Keith "Wayne" Collins

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Wayne Collins. Wayne left us on August 4, 2024 at the age of 75, surrounded by his family at the Russell Health Center.

He was born on April 23, 1949 in Russell, MB.  Wayne was the only son of 5 children, to Cameron and Eileen Collins.  He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Harrowby, Manitoba until Grade 8.  He continued his education in Russell, Manitoba where he graduated.

Wayne met the love of his life, Marcella, in 1975, a match made by Great Grandma Collins (Mary Ida).  They were engaged (Mom says Dad had to ask her twice!) and were married on February 14, 1976 in St. Lazare, MB.  Along with Marcella, he also gained a son (Brian) and a daughter (Tina) and moved to the family farm west of Russell, MB.

A year later, in February 1977, they welcomed a baby girl (Jo-Anne).  Three years later in October 1980, they welcomed another daughter, Sarah.  Eighteen months later, finally another son, Jon.  Dad was always immensely proud of his children, our largest supporter, and always provided encouragement or a kick in the ass as needed. 

Dad was actively involved in municipal government, first as a councillor, and then as Reeve of the RM of Russell.  He served the municipality from 1972 and retired in 2002.  Dad was highly respected for his leadership, diplomacy and loyalty. 

Dad had many hidden talents, including curling, baseball, bowling, mad dancing skills, parking lot police and trying out jumps while downhill skiing,

When Dad wasn’t busy farming, or handling his RM responsibilities, he enjoyed fishing,  spending time at the cabin at Clear Lake, and spending time with his family.  His family was incredibly important to him.  Dad and Mom enjoyed several trips to Las Vegas and Hawaii.  Dad often spoke of these trips and had many fond memories.  Dad even bought himself shorts and sandals on their first trip to Hawaii, which nobody believed until there were pictures for proof!

Dad’s real passion was farming.  He spent many hours in his John Deere tending crops and  ensuring he had feed for his black angus cattle and had many sleepless nights during calving season. 

Dad and Mom decided to semi-retire and sold their black angus herd in 2016.  They continued grain farming for another year and in 2018, held their farm auction. 

Dad continued to keep himself busy by helping out the neighbors on their farms, driving the combine, picking rocks, fencing etc.  He immensely enjoyed helping neighbors with harvest as he said it gave him purpose and was always grateful to be asked for help.  It put a smile on his face.

Dad was blessed with fourteen grandchildren that he had great pride in and cherished dearly.  No matter how busy he was on the farm, he always made time for his grandchildren.  Taking them for rides on the combine, working on equipment and special projects, getting them on the horses, quad rides to the valley to check the cattle and fences, Ubering them to swimming lessons, attending baseball, soccer, hockey, football games and dance recitals.  He loved to  ensure that the kids had treats (a huge bag of chocolate bars) spending money for trips and hired the grandkids to complete odd jobs which he would ensure they were outrageously overpaid for.  He loved all of them dearly, and they loved him to the moon and back. 

Dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the fall of 2018.  Dad took his illness with strength and grace. He was the bravest, most courageous person we know.  He never  complained, to a fault.  His response when asked how he was feeling was almost always “not too bad.”  There were times we knew for a fact that was not true, but still he endured and moved forward.  Dad was incredibly blessed with his care team both at Cancer Care in Russell and Winnipeg.  He always spoke highly of his Doctor’s and special nurses that always managed to make what he was enduring a little brighter.  His family was his entourage of support, always.

Dad will forever be missed and remembered with love by his wife of 48 years, Marcella, his children, Brian, Nicole, Ethan and Aidan Jaster; Tina, Meg, Em, and Joren Schmieder; Jo-Anne, Merv, Kalia, Ryan and Reese Baer; Sarah, Phil, Cohen, Neala and Sawyer Delorme; Jon,  Stephanie, Bailey, Coralee and Gio Collins; Sisters Marilyn (Ron) Maryniuk, Marvin Nerbas, Barb (Al) Price, Cheryl Collins and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.