WILLIAM GEORGE COLLINS

1923 - 2023

BORN

1923

DIED

2023

WILLIAM COLLINS Obituary

COLLINS, WILLIAM GEORGE In Loving Memory William George Collins passed away peacefully at Orchard Manor in Kelowna, BC, in the early morning on February 22, 2023. Bill was born in Toronto on March 6, 1923. He married Jean Scott Walwin on April 5, 1947. The couple settled in the Beach area of Toronto, until moving to Kelowna, BC, in June 2019. Bill enlisted in the Air Force after high school and served at Gander, Newfoundland, until the end of the war. In the early 1950s, Bill started Foam Rubber Sales Ltd. and was the owner and boss until his retirement at 65. He was an avid outdoorsman and canoeist, and an accomplished downhill skier. As a pioneer in Canada in the study and practice of Aikido, Bill earned many accolades, achieved high honours and was a respected Sensei in dojos across Canada, the U.S. and numerous foreign dojos. Bill is survived by his children, Marni Collins and William Jr. (wife, Dianne Clark). He also leaves behind three grandchildren (from William Jr.'s marriage to Kyra Collins), Christina Nikiforuk (husband, Russell), Matthew Collins (wife, Amy, and three great-grandchildren) and Michael Collins; as well as a large extended family. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jean; his youngest son, Daniel; and granddaughter, Emma Marie (daughter of William Jr. and Kyra). So many will remember Bill's humour, generosity and wisdom. Almost 100! So close! A Celebration of Life for Bill and Jean will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations to the Nature Conservancy of Canada will be appreciated.

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Published by Toronto Star on Mar. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM COLLINS

2 Entries

Catherine Vaneri

March 7, 2023

My condolences to all of their family. Mr.and Mrs. Collins were both loyal supporters of The Joan Theatre Co, and attended performances when they were both in their nineties. Their presence will be sorely missed. With much love to the family. Catherine.

Wanda McGee

March 1, 2023

Bill was a delight. He had a great sense of humor, he loved his family, and he was always engaged in life. My mother was his first cousin. We always loved when they would visit us in Virginia. We had such great times together and those memories are ours to cherish. With deep sadness and sympathy. Love, Wanda and Darlene

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Memorial Events
for WILLIAM COLLINS

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