Collins, Dale Arden, 73, of Caribou, at Caribou, on February 7, 2011. Arrangements are in the care of the Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
Caribou — Dale Arden Collins, 73, died February 7, 2011, surrounded by his family at a local health care center. He was born in Mars Hill June 24, 1937, the son of the late Elmer Collins and Grace (Hallet) Smith. He served with the U.S. Army from 1955-1958 in the Combat Engineer and Missile Battalion and then served with the U.S. Navy from 1958-1962 as a Signalman on the USS Claude Jones. After his discharge from the Navy, Dale became a patrol officer for the Caribou Police Department, working there for seven years. In 1969 he began a 23 year career with the Presque Isle Police Department. He served as a patrol officer until 1976, when he was promoted to Detective. In 1982 he was again promoted to Sergeant and again in 1990 to Deputy Chief of Police, a position he held until his retirement in 1992. In March 1993, he began working for the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department with his wife transporting prisoners until 2002. Dale enjoyed spending time at his camp on St. Froid Lake with his wife and family. He enjoyed many motorcycle rides with his wife on their Honda Goldwing and contributed his help to his wife’s charitable work. Dale was a member of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement motorcycle club, a lifetime member of the VFW, a member of the Henry B Pratt Post 15 American Legion, The Presque Isle Elks and the International Law Association.
Mr. Collins was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth in 2010 and a sister, Anna Maria Williamson. He is survived by his son, Anthony and his wife, Lisa and their children, Brandon, Bradley and Emily of Woodland; two daughters, Sharon Ellis and her children, Brandon and Caitlin of Caribou and Annette Newberry and her husband, William and their children, Elizabeth and Jackson of Standish; four sisters, Carolyn Malone and Glenda Bell of Mars Hill, Gloria Connolly of Perham and Patricia Santiago of Presque Isle; one aunt, Nita Flannery of Mars Hill; many nieces and nephews in the states and England.
Family and friends were invited to a celebration of Dale’s life Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 1-3 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Washburn Rd., Caribou. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mr. Collins may do so through the National Alzheimer’s Assoc., 383 US Route 1, Suite 2C Scarborough, ME 04074. Arrangements by the Mockler Funeral Home Caribou. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
