Robert Joseph Collins, 36, shocked us all when he suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on May 31, 2022. 

He blessed us with his presence beginning on September 29, 1985. Belonging to a large family, he had four children of his own. Calling him Dad are Tierra Laque, 18, Cadence Collins-Laque, 13, Noah Collins, 9, and Aries Deshner, 2.

His mother, Letha Collins, 81, remembers him as a sweet and loving little kid with glasses bigger than his eyes. As a rough and tumble little boy, keeping him in eyeglasses and shoes was no easy feat. Traits that continued into adulthood. Robert, called Bobby in his younger years, went to Farwell Elementary School in Mead, WA and then Glacier Elementary in Columbia Falls, MT. He also attended Columbia Falls Junior High and High Schools. While at Glacier Elementary, he was featured in the Daily Interlake paper as part of a small group selected to visit with the Veterans. 

Robert's easy going, friendly, kind, and compassionate nature certainly explained his ability to make friends wherever he went. His crazy antics, spontaneity, willingness to help, and risk-taking behavior always left an impression. 

Outside was his playground. Playing until it got dark and not afraid to get dirty, he loved camping, fishing, hiking, and working outside. He was naturally good at and loved landscaping. Robert got the biggest kick out of making an area beautiful using well placed plants, trees, and grass. 

Robert liked to draw, and he had many tattoos. He used his dremel to carve artwork into granite remnants, wooden boxes, and other stones. His favorite thing was playing video games and doing anything with his kids including riding bikes, goofing off in the yard, hanging by the fire pit, camping, and of course, fishing. A devoted father, he would encourage his children in any way necessary and anyway that was fun. 

Robert grew up with a lot of brothers and sisters having all the ups and downs, fights and togetherness, struggles and triumphs. Siblings, Denise Pilgrim, 60, Darryl Hutchison, 58, Jerry Collins 49, Angel Slater, 48, Andrea Barry, 42, Justin Collins, 41, Katelynn Drum, 39, and Brittany Stout, 35 all have their own Robert stories. 

As with any big family, the number of extended relatives is numerous, but include many cousins; aunts; uncles; and nieces and nephews. He has so many people that knew and loved him like family, including the Knutson and Laque families.

Like everything else he did in life, he did so with passion, drive, and determination. Robert loved his family and friends as much as we loved him. He will not be forgotten.

Services will be held in Great Falls, MT at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. for one last goodbye. All that knew and loved him are welcome to attend.