The world as we know it has forever changed. The loss of Matthew Charles Collins is felt by loved ones, family, friends, associates, and the community.
Matt was known as many things:
"My Matthew" by his doting mother, Donna Flanery, who would still try to cut his food for him into bite size pieces and tell him to chew at 48 years old.
"Honey" or "Tayo" by his adoring wife, Dianna. He always did say, "I married up."
"Dad" or "Pops" by his four amazing sons, Cadyn, Bryler, Colby, and Braxtyn - and more than half the kids in the neighborhood.
"Papa" by his precious granddaughter, Charlotte... whom he believed actually hung the moon.
"Brother" or "Blood" by his cherished sister Aimee and his less handsome brothers, Brian and Pat, and their beautiful wives, Lynelle and Susan.
"Uncle Matt" by his many nieces, nephews, and Johnny.
He was still "Coach" even more than a decade after many of these young men graduated.
He was a hunting and fishing buddy, uplifting friend, wanna-be chef, and all around fun loving guy.
He was an inspirational source of information, advice, and wisdom to those that would listen;
and to those that didn't, he was always there to offer a swift kick in the *asterick*.
For those that had the privilege to become close with Matt, and truly felt what was in his heart, know with little doubt that he felt personally responsible for, and lived his life
with the primary focus of connecting with, guiding, and helping those around him in any way that he could.
He found so much joy in being a father to far more than just his own blood. His generosity in providing wisdom, love, unconditional support, and even criticism has been a guiding force
to so many.
He has gone out of his way to touch the hearts of anyone who would let him, seeding personal relationships with each and every one.
The large majority of this community is feeling this loss on a very personal level, and the impacts made on so many lives will forever be cherished.
On September 23, 1970 the world was blessed with the life of Matthew Collins.
May 29, 2019, his unexpected departure, into God's loving embrace, has left a void in more lives than any of us could have imagined. He will be sincerely and profoundly missed.

In lieu of flowers, there is an option for donations to be made to the Collins Family Education Fund.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the Collins Household Saturday June 1st at 3pm. 7256 Post Rd. Montague, MI 49437.