Richard Wayne Collins

Richard Wayne Collins was born in Presidio, Texas on September 01, 1943 to Arthur Albert & Margaret June Collins. He was blessed with his Mother's loving, caring demeanor and his Father's talent with the paint brush. His passion was art and restoring cars. He took pride in every single masterpiece he created. One of his most proud accomplishments was spending 4 years serving our country, as a Marine. Soon after he was discharged, Rich married his high school sweetheart Janice Iverson. Despite going their separate ways, they remained lifelong friends. In all of the roads traveled he created many very close friends, too many to name and always remembered. Our family wants to thank all of his friends for helping Rich create the memories that meant the "world" to him. Prior to returning to Philipsburg Rich lived in Denver, Colorado with his partner Laurene Engle and her two children. They developed a very special bond. His natural artistic ability provided him his first professional position at Hennessey's as their commercial artist. Rich's work was all free hand of Hennessy's models for marketing their garments for sale. His work was published in the Montana Standard. Rich enriched our lives with his sense of humor. The locals were entertained daily by his humorous stories while he managed the Solid Waste facility. He rescued junk to create the ever-changing bedazzled bus. His young nieces and nephews were unable to pronounce "Richy" so he became "Gikky". Rich was a wonderful man that was loved, is missed and will always be cherished. We find peace knowing he is in God's hands. We will be forever indebted to him for the care of our Mom! Loved ones that cleared the path for Rich are his Father Art Collins, Step-Father Ted Saurer, Sister Karilyn DeCouteau, Nephews Todd Heimark, Brett and Teddy Jo DeCouteau. Rich is survived by his Mother, June; Brother Ronald and Jane Collins of Deer lodge; Sister Linda and Grant Ellison of Anaconda; Sister Robin and Doug Morrison of Philipsburg; Sister Terri and Rich McDaniel of Spokane; and numerous nieces and nephews. We love you Gikky.