Gary George Collins

Our loving husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at his residence. Age 69. The son of the late Charles A. and Mureen C. (Packard) Collins was born May 30, 1947 in Bay City. He was a member of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church. Gary retired from G.M. Powertrain Bay City Plant and was member of U.A.W. Local #362. His greatest joy was spending time at his cabin up north as he called "God's Country". He also loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He also enjoyed riding his four wheeler, gardening and was well known for his Spanish onions. He was an avid Detroit Tigers Baseball Fan and in his younger years played baseball as a catcher.Gary served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam Conflict. Gary will be forever remembered by his wife of forty five years the former Cynthia Ann Fick whom he married February 20, 1971; his daughter and son-in-law, Rochelle M. and Randall J. Zimmerman; his grandchildren, Collin R., Isabella A. and Gabrielle M. Zimmerman; one brother and sister-in-law, Charles (Jane) Collins; father-in-law; William A. Fick; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Debra and Gerald Hintz; his nieces and nephew, Thomas (Karin) Collins; Tammy (Brandon Charbonneau) Samborn; Heather (Guy) Krakowski and Kyle (Jillian) Hintz; many great nieces and nephews and many special friends. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Virginia M. Fick. At the request of Gary, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church 706 W. Jane St. Bay City, MI 48706. Officiating will be Rev. Paul E. Schweppe followed by Military Honors conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council and the U.S. Army. The family will be present at the church on Tuesday to receive family and friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church or Camp Fish Tales. www.gephartfuneralhome.com