Obituary of William Gary Collins

Collins, William Gary of Newmarket, formerly of Toronto (1936 – 2020)After a sixteen-day battle with Covid 19, William Gary Collins passed away on April 28, 2020 at Mackenzie Place Long Term Care Home, Newmarket at the age of 83.Gary was passionate about his community and organized a baseball league for the youth of the Chester Le neighbourhood where he and his family resided. Not only did Gary, also known lovingly as Mr. C, organize, he also participated as a Coach, Umpire, fundraiser, and mentor to the youth of his community. Gary was a true salesman and spent much of his spare time looking for sponsors to help fund the equipment and uniforms with much success! When Gary was not busy with the baseball league, he facilitated Live Professional Wrestling Matches held at Chester Le Public School. Gary was also a big supporter and volunteer for the McDonald’s annual fundraising campaign in the 70’s and 80’s. When Gary was not keeping the youth of Toronto busy, he spent his time keeping the children and youth busy at his beloved trailer near Peterborough. Gary would organize Christmas in July, horseshoe tournaments and many other games for the young in this community. This is also where his children and grandchildren would spend many summers making beautiful memories with Gary (Poppy) and his beloved wife Bonnie (Granma).Gary was very charming and had an uncanny aptitude with words which gave him the ability to light up a room with his whit and his big, sky blue eyes. These attributes also enabled him the ability to pick any dance partner in the room which was another love of his. Gary spent his entire life continuously striving to do better and always wanting others to be happy. His love for his family was undeniable.William Gary Collins, son of Jasper Alexander Banks and Dorothy Grace Banks, is predeceased by his wife Bonnie Collins (1942-2014), predeceased by his son Derek Collins (1964-2019), survived by his son Daryl Collins and daughter Suzanne Collins. Gary was also blessed with 6 grandchildren (Patricia, Amanda, Ryan, Devyn, Shayna, Alicia) and two great-grandchildren Nico and Mila. Gary is survived also by his brother Jasper Banks and sister Dorothy Kehoe, predeceased by his brother-in-law Lawrence Kehoe, his brother Raymond Collins and sister-in-law Irene Collins, brother Lorne Collins and sister-in-law Bernadette Collins. Gary is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to everyone. Unfortunately, due to the Covid Pandemic we are unable to give Gary the proper memorial he deserves and will plan a future Celebration of Life at a later date when all his family and friends can celebrate and grieve in his honour without socially distancing.