Obituary of Patrick Gerald Collins

Patrick G. Collins, 90, of Buchanan, passed away at his residence with his loving family at his side, following a brief illness. He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada on May 17, 1930 to the late Orville William and Ann Isabelle (Mooney) Collins. After graduating high school, Patrick obtained a degree from Military Academy in North Bay, Ontario. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps serving his country proudly during the Korean Conflict before receiving his honorable discharge in 1953. On January 3, 1953 in Grand Haven, Michigan Patrick wed Dolores M. Ralya; together, they raised four children. Patrick owned and operated Blossomland Nursing Home in Benton Harbor and Bry-Fern Nursing Home in Berrien Center until his retirement in 1984. He had a love of horses that lasted throughout his life. He was a member Southwest Michigan Horse and Buggy Association and The American Carriage Association. He always looked forward to driving teams of horses, traveling to horse and carriage auctions as well as taking a ride every now and then. Patrick and Dolores were inseparable; the two of them have been together for seventy years, traveling, antiquing and wintering in Florida. Patrick was an avid reader and had a magnificent business mind. He has been attending St. Anthony Catholic Church in Buchanan. Patrick is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Barbara Teunis. He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores Collins of Buchanan; his children, Debra (Michael) Bulat of Lakeland, Florida, Brian (Tammy) Collins of Berrien Springs, Steve Collins of Buchanan and Dawn Collins of Buchanan; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with Recitation of The Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Patrick’s family will gather to remember him in a private ceremony with Full Military Honors rendered by the U.S. Marine Corps. Memorial contributions may be made in Patrick’s memory to Caring Circle 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085. Memories of Patrick may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. Patrick will be remembered for his kindness to all and his love for his family.