Yesterday a few of us got together to remenince on our lives and memories enjoyed with the number one Don that we all love and miss forever.

My Favorite Uncle, 
I'll be forever grateful for the memories I have from growing up to my adult years. You were definitely one of a kind!! When I think about you, I'll forever smile. Thank you for all the love growing up!! My kids will love Prancer just as much as you and I. Until we meet again <3 love you always! 

Your niece,
Angela 

Don,
You will always be missed and remembered of how generous and thoughtful you were! When I married your lovely daughter Tammy Collins-Quinlan you brought me into your wonderful family like I was your own and treated me as if I was your son! I appreciate all that you taught me and wish we could have had more time together...love you always and forever, your son in-law, Fred Quinlan II

Dad, 
This is so hard to do, because I never thought it would be so soon. I've never met anyone with a bigger heart than you. I would be proud if I was known as half the man you were, when my time comes. Making you proud of me was always my most important goal. I have some big shoes to fill, but you've taught me well. I couldn't have asked for a better Dad, and even though I'll be missing you every day for the rest of my life, I know that you're up there, making Heaven great again! I love you.
~Your son Don

Dad,
They say that a girls first love is their father. When I was asked to share a memory, I didn't know where to begin. You taught me how to fish with nothing but a poll and a can of corn. You were the best at telling campfire stories. "Has anyone ever heard of the time dad fell into the fire?"lol Even when times were tough, we never knew it. You always tried to teach us how to live a better life. You may not have been able to attend every after school activity, but we knew Sunday was our day. Going to church, county fairs to Blakes Orchard. The Grand lighting to Uncle Mike's Collins haunted yard. To finally having your dream of  your own property and the Collins family farm.  After working all day you were still able to make all of that happen. Having horses,  chicken's, and of course the cows. For the joy of sharing it with all of your loved ones. Dad, theres not a day that goes by that your not on my mind. You are my hero. Your memory will live on. Untill we meet again.
Love, your daughter
Tami Collins-Quinlan 

 Don was one of most favorite people!! I will always be forever blessed to have known him!!!

Well. What can I say, but Don was one of the most kind, given,  loving soul!!! He always made me smile and when we would drive back and forth from Roseville, he'd tell the best stories and memories!!
He Loved my best friend wholeheartedly, he and Renée would crack me up. Just like an old married couple they were!!
Don did for everyone, never once thinking of himself!! And never ask for anything in return!
Don't was one of my most favorite people!!! I was very lucky to say he was my friend!!! 
Love you Don!!!



My Dear sweet husband , you will forever be in my heart, thoughts  and, memories. You were a wonderful husband, father, grandfather,  Brother ,uncle , Brother-in-law and son-in-law. You were the best thing that ever happened to me in my life and for that I am grateful and will forever be. I am overwhelmed with all the love and kind words and memories that are shared on your obituary.  I am proud to call you my husband and always have been. I will forever be grateful for all the fun memories and great times that we had together.  You are my rock, the peacemaker and the most kind loving person I have ever met in my life. I will truly miss you Donnie Ray Love your loving wife Rennie Ray. Forever in my heart you will be.

The world has lost a caring, generous and loving man.  Fred and I are so blessed to have met you and  Renee.  You will be deeply missed.   Because of your encouragement to work hard, live well and play safe, your family and friends will carry on your legacy of love and respect.  Don,  you can now rest in peace.   well done!

To my brother,
Donald, we have lost the foundation of our family. Everyone looked up to you. 
If there was a true Godfather in our family, it was you. You helped everyone in need including strangers. I’ve been so blessed to have you as my brother from the time we were little kids living at the Bear’s house till the last time we saw each other at the hospital. There are so many great memories to share, that I could write forever. This is the hardest letter I’ve ever written, so please excuse me while I wipe my tears. 
I’m so glad God blessed us with all those wonderful trips we took together after my beautiful wife, JoAnn, passed. I know you gave the Frog and everyone else that 
HUGE hug and I love you, when you guys met in Heaven. From the rest of your siblings, David, Lynn, 
Patrick and I ..... we love and miss you so much. Until we meet again, 
your loving brother,   Mike

with 
****The Dash****
Making a Difference with Your Life. It's not the date you were born, or the date you died that really matters.  It's "the dash" between those years and what you do with it that counts.** 
Rest in peace Don you made that difference.  

Even though we lived 1500 miles away, we are some very grateful people to have met You, Renee and the family, you so loved unconditionally,  without a doubt.  
Wish there was more time to spend together. We will never forget the opening arms you showed us when we first met.  Great family gatherings for sure!
You will live on in our memories!
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us"  
Helen Keller.    RIP Don


We couldnt help fall in love with you!  We loved how much you adored our daughter, Renee'!  You were such a generous, happy, considerate, FUNNY, family man!!   I'll never forget how you taught the kids, "sharing is caring", when they were all so young!!  Thank you for taking such great care with our daughter and grandkids!!  We will miss you terribly, along with your 'long face'!!!  We love you, Dad & Kath 

There are not enough words to describe our    “ Amazing”    brother- in-law!      So many memories,    So many laughs,    So many great memories!     You will forever be in our hearts and always on our minds.      You will be missed immensely.......  Prayers to our sister Renee’ and her family
RIP Donnie.    
We know you are watching over all of us!
Love,
 Danny and Steph (your other out-law)

I am so sad to hear of Dons passing. Heaven got an angel. I have known Don for 25 years.  He was a customer but more than that  a great friend. Loved the talks we had when I called on him.  To his family and employees take joy in your wonderful memories.  He will be greatly missed. 


 Your twin (my step dad) sure thought the world of his other half. He would often mention all the amazing things you would do for your employees and family.  I enjoyed the times I did get to hang out with you that’s for sure. The big summer party we went to was beyond words. My thoughts and prayers go out to Aunt Renee, the kids,  family and everyone else this man generously touched in his life time. Rest easy uncle Don. Cheers 

Uncle Don, you were such a nice, generous, sincere man. I will always picture you sitting behind your desk at Budget Electric. You were the boss of all bosses. The short time that i worked for you was such an awesome experience. Your brother Dave, and his wife Debbie 'my mom' loved you so so much. Daddy Dave always spoke of you and held you in such high regard. They loved visiting your property and spending time with you. Your wife Aunt Renee will be in my prayers. She has always been so kind, just like you. RIP Uncle Don.

We Grow together neighbors for a long time God I hate to see you go God bless your family and I wish we could go to a funeral Dave and Mike and Lynn and Patrick God be with you

I have fond memories of cousin Donny, when he would come to California to visit.
there are going to be some tough days ahead for the family .my husband passed away 6 weeks ago , so I know the heart ache all to well,
 stay strong , and be there for one another as much as possible. Lord knows there were plenty of family members up in heaven  waiting for him with open arms 

Rip heavenly angel you were just like my 2nd dad I miss you

He was always the best at telling ghost stories and my favorite person in the world and every time I see Mac and cheese or English muffins I think of him and if he could come back to life I would be the happiest person. I love you papa Don. And don't worry I'll never tell anyone who your favorite is. It's our secret I love you 


As I reflect back over the past  years,   so many things come to mind. You were a Veteran, a husband, a father, a brother( and a twin) ,an uncle a  friend a boss and my brother in law.   I remember the day of David's and my wedding,you were his best man. You came to pick myself and my bridesmaids up. You brought a bottle of champagne and wine glasses. We toasted. it was so thoughtful, and you said welcome to the family.  Such a sweet memory. All the good times in Port Ausin, Yale and Croswell. All the beautiful parties you and Renee put on. Many stories, many good times. I will always remember your smile and your  laugh. Especially when I look at David, I will always see and think of you.   I will miss you dearly, and you will forever be in my heart. God Bless You Don,Renee and all your family.  Much Love, Deb

My heart aches for the loss of my twin brotherDon, my other half. Also for the entire Collins family-especially for Renee and all six kids that Don so lovingly cared for.  I know that Renee has never cried so hard for anything in her life,  as she has for the loss of her husband Don.  I also know that no one on the earth could make her laugh more than Don did.  Don had this crazy funny kind of humor  between  the two of them, (Renee knows!).  I witnessed this for over 32 yrs. God Bless You Both.  My fondest memories are the many one on one back road trips we would take together.   Don would pick up some Kool Aid and we would hit the back country roads  10 to 15 M.P.H.  .  Just enjoying all the nature he and I loved so much.  We would talk for hours,  he had so many stories to tell. I will truly miss my brother forever.   Love ya,  David

Our hearts goes out to all of  you. Don was not only a boss but also a friend. We grieve with you. Love Allen and Michele

My family will forever cherish who you were Don... we love and miss you dearly 

What can I say you were number one.
I love you so much you were there for me since the day you met me. You never doubted me you never had anything but positive things to say and god as much as it use to upset me I will miss being sssshhhhhssseed by you. I love you so much papa Don you have made such a impact on my life and you know that.

I can’t thank you enough for the time, wisdom, and respect you help instill in myself as a youngster. For that it greatly help build myself into the Husband, father and worker I am today.   Thank you Mr Don , love you Sir! 

I am so sorry that you are all going through this Great Loss. 
My thoughts and prayers are with you All. 
May your spleded memories carry you all through. 
With Love - Robyn Henderson - Freddy & Tami' s  Florida Auntie -  Much Love to You All! 💖

My best friend taught me everything I know you were the most generious kind hearted soul god has found his new best friend you will truly be missed by a lot of people you have made so many dreams come true i love you dad Rest In Peace..

Gary and I have many memories of you. You always were smiling and happy. A very big heart. Generous and kind to many. You lived a good life your way. Kinda like our beloved Elvis. You did it your way. You were loved and appreciated by many. You will be missed. Get that lipstick kiss from sweet Evelyn. Until we see you again. Rest well. Another wondeful soul taken too young. Much love   Iva and Gary. 

My Dearest Uncle, Ive had so many great times with you as a kid. Some of my fondest memories are with you. You used to take us everywhere. All of us going up north all those times and you always being so good to us. I'll never forget!! There will never be another you. Your heart was pure golden. I'll miss you and will love you always. ❤



Our condolences to the family He was just a all around amazing man he loved life and lived it to the fullest I will always treasure the beautiful memories with my uncle RIP you will forever be missed and forever Loved ❤️

You volunteered to protect our country when you were just a kid. After that you made it your mission to protect your family. Everything you did in your life was to make your friends, family, and loved ones happy. You built cabins, beautiful Farms with horses, hunting camps, and had Christmas Grand lightings. You would secretly adopt families in need at Christmas. You would donate to multiple charities and even pay for complete strangers meals at restaurants. You would help out anyone in need without a question. You bought boats and properties , not for you,  so that your loved ones can enjoy all of it. You have thrown $10,000 House Parties multiple years in a row only to see the smiles on your loved ones faces and it was worth every dollar to you just to see them smile. There will never be another like you. You were like a superhero to me . From playing ball in the yard with me, taking me on hunting and fishing trips, family days, many vacations or even just dinner.  you taught me how to be a man, stick up for myself and be nice to the unfortunate. I love you so much, and I promise to think of you everyday......ps all food in heaven has flavor.......Love your son David

To the family of big Don I am so sorry for your loss A true legend and heart of gold  Donnie will surely be missed rest in peace. 

I am so sorry to learn of Donnie's passing. Although I hadn't seen him in many, many years we went through junior high and high school together. We all hung around in the same crowd. Prayers go out to his entire family as they navigate these next difficult days.

Just want to send my condolences to Renee and the family.  I remember Don and Dave back in jr high days. They were a lot of fun.  Don and Renee were a great couple together   And I know he will be greatly missed. God bless you all during these sad time. 

Uncle Donny was always such a funny guy. Almost always having a smile on his face, and a story to tell.

 He was full of many great ideas, and could always give some great advise! Especially with how to fix things, or Install them around the home.

He will be missed, Greatly, and will always be loved and cherished.

OBITUARY

Donald Ray Collins

September 4, 1947 – March 31, 2020

Kaul Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services