Obituary of Royce Gilbert Collins

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Royce Gilbert Collins on August 28, 2024 at Seven Oaks Hospital, Winnipeg at the age of 87.

Royce was born in Truro, NS to parents Ralph Louis Collins Sr and Viola Mae (Byard) Collins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by 16 brothers and sisters.

Royce is survived by his son Darren of Winnipeg; daughter Kelly of Chandler, Arizona; daughters Rashida and Malikah of Ottawa; grandchildren Rhoan, Lyric, Michael and Audrina of Ottawa; sisters Eileen and Phyllis of Montreal, brothers Douglas (Pat) of Nassau, Bahamas and Francis (Frances) of Truro, as well as a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and their children. He also leaves behind several longtime friendships; some lasting over 60 years.

Like his father, most of his brothers and some of his nephews, Royce started working as a porter for the CNR (now Via Rail). He spent the majority of his career working as an Enterprise Inventory Management (EIM) Executive Coordinator at Xerox, finishing up his working days as a Customer Service Clerk at Safeway.

At the age of 19, Royce decided to make Winnipeg his home, following in the footsteps of his oldest sister Marcell (Marcie) and older brother Robert (Tucker). Royce loved the small city feel of Winnipeg just as he loved his small hometown of Truro. Being a proud Scotian, Royce visited Truro many times over his lifetime and had fond memories of time spent with his large family and closeknit neighbours. Playing baseball as a child in the Collins family’s large backyard on Ford St (aka The Marsh) was one of his fondest memories. Being outdoors in the summer has always been one of Royce’s favourite pastimes. 

Royce also loved playing sports (baseball, hockey and curling). He especially loved to watch football. He was an avid CFL fan and Grey Cup attendee. During the CFL off-seasons, he turned his football attention to the NFL, eventually traveling to a Superbowl game. For 58 years, Royce was a loyal Winnipeg Blue Bombers season ticket holder. He attended every Bombers home game except when he was out of town traveling - something else he really enjoyed. During the past 4 years when he could no longer attend games in person, Royce never missed a televised Bombers game.

Royce will be missed and most remembered by his family and friends for his outgoing personality, sense of humour and smile. He was friendly towards everyone he met, quickly put people at ease and was fun to be around. The enjoyment he got from socializing, entertaining, attending parties and dancing became his trademark. He was considered the life of the party at most social gatherings. Even during his recent years of declining health, Royce was always in good spirits. He never complained about his health challenges, and he never stopped smiling.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Seven Oaks Hospital 5th Floor, Unit 5 staff and to the many Winnipeg Regional Health Authority home care workers who over the past few years provided Royce with compassionate care and support.

In honour of Royce's wishes, no memorial service will be held. Cremation will take place and his ashes will be laid to their final resting place in Truro at a later date.

In lieu of a service, flowers or donations, Royce would want his loved ones to continue to hold family gatherings/reunions and for his Winnipeg family/friends to enjoy summertime meals and wine at his two favorite patio restaurants: Bistro Inferno on Des Meurons St or Pony Corral on Pembina Hwy.

Royce will remain in the hearts of many as a proud dad/grandad, and as a brother, uncle, cousin and friend!