Gary H. Collins passed away peacefully with family by his side on January 6, 2021 at his home in Spearfish, SD.

Celebration of Life/Memorial will be held at a later date.

Gary was born on July 3, 1940 in Central City, South Dakota to Martin Collins and Orpha Scovel Collins. Gary grew up in Pluma, SD with his parents and ten siblings. He attended Pluma School through the eighth grade and then attended Deadwood High School for three years, but graduated from Lead High School in 1958. He loved to reminisce and tell stories about his fond memories of these fun and sometimes adventurous times growing up in the Black Hills; like the time he, his brother Jack, and his friends slid down Maitland Road in the upside down hood of an old car.

He was drafted into the army in 1963 and went to Vietnam. He seldom spoke of this time in his life, but when he did it was clear that he had a respect for worldwide humanity.

He was an avid skier, and as a young man he worked at and managed ski shops in Deadwood and Rapid City. He worked and skied at Terry Peak and all through his life enjoyed the connections he made there. Not only did he work in ski shops and love skiing in South Dakota, but he traveled all over the western United States skiing at many different mountains. He was an incredibly graceful skier who knew how to appreciate a good après ski moment in the lodge, laughing, telling stories and talking about the exploits of the day. Skiing was a part of who he was and he shared this joy of skiing with his daughters, his friends, and family members all throughout his life. His last grand ski adventure was to travel to New Hampshire to ski with his 2 grandsons Max and Ian.

As a young man he joined his father Martin and his brother Allen in Collins Construction Company. All throughout the Black Hills their work reflected the perfection of their skills. Gary had a knack for being able to visualize an idea and make it reality. He leaves behind a lifetime of craftsmanship in not only the hills but in various other places across the country.  He enjoyed working on remodeling and construction projects for his family members and completed projects in South Dakota, Colorado, Kansas and New Hampshire. At one point he moved to California and continued his profession there for 13 years before retuning to the Black Hills, the area he cherished so much.

Gary loved the outdoors. In his life he spent time golfing, biking, running, playing volleyball and tennis, and sight seeing, but most of all he loved camping. Camping took him all throughout the Black Hills with one of his favorite spots being Iron Creek Lake. He also took his daughters camping to many places all throughout the west. Camping with his family and friends was one of his most treasured times. Gary had an adventurous spirit.  Throughout his life he spent time exploring the country. He liked road trips of any kind, from longer distance trips to simply exploring the beautiful and remote country roads all throughout the Black Hills. Throughout his life he devoted much of himself to spending time with his daughters doing these things he and they loved so much.

He had a very full life and loved to tell lots of funny, scary, and sometimes irreverent stories which left many of his friends and family laughing and astonished. He also became the repository of memories not only from his own life but also of other people and events in his community. Gary loved to laugh and have a good time. So many of his family will remember him as someone who loved a good get together and the company of his beloved daughters Lesley and Ashley, his sisters, brothers, and many other friends and family.

Gary enjoyed music, sunshine and family! He was a caring, tender-hearted man. He had a kindness towards children and helping people. He loved all of his family so much, as they loved him. He will continue to live on in many many wonderful memories.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; Martin and Orpha Collins, siblings; James Collins, Caroline Davis, Allen Collins, Kathy Veltman, nephew Shane Ommen, and niece Cindy Soppe.

Gary is survived by his daughter Lesley (Steve) Switzer and grandsons Max and Ian of Thornton, New Hampshire and daughter Ashley Collins of Denver, Colorado, as well as siblings: Margie (Cam) Rinegar of Belle Fourche, SD; Jack (Ramona) Collins of Spearfish, SD; Jean Collins of Ft. Collins, CO; Joan (Bob) Collins of Ft. Collins CO; Ellen (Les) Collins of Sturgis, SD; and Janie (Duane) Stall of Sioux Falls, SD; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

May the long time sun

Shine upon you

All love surround you

And the pure light

Within you

Guide your way on

Guide your way on

(S. Kaur)