Peacefully on August 8th, surrounded by his family at University Hospital, London in his 76th year. Beloved husband of Barbara Collins (nee Chmielewski). Dear father to Kathryn (Guy) Havell and Donald (Chazlyn) Collins. Loved grandfather of Jessica Havell.Pre-deceased by father Donald and mother Beverly (nee Berge) Collins and sister Carol Anne (Ostrosser).
Thomas Ernest Collins had a calling in life as a labour and political activist, union negotiator and retired as the Assistant to the President of the Canadian Auto Workers Union (now Unifor). Previously held the position of Canadian Director for the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union, Retail Wholesale Canada and the United Steelworkers of America. He served as a member of the Ontario Federation of Labour, London and Ottawa District Labour Councils and sat on the Board of Directors for Kings College as well as miscellaneous boards and commissions in Ontario.In his retirement Tom enjoyed time with friends at London Knights hockey games and most treasured moments with his family at his cottage in the Kawarthas. Remembered by many colleagues and friends for his love and respect for all of us.
Visitation at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street, London on Thursday August 13, from 6–9 p.m. Funeral Mass to be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 511 Cheapside Street, London on Friday August 14, at 11 a.m., followed by interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Our sincere thanks to the Intensive Care Team at University Hospital for their compassionate and steadfast care. Donations to the Mission Services of London would be appreciated as an expression of solidarity with the working poor.
