Lawrence Michael “Big Mike” Collins, 75, of Vancouver passed away July 24, 2014 at PeaceHealth Medical Center in Vancouver surrounded by love. He was born June 6, 1939 in Vancouver, WA to Larry O. and Mercedes Collins.
Mike was born and raised in Vancouver. He graduated from Fort Vancouver High School in 1957. As a young man he was a Boy Scout and continued to be committed to the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life. In the 1960’s, he was a volunteer fire fighter with Clark County Fire District 6 and obtained the rank of Captain. During the 1970’s he was elected Clark County Fire District 6 Commissioner. Mike grew up in his father’s construction business, Larry O. Collins Inc, in Vancouver, eventually taking over for his father. He was fortunate to be able to work with his father and, his sons. He had great pride being able to work with them every day. Family was incredibly important to him.
Mike was involved in many community organizations and enterprises. He built and maintained ownership of the Collins Plaza LLC on Highway 99 and along with his sons created “Big Mike’s” Equipment Rentals. He was a member of Royal Oaks Country Club, GYRO, Life member of Ducks Unlimited, Ft. Vancouver Power Squadron, Vancouver Elks #823, Operating Engineers Local 701, and the Portland Yacht Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and boating. One of the things he enjoyed the most was being a philanthropist. Mike was a lifelong supporter and participant in the annual Hazel Dell Parade of Bands and was honored for his contributions by being selected as Parade Grand Marshal.
Mike is survived by the love of his life, Barbara Pasmore; his sons, Pat (Shelley) Collins, Tom Collins, Casey (Sue) Collins and Barbara’s daughter Paula (Bill) Daniels; grandchildren, Stephanie, Ronni, Austin, Andrew, Ariel, Kaley, Katie and Megan; and great-grandchildren, D.J. and Logan. As well as his Mother in Law Monica Madden, Nephew Eric (Vanessa) Kastner, Niece Julie Kastner and his Aunt Ruth Bonner. He is preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Mercedes Collins; and brothers, Patrick and Thomas.
A funeral Mass for Mike will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 7, 2014 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 4723 NW Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA 98663.
Memorial donations may be made to Vancouver Ducks Unlimited In Memory of Mike Collins
Columbia Bank, 500 Broadway Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98660 “or” to the Boy Scouts of America (Cascade Pacific Council, BSA, 2145 SW Naito Parkway, Portland OR 97201).
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