Another
well-known Simconian passed away last Friday morning, Feb. 24th, in
the person of Mr. Edward E. Collins.
Some four years ago deceased
suffered from a stroke, but recovered sufficiently to be able to
attend to his various duties. For the past four months he had been
confined to his home, 243 John Street, where he died last Friday in
his 72nd year.
The
funeral was held on Monday afternoon last at 2 o'clock to Oakwood
Cemetery, the services being in charge of Rev. H. C. Newcombe.
The
pallbearers were all old friends of the deceased: Messrs. W. P. Price,
Geo. H. Luscombe, I. D. Lawson, Dr. Wm. Burt, James Peachey and John
Stalker.
The late Mr.
Collins is survived by two daughters, Mrs. John R. Macleod of St.
Marys, who has been in frequent attendance on her father for the past
four years; and Miss Vera, at home; also four brothers and four
sisters: Albert and I. G. of Simcoe; John of Saskatchewan; Frank of
Brantford; Mrs. James Smith, Simcoe; Mrs. L. Beemer, Hamilton; Mrs. H.
Smale, Waterford, and Mrs. E. [Himsley], Victoria, B.C. His wife, who
was Miss Margaret Alma Collver, predeceased him, ten years ago April 1st.
"Ed,"
Collins, as he was more familiarly known, was born in Simcoe, October
11th, 1850, in a home where the present livery of Charles A. Chadwick
stands. His father was the first undertaker in Simcoe.
For
the past 42 years he carried on a business as a wagonmaker; was a
fireman for over 40 years, first as [captain] and later brigade
secretary; he spent several years as quartermaster of the old 39th
Regiment; was assessor for several years; first division court clerk
for fifteen years, and for nearly 45 years on the Advisory Board of
the Norfolk Agricultural Society.
In
religion he was a Baptist, and in politics a staunch and stalwart
Conservative. He was also a member of the Canadian Order of Home
Circles.
During the past
22 years he had spent a considerable time during the summer months at
his cottage in Pt. Ryerse, and his figure will be greatly missed by
the visitors of that summer colony.
