FARMINGTON — Saul Vernon Collins Sr., 86, a lifelong resident of Rangeley, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Living Center, where he had resided since early June.

He was born Jan. 12, 1924, in Rangeley, a son of Vernon Daniel and Alice Esma (Ross) Collins. He received his education in Rangeley schools and was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

On Sept. 12, 1942, in Rangeley, he married his sweetheart, Margaret Fuller of Oquossoc. Just last week they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. He was a self-employed carpenter and gas business owner in Rangeley for many years and proudly drove a school bus for the Rangeley Lakes Regional School.

Saul was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rangeley, and over the years had served on the church vestry committee. He was a volunteer firefighter for the town, volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was a member of the American Legion and the Lions Club.

His hobbies included reading, watching old western movies and building in his workshop with his grandchildren. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, especially their three trips to Hawaii.

Loved by many, he will be remembered as a kind, gentle man with a quick, dry wit.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Rangeley; three sons, Saul Collins Jr., of Leesburg, Fla., Earle M. Collins of Franconia, N.H., and Geoff Robbins and his wife, Marci of Portland; three daughters, Joan Meade and her husband, Charlie, of Lake Placid, Fla., Judy Ellis and her husband, Rex, of Rangeley and Carole Kane and her husband, Gavin, of Wilton; one brother, Ardine Collins and his wife, Margie, of Rangeley; two sisters, Mickey Thibault of Rangeley and Jean Bennett and her husband, Rolfe, of Berlin, N.H.; 10 grandchildren, Lindsay Ellis, Courtney Ellis, Connor Kane, Caitlin Kane, Chelsea Kane, Sandy Maxey, Mike Meade, Jeff Collins, Jennifer Collins and Brandi Collins; and five great-grandchildren, Wade Meade, Hayley Meade, Jake Maxey, Hanna Maxey and Katie Maxey.

He was predeceased by two grandchildren, Chuck Collins and Bruce Collins; and two brothers, Elden Collins and Ronald Collins.

Tributes and condolences may be shared with his family at www.wilesrc.com.