Obituary: Collins, Gene

COLLINS, Gene
(Age 59)

On September 11, 2012, Gene passed away at home after a long courageous battle with cancer, with his loving wife Sheryl and son Blake, by his side.

Gene was born the son of a minister, spent some of his early youth in Moses Lake, WA and Washougal, WA.

The family settled in Spokane, WA in 1967 where his dad was called to Pastor at Hillyard Baptist Church.

Gene graduated from North Central High in 1971.

He worked a few years at JELD-WEN before moving to the western WA where he worked up to a successful career in the automotive industry.

Gene and Sheryl recently celebrated their 20th anniversary.

Their son Blake is their pride and joy, he also helped raise stepdaughters Tascha and Serena as his own.

His greatest joy was watching his son play baseball.

He spent countless hours standing against the fence cheering him on.

Gene loved spending time with family, crabbing and fishing in the San Juan Islands.

He was an avid hunter.

His favorite elk hunting grounds were in Idaho and the Blue Mountains.

He always said, “There is never enough time to play!

“Gene is survived by his wife, Sheryl, son Blake, daughters Tascha (Andy), Serena (Brad), mother Edith Collins, brother Jim (Kris), sister Linda (Kevin), grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gene will be sorely missed by us all, his witty sense of humor, wisdom, caring advice, friendship, and his smile.

We will meet up with him soon.

It’s comforting to know, now, he can peacefully hunt and fish every morning.