COLLINS, Donald A., 71, New Limerick, May 2, 2016. Services were held on Saturday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Houlton United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton.
NEW LIMERICK — Donald “Donnie” A. Collins, Jr. 71, passed away peacefully Monday, May 2, 2016 at Maine Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 23, 1944 in Rumford, the son of Donald A. Collins, Sr. and Leitha (Dougherty) Collins.
Donnie graduated from Dixfield High School, Class of ‘63 and received a degree in Agriculture Resource Economics from the University of Maine in 1973. He was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture until his retirement in 2009. Donnie worked in the Field offices of Bangor, Caribou, Machias and Houlton. He later became the Resource Conservation District coordinator for Aroostook County. Donnie truly loved and embraced his work with the local farmers and land owners. Even after retirement, he continued to support conservation practices in the area. He continued his love of learning and completed the CNA and EMT courses so that he could care for others in need. Donnie was an active member of the Houlton United Methodist Church, past president of Vital Pathways and current President of Houlton Community Golf Course. He participated in many other community organizations, including the Board of Directors for Big Rock Mountain. Donnie was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in 2012 from the Houlton Rotary Club.
Donnie is survived by his wife of 51 years Marion Morgan Collins; his son Christopher Collins and his wife Emily of Marlboro, MA; his daughter Courtney Fein and her husband Mickey, their children Jacklyn and Ty all of Easton, PA; his brother Daniel Collins and his wife Becky of Dixfield; his brother-in-law Robert Morgan and his wife Connie of Farmington; several nieces and nephews, many, many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his infant daughter Catherine Louise Collins, his brother James who passed away Sunday, May 1, 2016 just one day before his own passing.
Friends may call 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Houlton United Methodist Church with a celebration of Donnie’s life beginning at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. Victor Han officiating. A time of fellowship and refreshments will be held following the service in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Donnie’s memory payable to Vital Pathways, the Riverfront Project or Golf for Life Program at the Houlton Community Golf Course, c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park Stree, Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences and guest book: dunnfuneral.com.
Donnie was a friend to everyone. He always took the time to share a story or to listen. He graciously lived his life faithfully, positively and lovingly. He dedicated his life to his family and friends and to making the community a better place for all.
