Condolence: My prayers and love go out to all of Bills family and friends. I was a care giver to Bill for several years and a neighbour. Bill was a great man and story teller. I share with you all in missing Bill. Love Cathy

Condolence: On behalf of St. Andrew's United Church, I extend our sympathy to Bill's family and friends at his passing. We are honoured to be facilitating the memorial service and luncheon following.

May God hold you tenderly now, as always.

The Rev. G. David King
Interim Minister

Condolence: We are very sorry to hear the loss of your dad, Bill was a great guy, we knew him as neighbours and through business, he always had a smile and was a very kind man, he will be truly missed.

Condolence: For many years, your Dad worked in my Dad's real estate company in Unionville. I remember hearing from my Dad, how Bill was often the top selling agent. Mr. Bill Collins smiled and laughed often - which from a kid's perspective, makes all the difference. I have 3 particular memories that stand out: 1)There was a blizzard in the winter of 1972, and all roads were blocked, especially where we lived in north Markham on McCowan Road. Bill and his sons ski-dooed up, took orders from several farmsteads along McCowan Road, and delivered vital groceries along, otherwise, impassable roads.

2) At his cottage in the mid-1970's, I ignored everyone's advice to keep a water raft within the buoy lines, and curiously slipped out of the area, happily coasting along with the current, until it had me and I could not get back; Mr. Collins was the one who knew the dangers, was watching, and started his boat up to come and rescue me. My Dad certainly was not thrilled with me for this episode. 3) I believe it was 1975, steam train #6218 was to pass through Unionville on a special excursion. My brother and I happened to be at the real estate office that Saturday morning playing around. It was Bill Collins that informed my Dad that the train was coming through that morning - Dad didn't know about it - and was surprised to hear of it. Anyways, rather doubtfully, we all walked to the tracks at the estimated allotted time - no one else was there - which further confirmed in my Dad's mind, "no no, we would have seen it in the papers." A few minutes later, the shrill steam whistle dispelled all doubters and the intense bright headlamp, (even in the day time), could be seen in front of a stack of thick smoke - #6218 was indeed on her way. But what stuck in my mind that day, after the crossing gates had gone down, and the railway signals were sounding, Bill Collins was with his 16 mm camera standing dangerously close along the embankment near the tracks as #6218 roared closer - with her deafening whistle. About perhaps 50 yards away, a hand out of the engineer's cabin, indicating to get back, prompted Bill to step a few feet aside as the Iron Horse raced by. I remember your Dad's friendly and kind manner. As a kid, he impressed me. I'm sorry for your loss and wish all of you peace at this difficult time.

Condolence: To Mr. Billy and the Collins Family

Our Journey has come to an end. I so enjoyed the time I spent with you and your beautiful wife. I recall how much she loved getting her hair done. You were so proud of her. Caring for you both has been one of the highlights in my life.
Mr. Billy was a man of many stories, and surrounded himself with pictures that shared a thousand more.
He looked forward to our drives in the country, north or south, we’d sing and toot along. I will never forget our Christmas shopping trip when we got lost in Markham. Bill said, Helen if you can find #7 hwy, I can get us back home. Keep in mind this was at a time when Bill’s mind wasn’t as sharp as it once was. As we were made our way out of Markham the most wonderful thing happened, we drove right by the home he use to lived in. He was on cloud nine, beaming to see that the place hadn’t changed much and knowing that Lynda lived close by.
Bill’s smile, the many laughs, the toddy before dinner and the last squeeze of his hand has left me with so many wonderful memories. I will miss you deeply my friend.
To all the girl’s that helped along the way and to Dr. Laudanski, thank you. With your support we honoured Bill’s dream to be in his home till the end. I know that meant the world to him.

With love,
Helen Imrie

Condolence: Dear Family.......i have so many wonderful memories of your dad ..he was always up for fun ...i remember going to the old office to see dad..and your dad always came out to see us kids if we were in the car.....he would tell us.....tell dad to take you out for supper !!! ha ....and he ,,,like all the gentlemen that worked there...always had a nice fedora on ..always seemed to be smiling....those are some of remembrances ,,,,,,,truly honoured that i knew him ,,,,my thoughts and prayers to you all....xoxxoxoox

Condolence: Dear Family.......i have so many wonderful memories of your dad ..he was always up for fun ...i remember going to the old office to see dad..and your dad always came out to see us kids if we were in the car.....he would tell us.....tell dad to take you out for supper !!! ha ....and he ,,,like all the gentlemen that worked there...always had a nice fedora on ..always seemed to be smiling....those are some of remembrances ,,,,,,,truly honoured that i knew him ,,,,my thoughts and prayers to you all....xoxxoxoox

Condolence: It was a pleasure to have known Bill for many years. He always had a smile or a joke to tell. He will be missed by many. To the family , I am sorry for the loss of a great father.

Condolence: Our friendship spanned over 70 years from pre WW 2 to being neighbours in Ethel Park, and continuing with visits after our relocation to Collingwood. Bill, your laugh, smile and fun filled spirit will live forever.
Lorne and Dody Mitchell

Condolence: Sympathies to family and friends in the loss of Bill! Always a kind, gentle soul with a big heart and smile! RIP Bill! Keep smiling on the other side!