Obituary of Donald Collins

COLLINS, Donald Gerard ~ Peacefully on Thursday, August 25th, 2011 at Lambton Lodge, Forest in his 86th year. Beloved husband of Loreen Collins (nee Kapler). Dear father to Thomas (Barbara) Collins. Loved grandfather of Kathryn (Guy) Havell and Donny Collins. Great grandpa of Jessica Havell. Pre-deceased by spouse Beverly (Berge), daughter Carol Anne (Ostrosser), brother John Collins, sisters Jean McCracken and Marjorie Fryer. Don was a labour and political activist, union negotiator and retired as the Canadian leader of the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union. He served as Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Labour, the first labour member of the Ontario Pension Commission and sat on the Board of Directors for Kings College and Victoria Hospital as well as miscellaneous boards and commissions in Ontario. In his retirement Don was an active member of the Forest, Ontario community, including President of the Forest Legion, Branch 176. Remembered by his colleagues and friends for his love and respect for all of us. Visitation at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street, London on Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm and Thursday, September 1st, 2011 from 9:30-10:15 am. Funeral mass to be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 511 Cheapside Street, London on Thursday, September 1st, 2011 at 10:30 am followed by internment at St. Peter's Cemetery. Special service for members of Forest Legion, Branch 176 on Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 at 6:30 pm at John T. Donohue Funeral Home. Prayers Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Our sincere thanks to the staff of Lambton Lodge for their compassionate and steadfast care. Donations to the Mission Services of London would be appreciated as an expression of solidarity with the working poor.