Rodney Branch Collins

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rodney Branch Collins, who left us on February 16, 2025, at the age 70. Born May 28, 1954, in Ogden, Utah, he was the beloved son of George and Verla Collins.

Rod graduated from Olympus High School in the Class of 1972 and went on to earn a degree in Diesel Mechanics from Denver Automotive and Diesel College. He later pursued further education, becoming an Environmental Engineer. Rod had a distinguished career in contracting with the military, which took him overseas after the Gulf War in 1992, where he worked and lived at Camp Doha, Kuwait. His work allowed him to travel extensively, visiting numerous countries including Saudi Arabia, Africa, Qatar, Egypt, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Germany, and many other places in Europe.

In Kuwait, he founded a successful environmental company, which he owned for many years. Rod was a talented craftsman, known for his ability to fix and build anything put before him. He enjoyed spending time with his family, often camping in the mountains or at the sand dunes, gathered around a campfire. His hobbies included restoring cars, building sand rails, riding motorcycles, and working on various projects around the house.

Rod was especially known for his love and kindness towards animals. He often brought home stray or injured animals and had a deep bond with dogs throughout his life. Rod had a willingness to help anyone in need, even strangers. He was an avid snow skier, scuba diver, and traveler, Rod embraced life to the fullest. He was a true adventurer, and we will miss hearing all of his stories he would tell us about his travels overseas. He married Laurie Jones in 1973, but they later divorced. He found and fell in love with Shawna Packard, whom he married on November 18th, 1976. They celebrated 48 years of marriage together.

Rod is survived by his wife, Shawna Leslie Collins; his children, Cory (Chevis) Collins of Englewood, CO, Trisha (Chris) Mariner of Waddell, AZ, Kelly Collins of Salt Lake City, UT, Ashley (Rob) Rinaldi of Surprise, AZ, and Rose Collins of Dubai, UAE; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and his siblings, John, Deanne, Dennis, Sonya, and Kimberly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Verla Collins; his brothers, Craig and Kerry Collins; and his sister, Dixie Ortiz.

The family wishes to express great love and appreciation to the caregivers at Mosaic Gardens Memory Care and Aegis Hospice for their devotion and kindness in caring for our dad.

Our dad will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. We know he is having a joyous reunion with his parents and siblings, and numerous beloved pets.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Huntsville Cemetery, 5600 East 100 South.

"Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure."