April 16, 1943 - April 17, 2010 - Michael was born in Buchans, Newfoundland in 1943, son of Michael Collins (1909-1987) and Margaret (Hearn) Collins (1918-1975). He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Rogers (Married in 1966), his sons, Sean (Phyllis) and Erin (Natasha), and his five granddaughters, Hannah Mary, Kelsey Margaret, Porsha, Eva, and Kaja. He is also survived by four sisters, Elizabeth Nowlan (Peter), Mary Erikson (Gary), Regina Bailey (Bill), Helen O'Brien (Paul), and predeceased by his brother Paul Collins [1958-1959]. Also leaving to mourn his brother-in-law Roy Rogers (Sharon) and three sisters-in-law, Shirley Goodyear (John), Michelle O'Brian, and Judy Wiegert (Mike). A proficient and pre-eminent geologist, Michael worked with numerous mining and mineral exploration operations in the Buchans, Green Bay, and Baie Verte regions from the early 1960s through to the 1980s. Prior to his retirement, Michael worked for sixteen years at the Department of Mines and Energy where he made great contributions to the mining sector through his work in mineral assistance and prospector training.
Happiness includes chiefly the idea of satisfaction after full honest effort. No one can possibly be satisfied and no one can be happy who feels that in some paramount affairs he failed to take up the challenge of life.
- Arnold Bennett
Michael took up the challenge of life and every other challenge with relentless zeal and the fiercest work ethic. He will be dearly missed. Viewing will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20 at Caul's Funeral Home (84 LeMarchant Rd.) including a brief service at 6 p.m. that day. No flowers by request. Donations to the charity of your choice will be gratefully accepted.