John Richard Collins Sr. observed a wonderful star lit opening in an otherwise stormy sky and departed Nov. 3, 2005 at 9:15 p.m. He was surrounded by his wife Millie Fonda, sons Keith and John Jr. and daughter-in-law Cindy.

He is also survived by a daughter Kimberly Messner and four grandchildren: Katie West, Robbie Rose, Jeffery Collins and Jennifer Collins Frost and her husband Eric Frost, and two great grandchildren, Ethan and Kylie Frost.

John was born May 6, 1934 in Provo, Utah to parents John Melvin Collins and Alta Tella (Simmons) Collins. He grew up in Hollywood, Calif. and graduated from Hollywood High School.

John spent his working career in the aerospace space industry. After taking early retirement to care for his first wife who died in 1988, he began another career as a stained glass and kaleidoscope artist, selling his work in many of the best galleries around the Northwest. His hobby as a model maker from antique cars to brass cannons produced products admired for their startling detail that take many a viewing to fully appreciate.

For the past 10 years Millie and he have lived in their commercial building on Front Street in Coupeville. During the first eight years they owned and operated Penn Cove Antiques where John’s specialty was collecting and restoring Edison Gramophones.

All will miss John’s unique and special touch, his ready sense of humor, incredible craftsman’s talent, beautiful ear for music and gentle approach to others. He still continues to teach us as we look again at the details of his life’s work.

A celebration of life is being planned for May 6 at the Jenne Farm Gathering House for all who would like to attend.

The last days of John’s life were made more comfortable, peaceful and dignified with the support of his family friends and Enso House.

Instead of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to this incredible hospice whose gentle staff made his departure more meaningful for all his family: Enso House, 6339 Whal Road, Freeland, WA 98249.