Henry “Mick” Richard Lincoln Collins, 85, passed away on April 9, 2011. He was born on February 12, 1926 in Spokane, WA to the late Harry and Mary Collins. He was a WWII Navy Veteran and served for four years. He attended Spokane schools including Spokane Trade School where he graduated in 1954.
He married Ruth Young in Portland on August 15, 1950. The family moved from Spokane to Helena in 1962. He worked for Steffeck Equipment Company from 1963 to 1970. He then worked for Montana Department of Highways where he was a heavy duty mechanic until he retired in 1988.
Mick was an avid model railroader. He spent hours looking and following trains. He loved puttering in his garage and was an excellent woodworker and machinist. He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, Kallie Padbury.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and wife. Surviving are daughters, Dianna Brink of California and Jill Padbury of Colorado, and granddaughter, Kallie Padbury, of Colorado.
The memorial service and celebration of Mick’s life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 15, 2011 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. Memorials in Mick’s name are suggested to Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P. O. Box 4455 Helena, MT 59604 or to the Montana Operation Life Saver, c/o Clark Wheeler, P.O. Box 790 Whitefish, MT 59937. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mick, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com. Retz Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
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Gene & Carol Vincent says
Dianna,Paul; Jill. Kip, Kallie
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. He was a special friend to us.
We do want to take this time to thank each one of you for sharing your Mom and Dad with us.
Dick R. Rogers says
I was saddened to read of the loss of Mick. Mick and I go back a long way, we were good friends clear back to the Highway department days. Our families knew each other, we helped each other out, and might have shared a brewskie or two “back in the day”. I am so sorry I didn’t make the funeral, but I had my own medical things to take care of, and wasn’t able to be there. My deepest sympathy to the family. We will miss him
Bob & Shirley Sample says
Mick was a great guy. We always enjoyed visiting with him and seeing him at the Annual Model Railroad Show in Helena. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always liked to talk about his days in Spokane. He will be missed by all.
Eugene Koch says
The model railroad world lost a great person with the passing of Mick. Many times, we model railroaders called upon him for his expertise in modeling. His guidance was always greatly appreciated. Mick was also a very good friend who made many railfan trips with the guys to see what was going on with the railroad world. We had many, many memorable times with Mick that will not be forgotten. Hi-ball, old friend, HI-BALL!
K.C. and Beverly Hill says
We regret to learn the news of losing Mick. Our families have had many good Sunhaven memories over 40+ years. Somehow it seemed fitting that Beverly and Mick even spent time as neighbors at Elkhorn Rehab. I’m sure Mick and Ruth are thrilled to be reunited.
K.C. and Beverly Hill says
We regret to learn the news of losing Mick. Our families have had many good Sunhaven memories over 40+ years. Somehow it seemed fitting that Beverly and Mick even spent time as neighbors at Elkhorn Rehab. I’m sure Mick and Ruth are thrilled to be reunited.