William Joseph Collins July 19, 1946 - October 4, 2025

Passed peacefully away following a courageous but short battle with lung cancer at the GB Cross Memorial Hospital on October 4, 2025, surrounded by his family William Collins of Southern Harbour.

Willie aka Billy was born in Deep Cove, Placentia Bay on July 19, 1946 to Denis and Maria Collins.  After living in Presque and Bar Haven, Willie settled down in Southern Harbour where he met his wife Judy of over 54 years and raised a family residing there until his passing.

A fisherman until retiring ten years ago, Willie never got boats, fishing or the water out of his blood and was a regular fixture on the wharf to get the days news.  It was a sure bet that if he wasn’t to the wharf at least 5 or 6 times a day something was wrong. He loved a good yarn, a good joke and you never knew what he was going to say. His belly laugh made you laugh more than what he was actually after telling you.

Willie is predeceased by his parents Denis and Maria Collins, brother Paul, his sister Margaret, brother in law Eugene and their great grandchild Jade.  His son in law Jamie Brace and his son in law Tom Snelgrove, parents in law Catherine and Henry Hickey sisters in law Nellie (Nash), Maryann (Jim), Jane, brothers in law Jimmy Joe (Ida) and Anthony.

Left to mourn after a lifetime of happy memories, his wife Judy, daughter Elizabeth, son Wade (Paula), granddaughters Julisa (Hunter) & Emma (Jaden), grandson Kaden, his brother Cletus (Eva), and his nephews who remained at his bedside with his children until the end Ken and Sheldon Williams.  Also mourning are his brothers in law Ambrose, John (Marie) and Peter, sisters in law Marg (Leo deceased), Emmie (Raymond deceased), Jessie (Dave), Flossie (Melvin deceased) and Joan, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of NL Health Ambulance service and The GB Cross Emergency and Palliative Unit for their understanding and care especially Dr. Desmond Whalen.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at the Roman Catholic Church, Southern Harbour from 1 – 9 p.m.  Funeral service 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2025  at the Roman Catholic Church, Southern Harbour with interment to follow at the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Southern Harbour.