Father William F. Collins, OFM

Father William Francis Collins O.F.M. (Neil) passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at home in Lauderdale By the Sea, Florida after a lengthy illness. He was affectionately known as “Father Bill”. Father was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, March 6, 1931 as Neil Jerome Collins.  He was the son of the late Matthew and Annie May (McNeil) Collins. Father was raised in Regina, attended Holy Rosary Elementary and Campion College High School. Father entered the Franciscan Novitiate in 1951, and selected the name of Father William Francis Collins. He began his formal studies for the Priesthood in Montreal, Quebec. He was ordained a Priest July 2, 1960 at Holy Rosary Cathedral in Regina. Father’s ministry took him to various locations across Western Canada. In addition, Father also served in Las Cruces, NM and Oakland, CA. For the last thirty years, Father has served in Florida. As Chaplain at Imperial Point Medical Center, he saw the terrible AIDS toll. That was the birth of his charity ‘Poverello’ (Italian for “poor little one”) the nickname of Francis Of Assisi, founder of Father’s Franciscan order. He chose the name without religious overtones. He wanted the charity to be non-sectarian and open to everyone. In the thirty years since its inception, Poverello has fed and clothed many thousands of people. Father was a scholar, linguist, a visionary and a true man of God. He was formally recognized for his good works by many in the community and abroad, including a personal letter from Mother Theresa Of Calcutta, praising him for his good works. Father was predeceased by his parents, brothers Michael (Lillian), Gillis (Anna deceased, Mary Louise), His sisters Dolores Kramer (Syl), Mary Margaret Hoering (Richard). He is survived by his sister Patricia Collins of Regina, Saskatchewan, brothers Bernie (Delphine deceased) Estevan of Saskatchewan, Vincent (Karen) of Spokane, WA, Allan (Laurie) Regina of Saskatchewan, Martin (Eileen) Kelowna of British Columbia, Glenn of Lauderdale By the Sea, FL. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces and cousins in the Collins and McNeil families. A Memorial Mass will be held at Assumption Catholic Church 2001 South Ocean Boulevard Lauderdale By the Sea, Monday 3:00PM.  Further services will take place in Regina Saskatchewan.  In his memory donations may be made to Poverello, 2056 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL., or Vitas Hospice Community Connection, or a charity of your choice. For further information please contact T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home.