Michael was born in Vallejo, CA, to Jack and Ann (Johndro) Collins, on September 2, 1964.  He was the oldest of four siblings and the best big brother of Stephen, Leah, and Sarin that they could ever wish for.  Growing up, he enjoyed school and learning, he liked participating in school activities, and he was always willing to help others, especially his brother and sisters, in any way he could.  Mike attended elementary school in Muncie, IN (1969-74), and East Glenville, New York (1974-77).  In early 1977, the family relocated to Richland, WA, where Mike attended Carmichael Junior HS and Columbia HS where he graduated with the class of 1982.  The highlight of his formal education was choosing to be a WSU Cougar and attending Washington State University with many of his close friends.  As a university student, he was considered a “hard-core” Cougar, attending every football game possible including the Rose Bowl, continuing the passionate rivalry against UW, and hanging with his close friends.  In 1986, Mike graduated with a BS degree in Chemical Engineering and many great memories.  Following college, Mike returned to Richland and was offered a job with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) primarily involving project management and environmental clean-up related activities.  Mike enjoyed working for the DOE and with the many peers and colleagues he interfaced with during his 30-year working career at Hanford.  In 1993, Mike married Shannon Turnbow, and they raised their four children (Sean, Kevin, Katie, and Joseph) in Richland.

Outside of work, Mike also had an active life: Spring and Summer were filled with gardening, the Cabin Bash, Art in the Park, camping, and more gardening. Fall and Winter were spent sledding and picking up after Mother Nature, attending his children’s school performances, family holiday events, and garden to prepare for Spring. For fun, Mike loved his marathons, and one could catch him practicing more often than not for his next one. If not jogging, he was walking and admiring the view (day or night) or he was puttering through his garden where various species of vegetables, flowers, herbs, and fruits were grown. Mike was an easily pleased man. He liked deli meats and cheeses, classic rock, and Star Trek. He often had sticky notes on hand to write out his thoughts on the current book he was reading, he also took time every day to read his Bible. It was general consensus among those that knew him that he could answer every question on Jeopardy correctly. He also worked regularly on teaching himself Italian, Irish, or sign language just in case he would need it for his next adventure.

Mike cared deeply for his loved ones and continuously did small deeds for anyone who needed it, often planning Christmas presents out years in advance, or during the winter by shoveling his neighbor’s sidewalk at 5AM so he could sneak back into his home with no one the wiser. One could always have an interesting conversation on any topic with Michael and learn something from his frequent fun facts. His children have benefitted from having such a brilliant and personable father as they grew up, helping them know how to be better people because of him.

Michael is survived by his children, siblings, parents, former spouse, and many, many friends and extended family who will all miss him and his disposition greatly. Michael Collins was a wonderful man who felt deeply and expressed his care for everyone, especially so in the daily journal that he kept and in his prayers. Our love for him will live on in our memories forever.

“…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4: 1&2

A celebration of life will be held at Einan’s at Sunset Gardens at noon on Saturday, March 20, 2021