1922 - 2016
Passed peacefully away on April 23 after a lengthy illness, John F. Collins, aged 93. Predeceased by parents James and Daisy (Myrick) Collins; seven brothers and sisters; wife Irene (Halley) and John, their youngest son. John leaves to remember and celebrate his life his devoted youngest brother Ray; children Victoria, Mark (Leann) and Elaine (Joseph Llamzon); grandchildren Emma, Samuel and Abigail Collins, and Thomas Llamzon as well as a wide circle of family, friends and colleagues. Born in St. John's, John was educated at St. Bonaventure's College, Memorial University College and University of Edinburgh, where he received a medical degree in 1950. After specializing as a pediatric cardiologist, he worked in private practice and at the Janeway Child Health Centre and Grace General Hospital until 1979. He represented St. John's South as MHA from 1975-1989, and also served at various times as minister of finance, president of treasury board, minister of health and deputy premier. He retired in 1996 after working for several years in property management. During the Second World War he served as a radio officer in Newfoundland and Labrador and shipboard in the merchant marine on the North Atlantic supply runs to Murmansk, Russia. He was honoured by the Russian government with medals for his service. The family thanks Dr. Sathya of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Centre, Dr. Hurley of Palliative Care at the Miller Centre and the many dedicated doctors, nurses and health care workers who treated John. Special thanks to Debbie Humphreys who took exceptional care of him over the past six months. Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 1, from 2-8 p.m. at Carnell's Funeral Home, Freshwater Rd. A celebration of John's life will be held on Monday, May 2, at 9:30 a.m. at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Torbay Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Memorial University where an endowment to support students will be established. To send a message of condolence or sign the memorial guest book, please visit www.carnells.com.