“To Live in Hearts we Leave Behind is Not to Die” - Thomas Campbell

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce that Gary Collins passed away at home the evening of Friday, June 17, 2022 in his 87th year. Gary is survived by his loving partner and best friend of 57 years, Betty Bakin. Gary was born in Toronto on September 27, 1935 and grew up in the Lawrence Park neighbourhood before moving to Etobicoke . Predeceased by his parents Clarence Collins and Evelyn Collins (Ellis), and his brother Mervin. Survived by his Sister-In-Law Christa Collins, nephews David and Steven Collins, and his niece Natalie Beaudet. Predeceased by In-Laws George and Mary Horjan, Brother-In-Law Mike Bakin (Patricia deRuiter). Will be missed by Sister-In-Law Kim Allen (Mike), nieces Tina Bakin, Betty Ann Petersen (Brian) and their sons Jordan and Dack, and Jody DeRuiter (Ian Roberts) and Tracey Dewar (Dave).

Gary’s early life was shaped by the fact that he was a natural athlete. He was an accomplished left-handed pitcher and a talented hockey player. During his time with the Toronto Marlboros, they won the Memorial Cup twice. He also played for several teams in the AHL and played in two NHL Playoff games for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1958 - 59 season. Gary had many great stories, memories and friends from his Hockey days.

After hockey, Gary thought it was time to get a real job. That led to a successful 33 year career with General Motors in Toronto, working with Dealerships across the Province. Betty & Gary worked in the same Department. Just a very short time after Gary started with GM they became a couple, kicking off an over five-decades-long partnership of kindness, adoration and ceaseless devotion.

Gary had a passion for sports beyond hockey and baseball. His annual skiing trips to Aspen with his buddies, golfing, Horse Racing and boating on Georgian Bay, especially with the Shelly family were some of his happiest moments and memories. Gary lived life to the fullest. You could always count on Gary for an honest opinion and a helping hand. Known for his quick wit and sense of humour. He made many long lasting friendships and will be missed beyond measure by all who knew him.

The family would also like to extend our deepest thanks to Dr. Chris Morgan, Cardiologist; Suzette Turner, Arrhythmia Clinic; and Dr. Kodama, Urologist all at Sunnybrook Hospital, and Dr. Karyn Sheldon, Family Physician for all the care they provided Gary over the years.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., at Windermere, east of the Jane Subway, on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 from 1 – 4 pm. Funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady of Sorrows, 3055 Bloor St W, Etobicoke, ON M8X 1C6, on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 11 am. To view the service via livestream, please click on link below (link to come). In lieu of flowers for those who wish, donations may be made to Heart and Stroke, Sunnybrook Foundation or Alzheimer Society.