Curtis grew up in a close-knit community of friends and three older brothers. There was nothing he wouldn’t try to do with any or all of his brothers. Walking the high tracks, rafting train ditches, roof running and climbing and hanging down from the tops of street lights. Yes a daredevil kid!
Curtis was very agile and good at sports. He played hockey, swam like a fish and ran for hours with friends at the local park. He built many forts in his time from scraps in the neighbourhood. This led him to fixing and tinkering with his cars, motorcycles or boat or helping friends with their similar projects.
Curtis’ handy fixit abilities lead him to his first career path. He was a good aircraft mechanic and then moved across the hanger floor to be a commercial pilot for Perimeter Airlines. There were many memorable flying moments including having to land his fully loaded passenger plane without landing gear when it wouldn’t lower during his landing approach and touchdown. No injuries to passengers, a bit of damage to the plane and he resumed his scheduled route for the day in a different aircraft.
While working as a pilot in 1983 Curtis answered the advertisement by the Canadian Government to become part of the Astronaut program. Although he was not a successful candidate he was proud to have applied and been considered. Curtis will now be able to take his long-awaited space flight, much to his delight. He retired as a Captain from flying in order to move along to his second career.
For his second career he chose to become a Firefighter with the City of Winnipeg. He spent the next 32 years serving the people in various communities within the city after having spent time in every firehall in the city. He attended many dangerous fire calls, accidents and medical calls with his crews who were always ready to follow Captain Collins and his knowledge of solutions for the task at hand.
Curtis met and started dating his wife Wendy in 1970 after being introduced at a High School dance when they were only teenagers. They were married in 1977. They traveled, laughed and loved together until he sadly passed away in June 2025. Curtis was extremely proud of his two sons Andy and Matt; all you had to do was ask or he would always volunteer that fact. Curtis was a perfect example as to what a great man should be. They paid attention because they too are great men.
Curtis was the best Dad he could be. Always being involved with his kids right from the day they were born, helping with all of the various teams and hobbies until his passing. He even learnt how to snowboard “Goofy” when he was 50 and recently in retirement took up golf so they could spend more time just being together having fun.
Both Andy and Matt made excellent chosen career path choices and both sons found exceptional women, Dayna and Kayla as their partners in life. Sadly Curtis did not get the opportunity to meet his first grandchild when he passed away less than two weeks before she was born. He was so looking forward to loving her to the moon and back.
Curtis will always be remembered by family and friends for his many talents, never ending wisdom, quick wit and humour. We will forever miss the way his voice sounded when mixed with ours when laughing together after a funny joke, story or adventure. We will miss, love and remember Curtis in our hearts forever.
Love Always.
*****
SILVER WINGS ~~ FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW
Silver Wings are a symbol of courage and freedom often associated with Aviation. The wings represent the ability to soar through the skies and conquer any challenges that come along the way as well as a badge of honour for pilots representing courage and a sense of adventure. The wings represent the freedom to chase your dreams and pursue your passions and explore new paths in life.
Those that have their wings are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. People who have their Silver Wings are often seen by others as having symbols of bravery and heroism. They put themselves at risk every time they take to the skies, knowing that their actions could have far reaching consequences. This willingness to face danger head-on and put others before oneself is what makes having Silver Wings such a revered emblem to many.
The similarities between the Aviators careers and their Silver Wings and a Firefighters life and careers are amazingly similar when you compare them.
How fortunate was Curtis to have experienced both of these careers in his lifetime. He was truly an exceptional man to have excelled at both.
*****
The Very Last Grief from Your Wife
WHEN THE VERY LAST GRIEF
DEADENS ALL OUR PAIN
I WILL FOLLOW YOU THERE
ON THE VERY NEXT TRAIN,
NOT BECAUSE I LACK STRENGTH
TO PONDER THE END RESULT,
BUT MAYBE YOU FORGOT
TO BRING ~ CLEAN SHIRT, NECKTIE,
UNIFORM & HAT, IMPORTANT TOOLS
AND A WEE DRAM OF IRISH WHISKEY
Love you forever and always XO
*****
Personal Message:
Truly the most dedicated and loving family man, loyal friend and strong leader. You will always be remembered for your many talents, wit and wisdom. How lucky are we to have had something so special that it makes saying Goodbye so hard.
We know that our beautiful memories of your remarkable life will comfort us eventually. Sharing so many smiles, much laughter, adventures and love with you are worth all of our tears.
Your family and friends will love and miss you forever.
PS: Enjoy your long awaited ride to the stars.
