Mark Craig Collins, age 52, of Broadus passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at his home in Broadus after a courageous battle with cancer with his family by his side.
Mark was born November 18, 1961 in Miles City Montana to Larry and Sharon Hagadone Collins. He grew up on the family ranch and attended grade and high school in Broadus, graduating in 1980. Following graduation he and friend Jim Taylor went to Washington State and California “Looking for Work”. They did not find work, but had a great experience and returned to Montana. Mark then found work for a short time with a construction company in Gillette, WY. He found a better paying job with a “Work over Rig” and worked there until winter, when he came back to the ranch. In the spring of 1981 he wanted to try “fishing in Alaska”. He went to Seattle, Washington where he went on the piers talking to the fishermen and trying to find a job. Mark‘s persistence paid off and he found a guy willing to take him on. Mark flew to Dillingham, AK then took a charter taxi to Clark’s Point, AK in the Bristol Bay area, where he met up with his boss and boat. This was an 18ft fishing boat with a cabin. One of Mark’s duties was cooking! This arrangement only lasted a few weeks and the two parted ways. The Clark brothers (Clark’s Point – named for the family) had a little bigger boat and took Mark in to finish out the season fishing for halibut and salmon. It was hard work. Mark enjoyed the teammates, but said he “fed the fishes” every time they went back out to sea after being on shore a short while. Mark returned to the ranch in late August of 1981. He complained of back pain and after months of trying to find the cause, he was diagnosed with a spinal tumor. He had surgery and radiation and had a good recovery. He went to college for a few months and was planning to go into Law Enforcement, when a reoccurrence of cancer changed the plans. This time it was a brain tumor. He had more radiation, and a strong dose of chemotherapy. It helped for 32 years, until a new tumor developed last fall.
Mark enjoyed travel and seeing new country. In spring of 1983, he went with two friends to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, LA. He later went on several trips with his parents to Georgia to visit Kurt and family, he was able to go to Branson, Missouri and on two cruises to Alaska and to Panama Canal. Mark loved the ranch and made the best of his lot. He often said, ”Man we have it good.” He liked sitting on the deck in the sunshine petting his dogs and just looking at the scenery. When the weather kept him inside he liked to watch “Walker Texas Ranger” on TV and play games on the Wii. He had “pro” status in golf and bowling. His “Big Event “each year was his Birthday Poker Party. He was frequently at the pay window. He loved having a host of friends come and visit, as well as play. Mark was a hard worker and loved to do what he could to help wherever he could. He kept the lawn cut with the riding mower, he liked moving cattle on his 4-wheeler and especially loved helping his friend Tom Riggs work cattle. Mark and his two dogs on the 4-wheeler were a familiar sight as they checked the water pipeline daily. He was very proud of his Brother Kurt and wife Julie, and their girls Madison and Sage. He got a lot of enjoyment going to the school events to watch the girls.
Mark is survived by his parents, Larry and Sharon Collins of the family ranch, His brother Kurt and Julie (Maner) Collins, nieces: Madison and Sage Collins all of Broadus, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Faith Bible Church in Broadus. Interment will be held at a later date. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Broadus Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 629, Broadus, MT 59317.
Pam & Dave Nisley says
How we hoped Jesus would heal Mark on this side – We pray for comfort for all of you now , and have such admiration for Sharon and all of you that cared so for Mark. We stand in awe too, watching Mark’s incredible attitude all these years!! He has been blessed with the very best loving family any could ask for! ~ none of us can imagine the huge void in your lives, and please know Mark is never forgotten, and we will continue to be here for you in any way possible!!! Hugs and prayers~
Julie Emmons Korkow says
Oh how we ALL loved Mark! He had the GREATEST attitude and was such an inspiration to all of us. I am so thankful to have known him and considered him a friend. Please find comfort in your memories of Mark. God Bless Mark and all his family…..
Karen Gunther says
My thoughts and prayers are with Marks family, he was such a wonderful man , always glad to see you with a hand shake when ever we saw hi. so enjoyed his last birthday party with my husband who was taken from me on Dec. 20. He is with Mark have a wonderful time
He will be missed but I know his family has many memories to remember Mark. go in peace my dear friend.
Lisa and Roger Gaskill says
We are keeping you all in our prayers and hoping that you can find some kind of peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Sally Borla says
So very sad that you have lost your beloved son Mark. He was such a nice and kind
man and always had a smile. I know he had the most wonderful parents and loving
family anyone could ask for–he is at peace now, but will be missed by everyone.
God Bless and may you find comfort in the days to come.
marilyn jones says
Mark was one of the most nicest,funny guys I have ever been around!He always had a smile whenever i saw him,He was always making me laugh! Mark you will be missed dearly! Rest in peace now ,Prayers to Sharon and Larry and Kurt and family,God bless and comfort you all!
LINDA MERCHANT & BILL CANON says
prayers to the family of mark.he alway’s had a smile on his face and a positive attitude no matter what.the community will miss him a lot.R.I.P. mark.God bless.gone but never forgotton.
Mary Schaefer says
Collins Family: I was sorry to hear the passing of Mark. I met him when Fredrickson’s ran my cows for me. He was always such a pleasure to visit with and I admired his determination!!!! Thoughts and prayers with you and your family .
Barbara Maner says
Always in my Prayers. I first met Mark at Kurt and Julie’s wedding. He always had a smile and would joke with everyone. The last time I saw Mark was when I visited Broadus and went to say good bye to him. He seemed surprised when I hugged him. Mark was blessed with a loving and caring family and will be missed by all his family and friends. God Bless you all.
Don & Linda Nybakken says
Sharon, Larry, Kurt, Julie & Girls you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mark, as well as all of you, have been an inspiration to us all as you’ve all demonstrated strength, happiness, and humor while facing adversity. Loved his brutal honesty, his persistent strength, and his kindness to Tana & Leland. As parents, Sharon & Larry you are the very best! God bless you all!
Tim Yingling says
Mark thank you for all the enjoyment we had with you at the ranch . You are a one of kind great person . God speed my friend
Hugh & Evelyn Broadus says
Our Sympathy and prayers to all the Collins family. Please let all of your memories help to ease Mark’s passing. Hugh and Evelyn
Ella Mae and Allen Drane says
So sorry to hear,will miss Marks dear sweet face and endearing friendship,always a handshake and beaming smile.Everyone loved Mark,God Bless!
Pauline Flotkoetter says
Sharon and Larry; I am so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of Love and prayers your way during this difficult time.
James and Jackie Castillo says
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mark. We have many fond memories of Mark and will cherish them. We especially enjoyed seeing him when we were able to visit you all in Montana. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.
Terri Williams-King and family says
So very sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. I know he is in a better place, healed in Jesus’ presence. I remember times spent with your family when my parents would come to Broadus as a young’un lol riding horses and stealing vegetables from the garden. Mark had a megawatt smile and he will be missed greatly. P.S. I still carry his senior picture in my wallet lol always did have a crush on him!!! Love to all y’all
Bernice Rolfson says
Sharon and Larry, I am having difficulty finding the words to express my sympathy to you and your family for your great loss. Mark was just a great guy. I always admired him for the way he excepted his illness, always smiling. I was so happy I got to see him last year at Jim Espy’s birthday party. May God Bless each of you at this very difficult time in your lives.
Diane and Bob Bogner says
May God grant you peace in the coming days, easing the loss of Mark’s passing. He certainly was a special guy—–starting back when Bob and I taught him, as he always showed his compassion for everyone.
Jeff Curry says
Larry and Sharon, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Mark was such a great guy. I’ll always remember the good times we had that summer, especially all the laughs we had at the poker table. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
James Taylor (Jim) says
I am saddened by the passing of my good friend Mark Collins. Mark had such a fun, kind and adventurous spirit. I will always remember these things about Mark. I admired his great attitude. Every time I saw Mark over the years he was always in good spirits and taking things in stride. He had a special way of doing that. God bless Marks family, for their love and care of our dear friend. My prayers are with you all.
James Taylor (Jim) says
As was mentioned in Mark’s obituary, he and I headed west looking for greener pastures in the summer of 80. We had my pickup truck and our 2 dirt bikes, not much sense and a whole lot of determination. After encountering the deep piles of ashes from Mt St Helens eruption we turned south to California. We went broke (ended up sleeping on the beach), we had a couple of breakdowns (one was our air conditioning in Death Valley). We had a lot of fun and I will always remember Marks sense of humor, his courage, and his determination.
Bradd Licht says
to the Collins family i am saddened by your loss you are all in our thoughs and prayers
Bonnie K. Viall says
Sharon, Larry, Curt and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine !!!!!!
Sounds like Mark had a very full and wonderful life. May God be very near to you all during this extremely difficult time. Bonnie Viall
Suzy Collins Noecker says
Larry and Sharon;
So sorry to hear about Mark passing. He sure gave it all a great go. My thought and prayers are with you. Love you all tons, Suzy.
Denver Fraser says
Sharon, Larry, Curt, Julie, and family:
I’m very sorry for your loss. Mark was a great person and I’m proud to have known him. He will be missed. My condolences to you all.
Denver Fraser
Jason, Nathelle, Mia, & Jase Frederick says
Larry, Sharon, Kurt, Julie, & Girls,
We are very sorry for your loss. Mark had a great “tell it like it is” personality, a great sense of humor, a positive attitude, and a wonderful heart. He was a great person, with tons of determination and drive. I find comfort in knowing he’s now with other family, telling stories and jokes. He will be greatly missed. Mark will always be in our hearts.
Jason, Nathelle, Mia, & Jase Frederick – Poplar, MT
David & Joanne Hamilton says
Sharon, Larry, Kurt, Julie & Family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss.
Susan Twichel says
Sharon, Larry, and family-
I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing; he will be greatly missed! I bet he has already filled in the family up in heaven on all of the happenings now and enjoying their company. It was great to see him at the reunion last summer; he was full of smiles and telling stories to all those around him. My thoughts, love, and prayers are with all of you!
Love you all lots-
Susan (Hagadone) Twichel and family
Jim Kinninger and family says
Our hearts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Dan & Sheri Gali says
Larry, Sharon, Kurt, Julie and girls,
So sorry for your loss. Thankful for our wonderful memories of Mark throughout the years! He was a remarkable person and an inspiration to everyone he met. Rest in peace my friend….until we meet again. Praying for comfort for the Collins family during this difficult time.
Bill Gorder & Brenda Hopkins says
Larry, Sharon, Kurt, Julie and girls,
We are so sorry for your loss. Mark was such an inspiration to all. He was always so happy and upbeat. Always a big smile and a handshake! Never a complaint about anything that was going on with him. Rest in Peace Mark, you will be greatly missed.
Bill and Ranae Lancaster says
Larry, Sharon, Kurt and family. The previous comments say it all, Mark was such an inspiration. He faced life challenges few of us could even begin to imagine with tremendous courage and a positive attitude always. It was a pleasure to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Don & Melody Lancaster says
Larry, Sharon & Kurt, As Bill just said, by the comments above you know what a special person Mark was and how all of our lives have been enriched by knowing him. When ever I ran across him on my Montana visits he was always positive and never one to complain about anything. I am a better person for having known him. My greatest sympathies.
Linda (Cole) Bianco says
Dear Larry, Sharon and family – I’m so sorry to hear of your loss and send prayers and sympathy to you all for God’s Peace and comfort. God bless you.