Don E. Collins, a leader, thinker, doer, and entrepreneur, departed this world on April 20, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, laughter, and enduring love. Throughout his life, Don exemplified the values of hard work, compassion, and unwavering dedication to family and community.

Don was born January 7, 1936 in Greeley, CO, the 4th child of 17 to Ameil Edward and Mabel Veda Collins. Don was preceded in death by his parents and 12 siblings.

From his humble beginnings as a laborer to his remarkable achievements as a journeyman ironworker and building contractor, Don approached each endeavor with a steadfast commitment to excellence. His mantra, "keep your head down and follow through," resonated deeply with all who knew him, embodying his ethos of diligence, integrity, and excellence. Another of his cherished sayings, "if you're gonna be a cat, be a wildcat," encapsulated his belief in giving nothing less than one's best in all endeavors. Don viewed life as an adventure and cherished every opportunity, freely sharing his life's bounty with his family and community.

As an entrepreneur, Don's innovative spirit and unwavering determination propelled him to success, leaving an indelible mark on the construction industry. His businesses, including Northwest Steel Erectors and DE/EN/CON, were a testament to his vision and tenacity. Naturally gifted in math and having an uncommon gift for planning, Don loved to build metal buildings. He traveled far and wide to erect these buildings which remain as a testament to his love for construction. His older children recall Dad and his family building their Kennewick home in the 1970's where family and friends gathered to celebrate life's precious moments and was a haven for those who entered it.

Don's favorite retreat was undoubtedly his trusty pick-up truck, where he found solace and inspiration on countless miles of open road, often accompanied by a good book. It was in the driver's seat that he felt most at home, his mind free to wander as he traversed the highways and byways of life.

Don's door was always open, welcoming all who crossed his threshold with a warm smile, a cup of coffee, and a listening ear. His genuine interest in others and his penchant for storytelling made him a beloved figure in every circle he touched. Beyond his professional pursuits, Don found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life. Whether embarking on fishing, camping and hunting expeditions , coaching little league baseball or perfecting his swing on the golf course, he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. His son Dan recalls the countless card games like Cribbage that his dad always won.

Don fostered deep connections with neighbors and relatives, cultivating a sense of community wherever he went. His unwavering loyalty to family was evident in his readiness to lend a helping hand, whether through employment opportunities, solving mechanical or construction challenges, advice or providing financial support. In the words of Don himself, "don't ya see?"

Don's memory will forever be cherished by his family, including his wife Pamela, children: Dan, Debbie (Ray), Deanna, Allison (Tristan), Jonathan (Mariam), 8 grandchildren, siblings: Joy, Sharon, Eugene, David and numerous nieces and nephews whose lives he touched profoundly with his boundless love and wisdom. Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit will live on in the countless lives he enriched and the lessons he imparted.

A celebration of Don's life will be held on May 4, 2024 at 1:00 pm, Eltopia United Church of Christ, 100 Lateral Dr, Eltopia WA, where friends and family will gather to honor his memory and share cherished stories.