John Ensor Collins

John Ensor Collins, 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2014, surrounded by family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 6, 1926.

At age 15, while delivering newspapers on the Army base in Honolulu, he witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This prompted him to enlist in the United States Army at 17, where he served 2 1/2 years in Germany during WWII.

He graduated from the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology with a degree in meteorology. He was a meteorologist with the National Weather Bureau for over 40 years. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his family, including a special trip to Hawaii, where he and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He was an avid reader, enjoyed backyard bird watching, watching the Mariners, spending time with his family, and would strike up a conversation with anyone. For many years he volunteered in his daughter's elementary classroom.

John is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 66 years, Eloise, two daughters, Kim Benoit (Jim) of Yakima, Terri Akins (Mike) of Grandview, one grandson, Gabriel Akins, brother-in-law, Robert Claborn of California, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Charlene "Chicky" Claborn.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 Friday, July 25th at the Keith and Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel, with burial following at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VA. Special thanks to very dear friends Sr. Fe Sumalde, Emily Lick, Jan Melhorn, and Dwight and Sandy Hauff. The family would also like to thank the entire staff at Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care.

With all our love, may you rest in peace. We'll miss you.

To share a memory go to www.keithandkeith.com

Arrangements under the direction of Keith & Keith Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.