Obituary of Barry Collins
In the early hours of Saturday, November 7th 2020, Barry Collins of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed away at home in bed with his best friend, or daughter as often joked about, KC, his long time pet by his side.
Barry was born on January 13, 1963, in Edmonton, Alberta. He is survived by his three daughters, Angel (Nikki) Swan, Felicia (Jeremy) Nikkel and Kaitlin (Dallas) Collins; sister Doris (Vince) Duperron, grandchildren: Brooklyn and Rhea Nikkel, Tre Jh’Qhin Marcel Za’najha Paihyin Roman and Keeley, Zayn’en Mckay; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as many many family and friends.
Barry was predeceased by the absolute love of his life, his wife, Valerie Collins in 2009, as well as Mother Jeanette (Lavoie) and Father Charles Collins (Brenda)
Barry loved to play hockey and did so from a very young age until he was about 16, coached by his father for the majority of those years. He was passionate about his favorite team the Edmonton oilers and was not about to miss watching a game so when hockey was on your best way to him was to pull up a chair. He also loved vehicles, camping and dirt biking in the mountains as a child with Doris and friends or later in life his landcruisers, the “Grunts” and the total of 20 vehicles he had, proudly written on a list on his kitchen table. Always being a Hard worker, around the age of 19 years old his love for driving made Barry say to his dad watch what I can do and began driving truck long distance. Driving truck for many years eventually is what led him to Manitoba, around age 25 a quick stopover at the Palamino Club in Winnipeg would change his life forever by falling in love with his future wife Val. Barrys love for children led him to take Val’s daughter to be his own and they continued on to have two more children and eventually marry on December 16 1994, when finally told by Val it was time to stay home and hang up the trucking keys. He eventually turned to a career in dispatch which he did well and with pride making an impact on many. Barry would then continue to work all day at the office and come home to work in the barn feeding cleaning and caring for the horses and dogs on the family farm, El Ranchero Optimistic. Once Barry traded those truck keys for a cowboy hat he never looked back.
Barry loved kids and many would visit often, whether his own close family like his kids and grandkids or extended family like his nephew Matthew Mason, friends that became family like Angela Soliman or the many fosters this house has seen, he loved teaching them things like how to ride bikes, and then once they were old enough, lassoing them off. It was never thought about twice to spend the extra time with them.
The family home was always ready to throw a Party, some even consisting of live bands and always a bonfire to light up the neighborhood, the neighbours and guests often wondered when all the surrounding bush would catch fire from the 15ft tall fires. When Barry wasn’t having a big bash you would often find him around a bbq always loving a big piece of meat, holding a beer or having a glass of his go to beverage, Jack Daniels.
Barry lived every minute to please Val, which also meant having every animal on the farm, which he enjoyed even up until the part he watched you unknowingly eat it with a sly comment because “I told you not to name it”. There was always many many dogs as well as he allowed Val to take in every stray in need, But I don’t think any compared to his last, his bestfriend KC the bulldog as many will remember all the selfies with her. They truly were bestfriends until the end where she remained by his side.
We love you Dad, Papa, Hug Mom for us. Forever and always.
We want to thank the friends of Barry who remained close, the friends who have shared stories with us of your long talks from long ago and in recent years, the truck drivers who spoke with him daily and kept him busy, those who helped him carry on after Vals passing, and those who sent items or warm wishes.
Cremation has taken place.
Due to Covid restrictions, the real celebration Barry deserves will be held when possible, at the family farm like the good old days and we will see you all there!
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Barry
Collins 1963 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Steinbach, Province: Manitoba