George Bernard Collins

George Bernard Collins, 80, died March 2, 2012, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

A memorial service is at Family Christian Center at 2 p.m., March 7 with Pastors Gallardo and Riley officiating.

George was born June 23, 1931, in Bell Fouche, S.D. He completed Officer Training School in Fort Benning, Ga., and served 20 years in the U.S. Army National Guard, retiring as a captain.

George moved to Alaska in 1970 and resided in Anchorage until 1974, then moved to Wasilla until 1986, leaving Alaska for six and a half years to live in Tuscan, Ariz., and returning to the Matanuska Valley in 1993.

George had his own construction company, building commercial and residential buildings. He ended up as a project superintendant building schools in rural Alaska. He retired in 1993.

He loved woodworking and gardening. He grew beautiful flowers and enjoyed fishing. His family said, “We will never be able to replace him and he will be missed by all.”

George is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janet M. Collins; sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry D. and Roben Collins and Lonnie J. and Connie Collins; daughter, Tammy S. Collins; grandchildren, Danielle Chapman and husband Charles, Dustin Collins, Melissa Eymann and husband Michael, Cody Gillum and Dillon Collins; and great-grandchildren, Tylan Chapman and Trent Eymann.

Arrangements are with Legacy Kehl’s Palmer Chapel.