Frank Ralph Collett

Frank was Born March 7, 1936 in Hagerman, Idaho to his father, Ralph Thomas Collett and mother, Irene Mable Eliason. After moving from job to job his parents settled on a homestead in Grand View, Idaho. Frank attended the College of Idaho then went to the University of Idaho where he graduated with a master's degree in civil engineering. He taught at the University of Idaho for a couple of years then went to work for the US Forest Service for over 30 years until his retirement on May 1, 1994. His job took him all over the US, including McCall, Idaho; Ogden, Utah; Elko, Nevada; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and finally, Portland, Oregon. A notable aspect of his career was his work to replace roads, structures, and campgrounds after the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980, of which he received several honors for his work. One highlight was a helicopter ride in and around Mt. St. Helens, just weeks after the eruption in order to assess the damage and decide the future of the area.

Frank met his wife Nadine in McCall, Idaho in 1965. They were married February 5, 1966, at Frank's parents' home in Grand View, Idaho. Their first child Ray Frank Collett was born in Elko, Nevada, and their second child was Paul Joseph Collett born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Frank was active in Boy Scouts and was proud that both of his boys each became Eagle Scouts. In addition to being active with his son's troops, he volunteered for several years at the district level, helping dozens of youths complete their Eagle Scout award.

While living in Tigard, Frank and his wife were active members of a Square Dance club and they usually danced 3 or 4 times a month and attended most of their club’s other events and camping trips.

Nadine's parents, with Frank & Nadine's help, built a cabin in 1978 near Greenhorn, Oregon. It became a tradition to spend Christmas and/or New years at the cabin, as well as a week during spring break, and multiple summer and fall trips. During the winter, the cabin was only accessible via an 11-mile snowmobile ride. Spending time at the Cabin was a particularly special part of Frank's life.

While living in McCall, Idaho in 1966, Frank & Nadine bought a pickup mounted camper and used it hundreds of times for camping and hunting, activities that they loved doing. In 1995 they replaced the old camper with a 5th Wheel RV for camping and long road trips. In 1997 they used it to tour Alaska for three months with square dance friends, Jack & Marge Harmon. In 2013 they went to Arizona in February and to Alaska again for two months in the summer. They used the 5th wheel extensively until about 2020.

Frank and Nadine were close to all of their extended families and went to many family reunions and gatherings with both sides of their families.

Frank is survived by his wife, Alice Nadine Collett; two sons, Ray Frank Collett (Nancy Faye Collett) and Paul Joseph Collett (Sophy Jane Collett); three Grandchildren, Kaden Ray Collett, Gavin Cosgrove Collett & Merida Nancy Collett. He is survived by 5 brothers and 1 sister: Kenneth Ray Collett, Delores E Collett, Lee Ward Collett, Neal Earl Collett, Glen Alton Collett and Delores E Zaugg. His sister Dorene Mae Sudweeks passed away in 2021. Two Brother-in-laws, Earl Max Sudweeks and David M. Zaugg also preceded him in death.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.org for the Collett family.