RICHARD ‘DICK’ ANTHONY COLLETT

The family of Richard “Dick” Anthony Collett, of 316 Second St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., sadly announce his sudden passing on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at the age of 90.
Dick was born March 2, 1920 in Winnipeg, Man. to the late George and Faith Collett.
When he was two years old, his family moved to Fort Frances, where he grew up in the west end. In 1937, he began working at the local Ontario and Minnesota pulp and paper mill.
On Nov. 2, 1941, he was united in marriage to the former Mary Mosley.
During WWII, Dick enlisted in the navy and served on Canadian destroyer HMCS Iroquois overseas. Upon his discharge at the end of the war, Dick returned to Fort Frances, raised his family, and resumed working at the mill until his retirement in 1982.
Dick and Mary were members of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Frances for many years. Dick also was a life-long Legion member and served as an officer in the Sea Cadets, helping young people with an interest in the armed services.
He had many interests, including his love for hunting, fishing, and time with family and friends at the cabin on Lake Despair and later Rainy Lake. He always had a special love of woodworking in his shop, which continued throughout his retirement years.
Dick was very active and enjoyed bowling with friends until recently. He also was well-known for kidding around with his grandchildren, family, and many friends, and will be dearly missed.
On May 29, 2004, Dick was predeceased by his wife, Mary. On May 7, 2005, he was united in marriage to Eva Abbott and enjoyed many occasions with his new extended family.
Dick is survived by his wife, Eva; his daughter, Lorna Angus (Gary) of Fort Frances, Ont. and their children, Julie Ste. Croix (Greg) of Fort Frances, Ont. and Jamie Angus (Elaine) of Calgary, Alta.; his son, Rick Collett (Patti) of Fort Frances, Ont. and their children, Erin Smith (Darren) of Camrose, Alta., Holly Collett and Christa Collett, both of Calgary, Alta.; and five great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Smith, Jack Angus, Henry Angus, Rachel Ste. Croix, and Reed Ste. Croix.
He also is survived by his sister, Laura Mitchell of Fort Frances, Ont.; sister-in-law, Shirley Collett of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dick was predeceased by his parents; brother, Ronald Collett; sister, Patricia Patnaude; and brothers-in-law, George Mitchell and George Patnaude.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 17, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1105 Scott St. in Fort Frances, with Pastor Brian Keffer officiating.
Interment took place in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 Colour Party provided its tribute at the service.
Family and friends visited from 9 a.m. until service time at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The pallbearers were Doug Mitchell, Harold Mosley, Brian Angus, Warren Kane, Lyle Hayes, and Herb Hughes.
The honourary pallbearers were all Dick’s friends.
For those who so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to either the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1105 Scott St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1J7 or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 501-200 South Syndicate Ave., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7E 1C9, or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com