110 East 12th Street
Vancouver, Washington
LAWRENCE MICHAEL "BIG MIKE" COLLINS
June 6, 1939 ~ July 24, 2014
Lawrence Michael "Big Mike" Collins, 75, of Vancouver, WA, passed away July 24, 2014 at PeaceHealth Medical Center, surrounded by love. He was born June 6, 1939 to Larry O. and Mercedes Collins in Vancouver, WA, where he was raised, graduating from Fort Vancouver High School in 1957. As a young man, Mike 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 and Casey (Sue) Collins; Barbara's daughter, Paula (Bill) Daniels; grandchildren, Stephanie, Ronni, Austin, Andrew, Ariel, Kaley, Katie and Megan; great-grandchildren, D.J. and Logan; his mother-in-law, Monica Madden; nephew, Eric (Vanessa) Kastner; niece, Julie Kastner; and his aunt, Ruth Bonner.
He was preceded in death by his parents;; and brothers, Patrick and Thomas.
A funeral Mass for Mike will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thurs., Aug. 7, 2014 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 4723 NW Franklin St., 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).
Please share memories at:
www.VancouverFuneralChapel.net
and www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I have been so blessed knowing you and your family, from Larrys Motel to driving around in my dads old Packard out in the pasture. We had fun. So glad to see you one last time atthe parade. Thanks for the memories, God bless you and your family
Phyllis Egelston Monson
August 22, 2014
Big Buda
You worked well
You played well
Farewell
Your friend,
Terry Gierke
August 10, 2014
I will miss seeing Mike on his daily drives thru the job sites as I have for nearly 20 years. I had the pleasure of working for you for over 15 years, and you could always make me laugh and brighten a day with a joke or a good story. Rest peacefully and keep them laughing up there Big Mike.
Doug Deschamps
August 8, 2014
As you know, your family was so special to our family many years ago. You hold a special place in my heart and am so sorry of the loss of your most beloved Dad. Special hugs, love, and prayers go out to all of you.
Judy Woodall- Turner
August 7, 2014
RIP.........
pete chavez
August 7, 2014
I Loved your father very much and love all three of you boys. My heart is with you today
Love,
Michelle
Michelle Dillon
August 7, 2014
Oh Mike, we were so sad to hear of your passing. We have such great memories of our times together. For me it is just short of 70 years since you and I met on the merry go round at the 4 room Hazel Dell school. You were the best friend any one could have ever had.I never met a person in my life who matched your kindness, support and joy for life . I grieve tonight as I remember those great innocent days as we romped through Hazel Dell together.
To Barbara, Pat,Tom and Casey and family, we offer our sincere condolences on the lost of a fine man. Mike, may you rest in peace and may perpetual light of Heaven shine on you.
Paul and Sue Cannard
August 6, 2014
We will miss you Mike, we will treasure our great memories.
Our hearts to Barb and everyone in the Collins family,
Mike & Melodie Seelbinder
August 6, 2014
Condolences Collins family and best of friends.
Mr Collins was a great guy, one of the best, MVP quality.
In honor of and in memory of Mr Collins, a tree will
be planted on our property, located in rural Washougal.
You had a good ride Big Mike.
You left a lasting legacy, a darn good one!!
Your family and friends can be proud.
Respectfully,
Kenny Cochran and family
Kenny Cochran
August 5, 2014
We will miss BIG MIKE he was a kind and generous man and a good friend, always had fun with him at the duck shack or fishing buoy ten or at Palm Desert.RIP Big Mike. Ray and Karen Taylor
August 5, 2014
Will miss BIG MIKE alot good friend and generous person no matter where it was, bouy ten or the duck shack or in Palm Desert, Ray and Karen Taylor.
August 5, 2014
Mike will be missed!!! He was always so gracious to everyone he met---great school friend! My heart goes out to his family--but he is in a better place, no more pain or suffering!
Nanci Primley-Stenshoel
August 5, 2014
God grant you eternal joy and peace. Thanks for all you did for us at Our Lady of Lourdes and St John's.
Michael OBrien
August 4, 2014
i rem going to larry,os with my grandparents and always playing on the heavy equipment and my mom working for mike i stayed in touch with pat,casey till my accident in 1980 my thought are with u kids, esp pat. RIP MIKE go add wings to a FIRETRUCK LOL
Mark Cherington
August 4, 2014
The entire Collins family is extremely special to me and as the patriarch of this family, your passing affected me deeply. Rest in peace and continue to spread joy up in heaven. Hugs to Pat, Tom & Casey. I am so sorry I won't be able to attend the service, but will be there in spirit.
Nancy Giacolone
August 4, 2014
We had some good times.You are a great friend.I will see you again someday.You had a great life and a great family.
Bill Smith
August 3, 2014
Rest in Peace Big Mike ,will miss you stopping by the Carwash to visit me and always joking and giving me a bad time . You are a great man and will always be remembered .
Jeff Cramer
August 3, 2014
Thank you for all the love you showed us each day. We love and miss you dearly! We will proudly carry on your legacy ?? Rest in heaven with your friends & family!
Sue Collins
August 3, 2014
RIP Dad.. We love and miss you forever. Thank you for your love & care!
Your very grateful Son~ Casey Michael Collins
Casey Michael Collins
August 3, 2014
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