Neil Dennis Collins
RONAN — Neil Dennis Collins, beloved husband, father and gramps, died peacefully Aug. 27, 2010, at Community Hospital in Missoula. He has reached the finish line in this life and has started eternal life anew in God’s Kingdom.
Neil was born Nov. 15, 1943, in Kalispell to Stewart (Slim) and Mary Collins. He served in the United States Navy for six years on the USS Piedmont. After completing his military service, he moved to Ronan to marry his sweetheart Donna Dellwo. Together, Neil and Donna raised two children, Corena and Mike, both of whom filled Neil’s heart with pride and love.
Neil excelled at working on vehicles, perfecting body work with Ron Rieben, Micky McCall and Don Aadsen Ford before becoming a proud owner of Ronan Auto Body Shop, which continued for 40 years. There are many classic cars and other vehicles in the Mission Valley that serve as vivid reminders of Neil’s artistry and skill in body work over the years.
Neil loved his home, lawn and garden and was proud to keep them beautiful. He loved snowmobiling, fishing with his “grand boys” and shooting the breeze with many people. After retiring, he loved to cruise around town in the red Dodge with his schnauzer, Bud. Neil was very caring and was always willing to help anyone at any time. He enjoyed all forms of racing: cars, lawnmowers, snowmobiles, boats, stockcars, drag racing — anything that had an engine.
Neil is survived by his beautiful, loving wife of 44 years, Donna; children Corena (Calvin) Hardy; Mike (Angela) Collins; his special grandsons Cordell and Collin Hardy of Ronan; brother Jack (Judy) Collins; sister Nancy Williams; and sister Judy (Robin) Van Ness, all of Ronan. Neil is also survived by many nieces and nephews and special friends Joe and Sheri McDonald. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Paul.
Memorial services will be held at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church, 70715 Highway 93 (top of Post Creek Hill) on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow.
