Obituary of Paul Dwayne COLLINS

July 24, 1970 – Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland

May 4, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Paul Dwayne Collins, beloved husband of Fran Matthews (nee deBakker), of Calgary, AB, on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at the age of 50 years.

Paul was born in Grand Falls-Windsor, NFLD, on July 24, 1970. He graduated from Booth Memorial High School in 1988 before attending Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he graduated with a degree in Statistics in 1993. Then in August of 1997, he moved to Calgary, AB. Paul met Fran in August of 2007 and they became close friends, and in March of 2013 they became life partners. Paul was dedicated, loyal and meticulous in everything he did. If he didn't know how to do something, YouTube was his best friend. He had a passion for photography and woodworking. He wasn't happy until it was perfect. Paul enjoyed the outdoors, taking many camping trips and day trips to the Rockies, and road trips around Alberta, B.C., and NFLD. For all he went through this past year he never lost his sense of humor, always trying to stay positive. He will be missed greatly by many. 

Besides his loving wife Fran Matthews, Paul is survived by many loving family members, his father Alexander (Clarice) Collins, sister Michelle (Gerald) Rose, brothers, Lt. Maurice Collins, and Jason (Jennifer Marsh) Collins; nieces, Sarah Rose, and Jillian Pardy; nephews, Christopher (Ally Mooney) Collins, and Shawn Rose; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Paul is also survived by his stepsister Angela (Kent) Butt with their son Brandon and daughter Laura; stepdaughters, Amie, Chelsea, and Savannah Matthews; and granddaughter Tahlia. He was predeceased by his mother Priscilla Collins.

A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held at a later date when it is safe to do so. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Paul’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Miss Me But Let Me Go
 

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me, but let me go

For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.

Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again.

In living memory of Paul Collins, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.