Richard Carl Collins, 68 of Middleburg, Florida passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023, after suffering from heart complications.
Rick was born in Norfolk, NE to Bob D. and DeVoe Collins on November 26, 1954. He was a 1973 graduate of Wahpeton High School in Wahpeton, ND. He married Debra Gira on August 23, 1975, in Fargo, ND
Ricks career started with his family at the Daily News and the County Press newspapers as a photographer in Wahpeton ND and continued over the years in advertising sales and production with other publications. He was employed with the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville, FL for several years before retiring. Rick loved surf fishing on the Atlantic Ocean off St. Augustine, FL, and hunting with his grandson Rylee.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Cristine Collins, and nephew Matthew Snyder.
Rick is survived by his wife Debbie, daughters Cassie (John) Malone, Katie (Gary) Cooper, and Kellie (Chris) Henry grandchildren Rylee Cooper, Baylee Malone, and Aria Henry all from Middleburg, FL, brother Greg (Jane) Collins, Hastings, MN, sister Jacqueline Snyder, Fleming Island, FL, nephews Nathan, Adam, Grant, and Logan Collins, nieces, Sallie Doty and Michelle Shearin.
Jacqueline Snyder
November 14, 2023, 9:59 am
You have left us all too soon Rick. I know you are no longer suffering; however, I would still love to have you here with us. We all had such great times together fishing and at family holiday gatherings. I love and will miss you brother.
Pam Hoff
November 14, 2023, 10:09 am
I’m so sorry.
Joanne Smith
November 14, 2023, 11:38 am
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I graduated HS with Rick. He was a good person.
Patricia Keough-Wilson
November 14, 2023, 11:47 am
Memories start as I read of this loss. I worked at The Daily News and County Press. Spent hours with the Collins family. The long ago remembered. My last name then was Estes. Now Keough-Wilson.
Jackie collins
November 14, 2023, 12:51 pm
So very sorry to hear about Rick. We wish we were closer so we could give you all a hug…. Love you guys Tim and Jackie Collins
Bruce Eckre
November 14, 2023, 1:06 pm
So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing on. He was always a good guy to run into and talk with, when he lived in Wahpeton. Sad.
Jeff Jorgensen
November 14, 2023, 3:06 pm
Rick & I had a lot of good times when we were in Wahpeton. I was glad to call him a friend & was happy to have had him in our wedding. He will be missed.
Mary Pope
November 14, 2023, 7:30 pm
Your family continues to be in my prayers to be surrounded by His love and peace
Jay Lesowitz
November 14, 2023, 10:24 pm
I loved Rick, he was a great friend. We shared a lot of laughs together. My heart goes out to his wife, family and my other FTU buddy Katie 💔🙏
Susan Howell
November 14, 2023, 11:18 pm
This breaks my heart I’m so very sorry. We worked together at the Times Union. Rick was one of the nicest people I’d ever met and always ready to lend a helping hand. Praying for all your family may he RIP.🙏❤️🙏
David Sandeen
November 15, 2023, 7:30 am
My condolences to the family. I worked with Rick and katie for years🙏🏽❤️
Michelle Newell Snowden
November 15, 2023, 1:06 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. We worked together at the Times Union and I always enjoyed my visits with him and Mel. A pretend gruff exterior but a sweet man. My condolences to the family.
Kay
November 17, 2023, 8:09 pm
Jaci and family-I was so sorry to hear about Rick. Sending hugs to all of you at this time.
Lanny and Jackie Hendrickson
November 19, 2023, 8:20 pm
Our deepest sympathy to Debbie and family. Lots of memories of good times in our younger days! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lear Golden
November 27, 2023, 11:13 pm
I am so sorry for the family. Katie, you were such a sweetheart and I knew you got it from Rick. I am sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and the family. I know he will be greatly miss. Love you Katie, Rick was such a beautiful wonderful man. Praying for your family ❤️🩹