1937
2013
Rocklin
Donald Wayne Collins
Donald Wayne Collins, of Rocklin and formerly of Salinas, passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2013, just weeks away from his 76th birthday. Don was born October 28, 1937 in Soledad, to Birdie Brunken and George William Collins.
Don lived most of his life in Salinas then moved to Rocklin in 1998. He graduated from Salinas High class of 1956. He entered the US Army Reserve in 1961 where he served at the Presidio of San Francisco and Fort Ord until 1967.
Don retired from Monterey County Department of Public Works as Maintenance Manager, having started in the Construction and Pool crew 39 years before at the age of 21. He made many life long friends there. Aside from his day job, Don also developed his business complex, Abbott Center, on what was once family land.
Don was happiest at his spot in Christmas Cove at Nacimiento Lake where he spent every weekend he could. He relished his time there with his family and friends water skiing, fishing and sitting by the campfire.
Good neighbor Don was always willing to help with a project, lend some tools, or offer advice. He loved to throw parties, barbeque, and make his famous beans.
He is survived by his wife, Roberta; daughters, Karyn Deaville (Matt) of Paso Robles, Diane LaMarca (Justin) of Salinas, Sharon Harney (Brian) of Salinas, Marianne Lester (Bill) of Monterey, Michelle Croffoot of Lincoln; and son, Gerry Rhodes (Anna) of Lincoln. He also leaves behind his sister, Joann Davis of Paso Robles; 12 grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; a great-grandson due in December; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dorothy Hughes; and brothers, Gene and Gerald Collins.
His life will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, October 26, 2013, at Crossroads Community Church, 5190 Front St., Rocklin, CA 95765.
Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2013, at Garden of Memories, 850 Abbott St., Salinas, CA 93901.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
I have so many Awesome Memories with my Dad growing up but the one that is dear to my heart is when I went up to visit him and Roberta this last September. Spent a few days there and even though my dad was sick he would not miss his daily routine ~ get up, shower, eat breakfast and have a cup of coffee with the newspaper on hand. Dad would also go outside for a while and enjoy the garden patio with family and friends. On Friday afternoon, September 20th, my dad was sitting up on the edge of the bed talking with Roberta and I, he would have a "Dementia moment" and would start moving his hands in a circular motion. I was sitting next to him and said, "Hey dad, what are you doing?" He said, "I'm trying to get this worm the hook, it's not going on." I asked my dad if he needed any help. My dad took my hand and I was helping him get that worm on the hook....while this was happening I was telling Roberta about when Dad would take me fishing up in Shasta when I was young, taught me how to cast, etc., and about the time when my pole fell into the water and NO kidding a fish brought it back up in its mouth! At this point Dad turned his head and looked at me, raised his eyes up just a bit...I said, "Hi Dad, do you remember that?" He not only remember taking it from the fishes mouth but he knew which fishing pole I had and that Albert Gong had hand-made my pole and put my name on it with my favorite color. Dad asked if I still had my pole (Yes I do) and said you hang on to that, it's one of a kind. Dad also asked if Diane still had her pole (Yes she does). A bit later Dad returned to moving his hands in a circular motion trying once again to get that worm on the hook. Thank you so much Dad, it was so fun going fishing with you one more time. Love You Dad, Karyn
Karyn Collins-Deaville
November 16, 2013
Sorry to hear about Don's passing. He was my first Boss at Monterey county public works. He was a good boss and a very good man. I worked with his son Gery for a while. May the Lord watch over the family in this time of sorrow.
Richard (Rico) Lievanos
October 25, 2013
I worked with this man for many years and respected him and his love for his family very much. He was funny, helpful and strong even during hard times. I hope his family finds some peace. I will miss him very much.
Cindy Phelps
October 23, 2013
Diane and family, I am thankful for all the wonderful memories that I will cherrish and remember always. We had a lot of good times. Don always made the effort to make sure we were the first ones on the lake in the morning and got one last run before the sun went down. I admired the Dad he was and saw the love he had for all. My thoughts are with your family. With love and Friendship. Michelle Glidden
October 18, 2013
It is a true blessing to know such a wonderful man. To Dons family and friends, my thoughts are prayers are with you. May you forever hold the beautiful memories you have of him close to your hearts.
Misty Shaw-Hummel
October 18, 2013
DIANE .iam so very sorry to hear about your dad. my deepest sympathy go out to you and your family.
kimberly, baptista
October 18, 2013
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