Obituary of Peter Malachy Collins

Peter Malachy Collins, 74 of Ottawa, ON, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2023 after a lengthy battle with COPD. He was surrounded by his loving and comedic family throughout his last days. Comforted by the exceptional staff at the Elizabeth Bruyere Hospital who called him “Mr. Pete” and cheered on the Toronto Maple Leafs with him (as much as one can ;) during the playoffs.

Besides the Leafs, he was a fan of the Denver Broncos and Toronto Argonauts. Favourite past times included listening to FM music on the radio, reading old western books (Louis L’Amour), all Clint Eastwood and Bourne movies, playing chess and many good summer memories at Mal’s & McCullough’s campgrounds.

Pete was a jack of all trades, mining in Sudbury and out west, construction at Sandbury Homes, Bell Canada, Stay-at-Home Dad, Transport Canada (with his good friend Clayton Hemond), and finally at the World Exchange Plaza. However, he enjoyed working with his brother-in-law Darwin Johnson the most.

Married to the love of his life, Glenda (Davidson) from 1973-1990 and will be sorely missed by his children, Michael (Debra), Chad (Carrie) and his favourite daughter Melanie (Eric).

He is survived by his sweet 100 year old mom, Marguerite “Terry” Collins (nee Laing), and predeceased by his father Malachy Collins. The middle child among his amazing siblings, Wendy (Howard), Michael (Cathy), Philip (Marcie) and Darlene (Scott). He always loved joking around with his aunts and uncles, many cousins, nieces, nephews and the great ones too.

He was a gentle and kind soul, a friend to all and very quick-witted. His greatest accomplishments were his proudest moments of being grandfather, “Pappy” to Kyler, Emily, Ryann, Matty & Katie.

We were grateful to the King’s Daughters community where he lived his last two years among new friends who cared and supported “Scooter” as though he was their brother. A special thanks to Gail and Joan for their constant attention and cooking. His palliative nurse, Melissa Glover deserves the highest award for her superior care, compassion and love of our dad while he was still able to be at home. Going through her own loss she still made time to connect with him even when he had moved to Bruyere.