Ralph Collins

Ralph Collins

November 30, 1922 ~ November 14, 2015

Ralph Larry Collins, 93, passed away at his home on November 14, 2015 of natural causes.  He was born the youngest of 3 sons to Emory W. and Ellen Larsen Collins in Ogden, Utah on November 30, 1922. He attended Ogden High School and the University of Utah.  He began dating the love of his life, VerDene Webb, in eighth grade. They were married November 10, 1944. She passed just 2 months before their 70th anniversary.

A man of honor and integrity, known for his quick wit and zest for life, Ralph was generous with his time and talents, and will be remembered with a smile by all who knew him.  His pride and joy was his family. He and VerDene were passionate and dedicated parents who gave their 2 daughters every advantage in life.  An accomplished artist, craftsman, and general handyman, Ralph allowed his little girls to “help” with any kind of project.  He instilled in them the confidence to try anything, the desire to do their best and the fun to be had just doing what has to be done.  His beautiful hand-thrown pottery is cherished by his family and friends, and that skill lives on in the many children he mentored, and his equipment which he donated to his grandchildren’s school.

Ralph worked as news photographer for the Salt Lake Tribune and the Ogden Standard Examiner and was co-owner of Collins and Morris Photography.  His pictures have appeared in many newspapers through AP Wire photo, Life Magazine and several historical books about this area.  He also worked at First Security Bank; Eubank Insurance and Bonds, Fred S. James Insurance and C.R. England Trucking.

He served in the Eighth Air Force during World War II as the flight engineer on a B-24 bomber, and was awarded EAME Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars; Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters; Overseas Service Bar; ETO Ribbon and The Distinguished Flying Cross.

Ralph is survived by his daughters, Susan Krusell, and Sharon (Stuart) Young; 4 grandchildren, Chad (Stephanie) Krusell, Tina Krusell, Kristy (Keeth) Badger and Patrick Young; and 5 great-grandchildren, Sequoia and Chloe Thomas, Griffin and Zoe Krusell and Emery VerDene Badger.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ted E. and Raymond W. Collins; wife; son-in law, Melvin Krusell; and grandson, Scott Thomas.

The family wishes to thank the residents and staff and a special friend Edloe of Mountain Ridge Assisted Living for their friendship and loving care, and the extraordinary loving care of Comfort WoRx Hospice.

Ralph’s family will meet with friends on Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

Internment at Ogden City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: USO; Department WS; PO Box 96860; Washington, DC 20090-6860    www.woundwarriorproject.org