Richard Mark Collins
Richard Mark Collins, age 89, passed away quietly at home on February 28, 2024, in Edmonds, WA following a brief illness. Richard’s birth name was Verlyn Mark, born on Sept 25, 1934 in Tacoma, WA, having his name officially changed on January 9, 1953.
Richard Collins
He graduated from Queen Ann High School in 1952 and shortly after graduation, joined the US Navy, reporting to San Diego, CA. Richard’s tour of duty was in South Korea serving as a Landing Craft Medium, later reported to the Pearl Harbor Naval base in Honolulu, HI for his remaining time. Richard reenlisted in the naval reserves for another 4 year term, serving time at Lake Union in Seattle. After being discharged from the Navy, he returned home met and married his first wife, Marilyn Roach and had three children.
Richard had several jobs during his lifetime starting as a gas station attendant then a purchasing for an automotive warehouse. After 21 years as a purchasing agent, and a love for golf, began working at the local golf courses as a greens keeper.
During his working career, Richard kept busy with various activities, one being youth sports namely hockey. Through the Seattle Jr Hockey program, the NW Americans team was the only American team to play in the Canadian league which continued until 1998, achieving league championships several times. Other activities he enjoyed were golf, skiing, softball, biking and sailing. Richard loved the outdoors, young people and animals. His family and friends will always remember him as a fun, lovable man with a great personality.
Richard is survived by his wife, Vicky (Bell), of Edmonds; his three children, Shauna A (Mark) Eggen, of Lake Tapps, WA; Mark R (Jan) Collins, of Spokane, WA; and Shannon J (Jim) Roselli of Hanalei, HI along with six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight Hubbard Collins and Mable Rebecca (Greenwood) Cook, his two brothers, Vernon and Virgil, of Seattle; and his two sisters, Virginia of Renton and Vera Mae (Peggy) of North Bend, WA.
The family would like to thank all the family members and friends for your spiritual support at this time. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations may be made to Providence Hospice & Home Care of Snohomish County at 1615 75th St SW, Suite 210, Everett, WA 98203.
Internment will be at the Tahoma National Cemetery, Covington, WA.
3 Responses to “Richard Mark Collins”
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Uncle Dick always had a smile and a joke. He called me a baby once when I hurt my wrist playing volleyball at our family reunion. He was laughing the whole time. He coached a hockey team and I guess he thought I should toughen up. I’m glad I got to see him a few months earlier and of course he was still smiling. Loved him so much. See you on the other side Uncle Dick.
Uncle Dick was always upbeat and happy. He loved his siblings and family. My mother, his sister Vera said he could draw pictures and should have taken up artwork.Im proud that he served our country as did his brother and my brothers. I’ll miss him but I know where he is and I’ll see him again…
Dick was a great friend and uncle.He and a Norwegian friend of his took me up to Paradise Lodge where we would take pieces of linoleum and slide toward the edge of the cliff and fall off just before the edge. Crazy as it was,but that was Dick. I and my wife will miss him, but look forever to seeing him again. Vicky God be with you and support you through the days ahead.