Dion Eric Collins
April 2, 1978 to July 10, 2020
Obituary
To view the online service from the Carnell Memorial Chapel for the late Dion Eric Collins on Monday July 13th, 2020 at 1:00 pm please click on the link below:
https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=159441261567105
It’s with broken hearts that the family of Dion Eric Collins announce his passing on July 10th, 2020 at the age of 42.
Predeceased by his grandmother Masie Blackwood, grandfather Marshall Collins, father-in-law Donald Gates and special co-worker and friend Wayne Mitchelmore. Left with loving memories are his wife Kayla, precious daughter Eleanora (his Ellie Bean) and dog Diego; his parents Eugene and Pauline Collins, brother Dwayne (Jeffry) and sister Denise (Peter); mother-in-law Doreen Gates, sister-in-law Krista, brother-in law (and friend) Rob and niece Lilliana; grandfather Harold Blackwood, grandmother Francis Collins and grandfather (in-law) Harris Burton. Also celebrating his life and morning his loss are many friends, co-workers, neighbors and extended family.
Dion grew up in Carmanville and Lewisport and moved to St. John’s in 1999 to go to university where he met his wife of 15 years, Kayla, and they made their home. They had six years together with their daughter Ellie whom he had the deepest connection with and adored with all his heart. Dion made his career at Memorial University where he made many close friends among his co-workers in IT. He loved his neighborhood, where he gained so many wonderful friends. He often spoke fondly about growing up with his brother and sister, especially camping and his family trips to Disney, a place that continued to be important to his new family. In the midst of a worldwide pandemic, we will have lasting memories of the time we spent together and caring for him as a family due the unusual circumstances surrounding us. For that, we will be forever grateful.
Dion will be remembered by many for the pleasant, kind, patient, thoughtful and genuine person that he was. A heartfelt thanks to all the special people in our lives that have been incredibly supportive and kind to us during Dion’s sickness and passing; there are too many special people to name. Thank you to our truly amazing family doctor, Katie Saunders; the many nephrology doctors and dialysis nurses at Mount Pearl Square and the Health Sciences Centre, especially Dr. Brian Curtis; and the extended team of specialists, emergency room staff and paramedics who all tried so very hard to help him these past few months.
A private service will be held to celebrate Dion’s life on Monday, July 13th 1:00pm at Carnell’s Funeral home; visitation is Sunday July 12th. If you would like to attend, please contact the family. Flowers will be gratefully accepted or donations can be made in Dion’s memory to the Health Care Foundation or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
For those who cannot attend the funeral service, it will be live-streamed on Monday, July 13th at 1:00 p.m. (The link will be posted above.)
Kayla,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband.. Thinking about you and your daughter, and families during this time. Take care. May your memories provide you with comfort and peace now and in the days ahead.
Kayla,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your beloved husband’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Sending you much love and strength.
Dear Collins’ family: I was a graduate student in the early 2000’s when I first came across Dion; he helped me a number of times find information in the Library. I confess I never knew his name but when I read the notice through MUN, and saw his face, I remembered him and I wanted to pass along my condolences to you, his family. In these uncertain times, I feel that though I had not known Dion well, I had to post a condolence message because he was always pleasant, informative, and kind to people …and kindness, no matter how fleeting, is something that is never forgotten.
Kayla, Ellie and Family,
It is so nice to read all the thoughtful notes from friends, coworkers and family. Dion was a wonderful person, coworker and Boss. He loved his family dearly and always had time to chat about our family and his.
He will be sadly missed and always on our thoughts.
Denise, Kayla, Ellie & family,
I was heartbroken to learn of Dion’s passing today. Dion was one of the most genuinely nice people I ever met – always a friendly smile and kind words to share. We didn’t see each other much in recent years, but we ran into each other occasionally and just last fall were catching up and meeting each others daughters at the Farmer’s Market. I could tell how much he loved Ellie, and I pray she will always know and feel that. My thoughts are with you all during these difficult days.
Kayla, Ellie and Family:
We were very sorry to hear of Dion’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope that all of your cherished memories of Dion will bring you comfort at this difficult time. We strongly agree with you that this world definitely needs more people like him.
Kayla, Ellie and family:
So sorry to hear of Dion’s passing. I am thinking of you and Ellie during this very difficult time.
Pauline, Eugene and family. We are truly saddened to hear of the passing of your son. To lose a child, no matter what age is a grief like no other. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and wish we could do or say some to alleviate your pain. May your memories comfort you are may Gods strong arms surround you and bring you peace.
Kayla, Ellie and family,
We are so saddened by the loss of our dear neighbour and friend, Dion and our hearts are broken for you, Ellie and all who knew and loved Dion. We met you all just two short years ago, but truly felt like old friends. Dion had a special way about him – I can perfectly picture the twinkle in his eye and the sound of his giggle as he teasingly joked about Deron’s lack of tech knowledge. He was a great story teller, and his openness in discussing his health challenges helped to put others at ease. He was so remarkably strong, and we admired him for never wanting to let his setbacks show.
Mostly, we remember how much he loved you all. He valued all of the things that mattered most in this life – family, friends, neighbours and hot wings.. We regret never having made that trip to Big’s with you.
Our hearts will remember Dion forever, and we are so lucky to have known him.
All our love Kayla and Ellie and family xo
The Collins Family
It is with a profound sense of sadness that we offer to you our most sincere condolences . May it bring you comfort in knowing that others are thinking about you at this most difficult time.
Kayla,
So sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. My thoughts and condolences are with you and your daughter at this difficult time.
Take care,
Susan
Eugene and Pauline my heart breaks for you. You are in my prayers and I pray that God’s love will help heal. The service was beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us that couldn’t be there in person. Know I’m sending love and hugs your way. Sandie
Eugene, Pauline, Dwayne, Denise, Kayla, Ellie, loved ones and many family and friends,
Please accept my deepest condolences regarding Dion’s passing. I apologize I wasn’t there to console and celebrate his life with you in person.
I first met Dion when the Collin’s family moved to Lewisporte. Dion was into heavier genres of music, playing electric guitar, and I was amazed how Dion made some of it look so easy. I was unsuccessfully chasing Denise [to which we’ve remained friends and had many good laughs over the years] and Dion and I became friends somewhere along the way. Reflecting over the past couple of days, I remember Dion essentially teaching me how to play darts in their basement and mostly schooling me in the process— most games.
Early on, Dion was quite open about his kidney challenges, and I admired him for his maturity and courage because there were certain things he had to abstain from or restrict intake, etc. Dion had this quick wink and a mischievous yet captivating smile that could charm a snake every time 6 ways to Sunday– effortlessly.. Dion oozed kindness to others. He was soft as silk, kind, funny [razzing his father for trying to bring that monster satellite dish back to life in the backyard], quick, geeky, intelligent, harmless, yet he had resilience to fight on and persist with a positive mindset through his challenges. That’s my definition of heroic and I hope Dion’s good natured spirit and spark lives on through Ellie and others.
The world needs more people like Dion– now more than ever.
A couple summers ago, I bumped into Gene and Pauline during Mussel Bed and they updated me on Dion, his struggles, his wife, and his beautiful daughter Ellie. They told me how he loved to spend every second he could with her. They were beaming with pride for Dion, his family, and their granddaughter. This is a gentle reminder for me, along with other parents, and people in general — to enjoy the present and not take precious time and opportunity for granted.
I also got to briefly see Gene and Pauline last December during a sudden and tragic matter my family was dealing with, and I asked about Dion, to hear that his situation wasn’t going well, his spirits were good regarding a potential transplant. Although that didn’t happen, it speaks endless bounds of your love and what you were prepared to do for him to extend his time here on earth.
Life took us in different directions, and seemingly in a blink of an eye, nearly 30 years passed, and our paths unfortunately never crossed again— although I certainly wished they did. We had a couple of nice exchanges online several years– wishing each other well, etc. Ironically through reading and listening to some amazing stories, we had much more in common now than we ever did and it’s a shame we didn’t get to some more time together.
Kayla — you must be an amazing person. I hope to meet you and Ellie one day. I hope she’s reminded often of how amazing her dad was.
Although words are comforting— we know it doesn’t change things, however one can try. I sincerely wish you all peace and that you find ways to focus on the many good memories and love you all shared together, to know Dion no longer suffers, and that you will continue to find him in your mind, your heart, your soul, in nature, family, conversation, laughter, and in Ellie. Hopefully the joys of days past, will overtake your sorrow. I’m sure he would want you to be laughing and having fun.
Where there is good and love — Dion is likely to be there is some way.
“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”
“Although I may be away from you, I open a window from my heart to yours”~ Rumi
Rest In beautiful peace Dion— and may peace be with you all as well.
God Bless,
Jaret Manuel and family
Words seem so inadequate to express the sadness I feel about Dions death. No one is ever prepared for the death of a loved one. Although I am thousands of miles away today please know each and every one of you are and will continue to be in my thought, my prayers and my heart. My dear cousin Kayla I cannot even comprehend what you and Ellie are going through but please know I am here for u anytime night or day. I am at a loss for words and struggling to convey how deeply sorry I am for your loss but I find peace knowing Dion will forever be with you in Ellie. Wishing I could be home with you all much love. Cynthia
Uncle Eugene, Aunt Pauline, Dwayne,Denise, Kayla and Ellie
I am so sorry you had to go through this today. I can’t believe he is gone. Such a Wonderful tribute to Dion. Kayla you are so brave.
Janine
To Kayla and family,
I am very sorry to hear of Dion’s passing and want to pass on my condolences. I remember meeting Dion while attending university and still remember how he was always very nice and genuine. I am keeping you in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Kayla,
I’m so sorry to have heard the news about Dion’s passing. I’m thinking about you and Ellie and your family during this time.
Kayla, I am so sad to hear of Dion’s passing. I hope your happy memories with Dion will help you get through this difficult time. Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you, Ellie and your family.
Hugs. Maureen and Harold
Kayla, I am so sad to hear of Dion’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and Ellie and family. I hope your happy memories with Dion will help you get through this difficult time. Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Hugs. Maureen and Harold
Kayla and darling Ellie I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t get to meet Deon but I certainly heard his name mentioned many times by your mom. I know you will draw strength from each other in the days ahead and your memories will last forever in your hearts. Sending much love to you and your family.
Darlene Burton
We would like to send our sincere condolences to Kayla, Ellie and the rest of Dion’s family. Dion was our neighbour on Julieann Pl. and we will always remember him as a warm and caring person. May he rest in peace.
Pauline.., Eugene, Dwayne,Denise and family. Sorry to hear of Dions passing. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Norman and Doreen Guy
Kayla, I’m so sorry to hear of Dion’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ellie and I wish you comfort in the days ahead.
Kayla, I’m so saddened to hear about the passing of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pauline, Eugene and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Jill Dawe
Hi Kayla. I was heartbroken when i heard that Dion past away. He was such a beautiful person,sending love to you and your sweet little girl, payers heading your way! Love you all ❤
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Eugene, Pauline, and family
So sorry to hear of Dion,s passing.. Our hearts are breaking for you all. Cheerish all your precious memories and hold on to them to help you through this difficult time.. Sending our Love and friendship on the loss of your loved one.
We want to express our deepest condolences. He is a amazing person, caring wonderful person. He will be greatly missed by everyone he meet.
So sorry for your loss . Praying you find comfort in the love of family and friends.
Irene And Ken
My dearest Kayla,little Ellie,and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dions passing,I know no amount of words can express the pain that you are all going through.Please know I am sending you love and prayers and hope you are able to find strength during this difficult time,and days ahead.
Pauline, Eugene and Family.
So sorry to hear of Dion’s passing . We remember his . sweet smile when he shared our apartment with Jason and Damien. We extend our deepest condolences to you and your family in this time of grief.
Pauline, Eugene, Dwayne, Denise, Kayla, Ellie and Families,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. We were privileged to teach all three of your children. You certainly raised a fine family. May it comfort you in some way to know others care and share in your sorrow. May Dion rest in heavenly peace where pain and suffering will be no more.
Rene and Edwina Cashin
Kayla and Ellie – You have our deepest condolences. May the memories that you shared With Dion be a light during this time and forever more.
The Newhooks (Desiree, Adam, Grayson and Avery)
Eugene and Pauline and families
Our heart aches for you guys to hear of Dion’s passing. Although we know that no words can ease the loss you feel. Just know your in our thoughts. Sending all of our love. Your neighbors and forever friends Bram and Maria.
Kayla & Family,
So sorry to hear of Dions passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Eugene, Pauline and family … Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Stay strong … Dion was a blessing …
Kayla & Family,
So sorry to hear of Dions passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God give you strength and peace at this difficult time . Thinking of you . ❤️
Tonya & Jason Pelley
Eugene, Pauline and Family: Sorry to hear of Dion’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sorry we can’t be with you. Uncle Robbie and Aunt Edna
Kayla and Ellie,
I am so very sorry for your loss. It was heartbreaking to hear that Dion had passed. My thoughts and prayers ware with you and your family..
Kayla – my heart is breaking for you and your family. My thoughts are with you, and I’m here if there’s anything you need.
I am so heartbroken to hear of Dion’s passing. I worked with Dion back in 2006 in QEII systems. He was always so pleasant to be around. Always there to help out in any way he could. My condolences to his family during this very difficult time.
Eugene and Pauline and family,
Our hearts are breaking for you. So sorry to hear of Dion’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time
I first met Dion when we were students at MUN, 20 years ago, doing a first year Computer Science course. I was working in the computer labs at the time, and he came in one day and he recognized me from class. We struck up a conversation and long story short I ended up passing his name along to my supervisor. He got hired to work in the lab and we both went on to turn that job into careers at MUN.
Dion along with our friend Brian were inseparable during our Computer Science days. Whether it was skipping class to go to Wendy’s, staying up late playing Dark Age of Camelot, or cramming last minute for a test…. well, you can see we weren’t the most dedicated students around but we got through it together.
Dion was there for a lot of milestones in my life: graduation, weddings, and when we bought our first house he lived on the same street and we didn’t even realize! Leslie and I look back on those times fondly.
But life situations change and we didn’t see as much of each other in recent years. While there was the occasional poker game or get-together for fantasy football, I wish now that I would have made more of an effort.
Kayla and Ellie, our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
I’m truly heartbroken for your loss. Dion was a great person who had a huge heart. I remember many visits with the family and how Dion & Kayla both loved having Cameron around so much. We both had a passion for IT and gaming. During my time in St. John’s I considered him my best friend. He is truly missed. Please accept my condolences and heartfelt love.
Pauline, Eugene and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Dion’s passing, our thoughts are with you all at this hard time, and please know if you need a friend we are here for you.
Marilyn and John Heath
Gander
Pauline, Eugene and the family, We are so so sorry to hear of Dion’s passing. We have no words that can change what you are going through, but be assured you are in our thoughts and prayers today and many days ahead. Just know we are here if you ever need a friend to lean on. Sending our love to you all. Take care of each other.
Our Condolences to the families. So sorry to hear this sad news. Herb and Vera Butler.
Eugene,Pauline and family,We are so sorry to hear of Dion’s passing. We hope that it will help in some small way to know that we share your sorrow. .Sincere sympathy to all the family. Rex and Florence
On Wednesday nights for the last many years, Dion was part of our poker group. Whether in-person (or virtually over the last few months), he has been a proud member of what might be the worst collection of card players on the Northeast Avalon. Maybe even the province.
We all knew that when he was able to join us, it was clear that he pushed himself to do so. It’s a testament to his character. To forge ahead when you aren’t well, like he did on many occasions, is humbling for the rest of us and his presence was always a boost to our group.
Of course, on the nights that Dion did take his seat at the table, his health didn’t prevent the equal treatment of abuse and ridicule that gets doled out to everyone. He took a joke and also gave them back – but always in good humour and never with a mean spirit, which also speaks to his innate and special quality of kindness.
When he was holding a good hand, a telltale smirk from Dion – that would eventually turn into a grin – was usually met with a series of four letter words from the person (especially the more vocal ones) who knew they were beat before the cards were turned over. We are very thankful for those moments and all the other times of fun and friendship we shared with Dion.
Our year-end tradition is a trophy presentation, and from now on, one of the many ways we’ll remember Dion is naming that trophy for him.
Kayla, Ellie and family, please accept our most sincere and heartfelt condolences.
Kayla, Ellie, Diego and your entire family… sending you lots of love and strength. Will be thinking of you all this week and the road ahead. x.x.
Pauline, Eugene and family. There are no words that will change the way you are feeling. Just know that your friends are here to help in anyway they can. Dion will live forever in your hearts. Cherish your memories and his special daughter.
Terribly sad to hear of Dion’s passing. I worked with (and for!) Dion from 2009-2012 and thought he was a great guy and a great boss. This is going to sound so silly, but I have a strong memory of when the iPad first came out, how excited Dion was to get a new toy!
Thinking of Kayla and Ellie, friends, loved ones, and his QEII coworkers
Kayla and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Dion’s passing. May your many wonderful memories help you through the days ahead. Thinking of you!
Can’t express how sorry I am to hear this Kayla. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan (Hann) Roche
Pauline and family. So sorry to Hear if Dion’s passing. I remember him as a little boy and such fun times we had as families. God bless you Eugene and family. Take care and treasure the memories. ❤️❤️
Kayla and Family… so sorry to hear of Dion’s passing. There are no words to say…. to take away the heartache you are feeling right now. Thinking of little Ellie and how hard it must be for her .. so sad ????Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family ???????? Praying that God will surround you with his peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead.. Hugs.. Donna and Larry
To Kayla , Ellie and Family.
So sorry to hear of Dions passing,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time.
Treasure your memories together!
Deborah & Ford Sharpe
Twillingate
I am so sorry to hear of Dions passing. My condolences to all the family
He was just born when we lived in Carmanville, but I remember the family very well.
Find comfort in the precious memories of him!
Our sincere sympathy on Dions passing. Thinking of you all.
Pauline, Eugene and family
So sorry to hear of Dion’s passing. We remember him as a little boy in Carmanville.
Hope you can find some comfort in knowing that others are thinking of you at this difficult time. Deepest sympathy.
Larry and Hazel Collins
Dear Pauline, Eugene and Family.
Deepest Sympathy on the passing of your beautiful son and wishing you comfort at this time.
Barry and Jean LeDrew
Dear Eugene, Pauline and family:
“Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation” ― Khalil Gibran, We are so very sorry of Dion’s passing and send prayers and strength for the days ahead. Our deepest sympathy to everyone.
Larry, Constance, Grier and Page
Kayla. Am so sorry to hear of Dion’s passing. You and your family are in thoughts.
Kayla,
I am so sad to hear of Dion’s passing. Sending you and Ellie my love and prayers..
Kim Harding
Pauline and Eugene we are so sorry to hear of Dion’s passing. Our condolences and prayers to you and your family.
Love Edward , Rosalind and family.
Pauline, Eugene and family,;
So sad to here the news of Dions passing, didn’t realize he was sick, been thinking about you all since I’ve heard. Sending our Deepest Sympathy to you all. There are no words to take your heartache away, but I’ve learned, it does help to know people care . Sending much love your way.
Pauline and family,
So very sorry for your loss. I did not know Dion, but during the years that you were our family hairdresser you spoke of him and the rest of your family with such love and pride. We are sending you love and strength at this time and in the days and weeks to come.
Sue, Dion and Myles Faulkner
Eugene, Pauline & family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Kayla, my thoughts and prayers to you, little Ellie, and all family members. My heart broke for you when Steven broke the news to me last night of his good buddy.
I had only met you all through Steven and Kathleen, and you were an amazing family.
May the good Lord hold you and Ellie in his arms as your angel Dion watches over you both.
Stevens Mom
Joanne Blyde