Mike Collins joined his parents and granddaughter June Collins in heaven early March 12, 2018.  He was 78.

Mike was born on December 8, 1939 in Vermillion, South Dakota to his parents, Kenneth and Helen Collins. He was raised in Umatilla, OR and Sunnyside, WA with his brother Ken and sister Pat. He graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1958 and attended Central Washington University for two years.  He married Charlene LaMotte in 1961.  In 1963, Mike was drafted by the Army and proudly served his country for two years as company clerk in Fort Hood and Fort Benning.  Their oldest son Mike was born in Fort Hood, TX.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Mike worked and eventually supervised many hydroelectric and nuclear projects around the Northwest. In 1968, their youngest son Drue Collins was born in The Dalles, OR.

 In 1986, Mike and Charlene retired from the construction life and became small business owners.  Eventually buying and successfully operating three different motels.  In 2002, they sold their business and retired back to the Tri-Cities to be closer to the family who were the joy of Mike’s life.

Mike and Charlene were happily married for over 56 years.  Mike loved to spend time and joke with his grandkids.  He looked forward to family gatherings and holidays and they brought him his greatest joy.  His proudest moments were when his sons and granddaughters graduated from college.  He loved to watch sports on TV but not nearly as much as he did watching his grandkids play.  He would play cards or board games with anyone, anywhere, or at any time.  He had a fantastic sense of humor and his laugh was contagious.

Mike is survived by his wife Charlene, sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Sheri Collins of College Place, WA and Drue and Leanna Collins of West Richland, WA; his sister and brother-in-law Pat and Darrell Cockrum, and his brother and sister-in-law Ken and Peggy Collins.  He was also extremely proud of his five grandchildren: Ashley, Amy, Quinten, Payten, and Austen Collins. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter June Collins. 

Public Viewing will be held from 3:00pm-5:00pm on 3/16/2018 at Einan's at Sunset in Richland. The funeral will be held at 11:30 AM on 3/17/2018 at The Holy Spirit Catholic Church on 7409 W. Clearwater, Kennewick.  Lunch will be provided afterwards.