COLLINS, George William
April 23, 1933 to April 8th, 2021
George William Collins of Ottawa was born on April 23, 1933 at the Civic Hospital and passed away peacefully at The Ottawa Hospital (General Campus) on Thursday morning April 8th, 2021 at the age of 87 with his wife and family.
Sixty-year partner to his devoted wife Myrna Jean (Wood) Collins of Vankleek Hill, Ontario; loving father to Leslie (Leonard) Casely-Hayford, Ian (Janet Elisabeth Brodie) and Peter Collins. Grandfather to Lua and Layli (Casely-Hayford), Peter and Madeline (Collins) and Taylor, Rowan, and Paige (Collins). Survived by in- laws Shirley Wood, Bill Wood, Mary Armstrong and Jim Henderson. Uncle (Grand Uncle) to Scott Henderson and Craig/Jennifer (Renee) Henderson, Jane and Jaime McCrae (Ian, Coner, Mary Kate), Jill and Steven Byers (Sam/Henry), Janet and Ron Hough, Susan and others. Predeceased by his mother Alice (Sheppey) and father William John (Jack) Collins, his brother John Samuel Collins, and sister in-law Donelda Collins, sister Eva and brother in- law, Abby Eckford and sister in-law Audrey Wood Henderson.
George grew up and went to primary school in New Edinburgh then Ottawa Tech High School. He graduated from Carleton College (University) in Chemistry where he was active in hockey and football. Thanks to the ROTP he spent his summers away at training in Chiliwack, BC. After working at Shell Oil in Toronto he attended Teacher’s College. He taught chemistry in Chesterville, and at Ottawa Tech and then became Vice Principal at Ottawa Tech, Rideau, Hillcrest and Highland Park High Schools. During this time, he earned his Master’s in Education at the University of Ottawa and then earned an Advanced Diploma at the University of London, UK. George retired in 1991 and started assisting elderly neighbors as a handyman –“Let George Do It”.
George loved sports including hockey, football, cricket, cross country skiing in the Gatineau and was a long- term member of the Recreational Association (RA). He was one of the first runners jogging along the canal in 1963. George was inducted into the National Capital Old Timers Hall of Fame for establishing and running the Ottawa Tech Teachers Hockey team from 1973 to 2007, which is still active.
George loved music, singing and playing trombone in several school and community bands from his early teens until 85 years of age. Myrna and George attended the National Art Center from the opening in 1969 to the beginning of COVID. They traveled to many countries of the world to visit and support family. They especially enjoyed their visits to Vancouver, Ghana, Sri Lanka and Cameroon. The Old Timers Hockey Team also took them to Australia, China, Japan, Norway/Denmark, and Europe. George also had the opportunity to visit Russia in 1971 while at the University of London.
George enjoyed his summers building additions at home and the cottage at Lac Bernhard, Quebec. He lived a full, happy and purposeful life with many friends and family. George was a mentor, coach and partner to many, particularly to his children and students. He believed in reaching goals through dedication, hard work, discipline, and service.
A funeral service will be held on April 19 at 1pm at Hulse, Playfair and McGarry (Central Chapel) by invitation due to COVID restrictions. For those wishing, the service will be live streamed on April 19 at 1pm (EST) and the live stream can be accessed through the funeral home website at www.hpmcgarry.ca. Donations can be made to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, Abbotsford House (www.glebecenter.ca please earmark to Abbotsford House Senior Center) or a charity of your choice.
George Collins Funeral Service Live Stream
Donations:
Abbotsford House Senior Center
Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of George William Collins Thursday April 8th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario
To Myrna, Leslie, Ian & Peter
We were saddened by the news about the death of George.
Please remember that you are in our thoughts.
We know that you will miss George but you can take comfort and strength from the wonderful family you and he had together. We know that their love will get you through this difficult time.
May your beautiful memories sustain you.
We would like to offer our help and support if you need it.
With warmest and heartfelt sympathy,
Your neighbours at Lac Bernard,
Richard Prégent, Huguette, Jean-François, Simon and family