Joshua Loring Collins

In the early morning hours of Dec. 20, 2023, Joshua "Yoshi" Loring Collins died tragically in an accident on the highway traveling between his loving home and his workplace full of friends.

Josh was born in Garland, Texas, on July 24, 1979, and his Texas roots were his trademark, along with his infectious smile and big personality.

Josh attended Mesquite High School and shortly after graduating followed his globetrotting sister, Amy, north to Alaska. Despite the dark and cold, he quickly found a home in Fairbanks and job at The Pump House Restaurant. He worked his way up the ranks, learning all the tricks of the trade that would inform his career as a chef. He also honed his craft and sharpened his skills at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Chena's, and The Double Eagle, to name a few, before spending the last decade cooking at Clear Air Force Station.

Just prior to starting at Clear, Josh met Heidi, who turned his world upside down in all of the best ways possible. He married her in a beautiful June ceremony at AlaskaLand and loved being her husband. He started his adventure into fatherhood with the birth of Harbor, and they welcomed Myra shortly thereafter.

He was an avid motorcyclist, snowmachiner, car collector and enthusiastic tinkerer. Never one to take the easy route, Josh loved to be elbow-deep in a vehicle project that he hoped to one day make roadworthy. Josh loved a variety of music, and the louder the better. He loved BBQ, collecting mushrooms, and listening to the blues (especially live). He used to ride his bike everywhere, and made friends, literally, wherever he went. He was a fierce friend and was always quick to help those in need.

Josh was a big guy in every sense of the word: big heart, big smile, big laugh, big love.

By far, Josh's biggest love was that of and for his family, who he loved deeply and loudly. His memory will live on through belly laughs, shared stories, remembered recipes, and lasting love.

Josh was preceded in death by grandmothers, "Mimi" Betty Watson, and "Grammy" Margaret Springer; and sister, Charity Contreras.

Josh is survived by his devoted, loving wife, Heidi; cherished daughters Harbor and Myra; his mother, Debra Davis; father, Bobby Collins; stepmother, Vickie Collins; sister, Amy Neel, and nephew, Talon Neel; nieces, Contessa Mangum and Taylor Collins; and nephew, Gabriel Contreas. Josh also leaves behind aunts, uncles, cousins, and a large, extended family in Texas, South Carolina, and Alaska, as well as countless friends to keep his memory alive.

A memorial service was held Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023.

For friends and family wishing to honor Josh's life, a memorial account has been established for his daughters Harbor and Myra Collins at Northrim Bank #2947.