Obituary of David "Leo" Collins

COLLINS: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Leo Collins at the age of 46 years. Leo died peacefully surrounded by the love of his family and friends on May 2nd, 2011 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Beloved husband and best friend of Mary-Lou. Devoted father of John, Steven and Robert. He was predeceased by his father, David Collins and father-in-law, Orlando Caruso. He will be sadly missed by his mother, Mary Grace, mother-in-law, Ida Caruso, and step-mother Joan Collins, who he deeply cared for. He was an influential brother to Kevin (Maria) Collins and Joe Collins with whom he loved to share entertaining stories of their childhood. His family circle grew to include brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law when he married Mary-Lou in 1989. He loved to spend hours around the dinner table with Scott and Emily Thibeault, John and Brenda Caruso, and Mark and Jaclyn Caruso enjoying each other's company and sharing much laughter. He will also be missed by nephews Kyle Collins, Kyle Thibeault, Bradley and Gregory Caruso, Tyler and Landon Caruso and his favourite niece, Jennifer Thibeault. Leo could often be found getting into mischief with the kids and enjoying it to the fullest. His career with Maple Leaf Foods began in Dundas, Ontario. In 2005, he moved the family from Brantford, ON to Brandon, MB to assume his newly appointed position as Plant Manager of the Brandon Pork Processing Plant, Maple Leaf's largest facility. Leo's career took him to many places and over the years he formed special friendships. Every year they travelled hundreds of miles to meet for golf, fishing and football trips. He loved life and embraced everything it had to offer. Leo was very community minded and enjoyed working on many committees and fundraisers. In 2010, he was proud to be a member of the Olympic Torch Relay Team in Brandon. Leo will be sadly missed by his family and friends, but leaves behind a legacy of wonderful memories to comfort our hearts. Prayers will be held at Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., with a time of visitation to follow. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 9, 2011 at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, 327 – 4th Street, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Dominic Yuen as Celebrant. A graveside service will be held at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, People's Road, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leo's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Unit 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 5B7 or a charity of choice Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com. "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." Henry David Thoreau