FARMINGTON – Morrill W. “Dave” Collins, 85, of Farmington Falls, died Sunday, Dec. 4, at Sandy River Nursing Home after a long illness.

Born June 19, 1920, in Farmington, he was a son of William and Susie (Morrill) Collins. A World War II veteran, he was a staff sergeant in the 748th Army Field Artillery in southern France and Germany.

Following his military service, he worked for many years as a hand sewer at Bass Shoe in Wilton, later teaching the skill to others and eventually becoming foreman of the department. During that time, he attended evening classes at CMVTI. He obtained his insurance agent license, left the shoe shop and subsequently worked for several area insurance agencies.

He was a founding member of the Farmington Falls Volunteer Fire Department, which eventually merged with the Farmington Fire Department. During his tenure as a firefighter, he achieved the rank of lieutenant, training officer and captain. In the early days of the volunteer department, he was active in many fund-raisers, including tree cutting and setting foundations for homes. He was also well-known as the chief chicken barbecue chef for the department’s annual field day, cooking 300 to 400 half chickens at this event each year.

He helped found the Farmington Falls Hawks Little League Team, which is still in existence today. He was a member of Franklin Lodge in New Sharon and served as master, district deputy and grand master. He was also a member of Kora Temple.

He will be remembered by his family as a carpenter, mechanic and general “mister fix it.”

A child of the Depression, he was very adept at making things from spare parts, be it a farm vehicle, go-cart or garden tool. Whenever a friend, neighbor or family member was building a house, barn or whatever, he would arrive with tools in hand to help out. His grandchildren cherish memories of moonlight snowmobile rides, fishing expeditions and “don’t tell your grandmother” snacks and adventures.

He is survived by his son, Walter Collins and wife, Terry, of Farmington; daughter, Gail Hillstrom and husband, David, of Farmingdale; grandson, Mark Hillstrom of Belgrade; granddaughters, Amy Hillstrom of Farmingdale, and Marcy Caton and husband, Eugene, of Phillips; great-grandson, Vincent Caton; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife of more than 60 years, Carlene; his brother, Norman Collins; and his sisters, Elzie Kilponen and Rose Sprague.

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