was born to James and Irene (Smith) Collins, August 29, 1926 on Bowen Island, BC.
Roy was predeceased by his first wife, Mary (Gowe), in 1999, their son Daniel in 1976, and his siblings Margaret, Bertha, Jim, Ione (Betty) and Jean. He is survived by his wife Joy (Gonzales), children Jim (Carel), Lani, Andy, Elizabeth (Wolf) Alex, and John; grandchildren Sarah (Charles) Baidoo and Dan; great-grandchildren, Roy Kwesi, Koby, and Kofi. He will also be missed by his sister Marion, and many other relatives, friends, and neighbours.
Raised on the family farm on Bowen, Roy served in the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers and the Canadian Army in WWII. Roy’s post-war career was largely in the forestry sector (which along with his Island upbringing instilled Roy’s love of nature in his children and grandchildren) until his retirement as Manager of the Lost Lake Seed Orchard in Saanich. After their marriage in 1952, he and Mary moved to Victoria in 1963 and raised their six children. For many years, Roy and Mary actively supported the Layritz baseball program, volunteered with the Dixieland Jazz Festival and journeyed throughout Canada and the US, trailer in tow.
Roy and Joy began a new phase in their lives in 2001. Both their families were happy that they found each other and had a wonderful 18 years of marriage. During this time, they watched their grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, shared their love of reading, and enjoyed the peace of Bowen at Roy’s home on Bowen.
A special memory for all Roy’s children, grandchildren, Joy, Carel and Wolf is joining him in Scotland to fulfill his commitment to hike up Ben Nevis (again) on his 80th birthday.
Arrangements by McCall’s Victoria. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Salvation Army (Dad had fond memories of the “Sally Ann” from when he was a young soldier) or another charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
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Sonja Featherstone
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Art Walker We remember Roy and Mary from his years with D.W. Smith Forest Consulting Ltd. in Victoria, B.C.
Roy was a timber cruiser who spent several years tramping the hills within the E. & N. Land Grant of Vancouver Island. A real gentleman to the very end.
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Marion-Lea Such a sad time especially for Uncle Roy’s family and for all of the extended Collins relations. My thoughts are with you as I fondly remember Roy and all the family history on Bowen Island.
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Cathie and Gord McPhee and Family A lovely tribute to Roy. He will be fondly remembered by our family.
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Allison M Thoughts and condolences for Grandma Joy and the rest of the family (both Joy’s and Roy’s). Thinking of you all and very sorry for your loss.
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Linda Milne We are deeply saddened to hear of our favourite Uncle Roy’s passing – he was also a very dear long time friend to our father Walt.
He will be dearly missed by us… visits to Bowen will never quite be the same.
Much love, the Punnett Family.
Roy will always be an important person in my life. He hired me at Lost Lake Seed Orchard a long time ago, endured my youthful transitions and remained a lifelong mentor and freind. He really cared deeply about his loved ones. My best goes to his family. He was so rightfully proud. My wish is to one day soon visit the Collins Farm on Bowen. Rest in peace Roy