Walter E. "Skip" Collins Jr.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Walter "Skip" Edward Collins Jr., 77, of Franklin, NH. He passed away in his home on March 21, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones after a long battle with cancer. Skip was born in Franklin, NH, on October 16, 1946, to Walter E. Collins Sr., and Christine (Read) Collins. 

Skip was truly an amazing man in every sense of the word, a man of incredible wisdom and love. He lived a good life with his favorite pastime of spending weekends with his family at the camp on Norton Lake in Vermont. At camp, he enjoyed taking his family around the lake in his WetVet, snowmobiling, and hunting in the winter. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July and he always celebrated at camp with an over-the-top firework display. He was a skilled water-skier and a skilled auto body mechanic who owned and operated Collins Auto Body out of Franklin, NH. He was a man of few words but his actions spoke volumes. He tackled every challenge with determination and grace, always striving to do his best for his family and loved ones. His work ethic was unparalleled, and his attention to detail was unmatched. But above all, he had a heart of gold. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he always put their needs above his own. Whether it was a listening ear, a helping hand, or a comforting hug, he was always there when we needed him most.

 Skip was a proud and active Honorary Life member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Franklin Lodge #1280, for 51 years. He held the office of Exalted Ruler and chaired many committees. He also served as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler North District for the State of NH Elks Association. 

 He was predeceased by his mother and father. His family includes his wife, Kaye Collins, and Wheaton terrier, Cooper; his daughters, Lisa Collins and Shirley Brorby and her husband, Ray; his son Bruce Collins; his stepdaughter, Michelle Ham and her husband, Richard; and stepson Jamie Hollins and his wife, Victoria; his brothers, James Collins and his late wife, Teresa, and Ronald Collins and his wife, Nancy; his sister, Donna Maine and her husband, Roger; 5 grandchildren, Justin Reister and his spouse, Jeanette, Nichole Flynn, Melissa Hooper and her husband, Trevor, Brandon Brorby and Amber Card; 5 great-grandchildren, Jordan, Taylor, Ashlynn, Tabitha, and Grayson. Skip also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.  

His presence in our lives will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, wisdom, and hard work will continue to inspire us for years to come. 

An intimate family service will be held at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium in Boscawen, on Friday, March 29th, from 11:30 to 1:30 with a Celebration of Life for family and friends to follow at 3pm at the Franklin Elks Lodge #1280, 125 S Main Street, where an Elks Service will be performed. Please arrive by 2:30 pm. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit https://phaneuf.net/.