William Roy Collins

William Roy Collins

May 17, 1960              May 10, 2021

Former Milton-Freewater, Oregon resident William (Bill) Collins passed away May 10, 2021. Born May 17, 1960 in Montevideo, Minnesota to Floyd and Ardell Collins, Bill moved with his parents and siblings to the Pacific NW in 1964, eventually settling just north of M-F on Ballou Road. Always a lover of outdoor activities, Bill learned to hunt and fish, helped on the farm, and if there was a green colt who needed a rider, that was Bill.

Bill also spent time helping at his parents’ store, the Tik Tok Grocery. After high school, working at the Tik Tok became a full-time job until Bill discovered his true passion: cooking. Working at The Oasis, The Fountain, and other WW Valley eateries, Bill honed his skills, eventually moving to Sunnyside, WA to work at Snipes Mountain Brewery and Restaurant.

A diagnosis of lung cancer in October 2020 brought him back to the Valley to be with family while receiving treatment. It was a hard-fought battle but throughout, Bill kept his sense of humor and that devilish twinkle in his eye.

In a conversation with family shortly before his death, Bill pointed out he was going to need new hiking boots to spend more time in his beloved Blue Mountains. It is a comfort knowing God had the perfect pair waiting for him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Ardell Collins, and his sister Colleen Trumbull. He is survived by his brother Mike (Patricia) Collins, his sister LeeAnn (Gary) Rizzuti, his daughter Cheyenne, and numerous nephews and nieces. At Bill’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.