Richard J. Collins

Richard J. Collins was born on October 2, 1943, in Provo, Utah, to Donald and Myrle Collins. He moved with his family when he was about 3 years old to Spokane, Washington which has been home for over 75 years. He attended J. J. Browne Elementary and graduated from Shadle High School in 1962. He continued his college education at Eastern Washington University. For the last 25 years he has been a self-employed consultant worldwide to the aluminum industry. Previously to that he worked at Wagstaff Incorporated in various aspects of the business. While there, he was named on nine patents that revolutionized the world aluminum casting process. Rich was married to L. Diane Collins in 1986. For over 35 years they have built a blessed life together. They share nine children. Next to his love, honor and respect to His Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, his family was who he lived for and served. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Donald and Myrle Collins, his sister, Myrlene Haskell (Don Haskell), Mark Collins, son, and Kerry Riley, stepson. He is survived by his wife, Diane, daughter, Jeanette Holt (Tim Holt), stepson, Chris Riley (Nikki Riley), stepdaughter, Kim Reichner (Scott Reichner), son, John Collins (Jen Collins), stepson, Eric Riley (Jill Riley), daughter, Karen Collins, son Michael Collins, 33 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Collins (Sharron Collins), Wayne Collins (Julie Collins) and Ed Collins (Marcia Collins) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rich was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was totally honored to be called a disciple of Christ as he chose to live a life to honor his Father in Heaven and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a result, throughout his adult years, he has served in various roles of leadership in the church. He loved all things involving sports. Basketball had to top them all. He loved following Gonzaga and BYU games and when the two played each other, either team could be the winner and he was fine with it. He himself played basketball as teenager into his adult years until basketball inflicted injuries caught up with him. He loved spending time at the lake pulling the kids and grandkids on tubes behind the boat, fishing, hiking, tinkering in his shop or working in his garden. He also loved to be of service to those around him.

He will be remembered for the love he showed to his family and others, his work ethic, his integrity, his intelligence, his humbleness, his humor, his “hello, hello, hello” greeting, being able to lull a little one to sleep rubbing their cheek and rocking them in his favorite lounge chair and being an example of what a husband and father and child of God should try to emulate.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 26th at 3 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5322 North Evergreen Rd, Spokane, Washington 99216. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rich’s life. It can also be watched on www.mountspokanestake.tv/richard.

The family would like to thank all the outreach of love, support, flowers, and memories shared and posted. It means so much! In memory of Rich, reach out and let those around you know you love them and do something kind for someone.