Obituary of Randy Charles Collins
July 4, 2023
Peacefully, “having fought the good fight and finished the race”, at London Health Sciences Centre – University Hospital, London, on Monday, June 26, 2023, Randy Charles Collins of London, age 77. Beloved husband of Audrey (Couture) Collins. Loved father and father-in-law of Charles “Chuck” and Karrie Collins of St. Thomas, Rebecca (Collins) and Gregg Gilmore and Gordon Collins all of London. Cherished grandpa of Amanda and Derrick Nethercott, Rachel and Chad Doran and Abigail “Abi” Collins. Treasured great grandpa of Hunter, Hailey, and Harper. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Jim and Jacintha Collins of St. Thomas, Tom and Lorraine Collins of Maidstone, Katie Swackhamer of London, Ruthanne Miller, Ruby and Bill Vander Veen, Rachel, and Ed Gibbs all of Cottam, Rita and Gord Duncan of Kingsville, Rose Rawlins, Joe Couture both of Cottam. Remembered by his many nieces, nephews, and their families. Predeceased by his parents Gordon Thomas and Gladys Jean Mary (Levi) Collins, father-in-law and mother-in-law Joseph Felix and Josie (Swackhamer) Couture, brothers-in-law Larry Swackhamer, Jamie Couture, Lyle Miller, Gary Rawlins, and sister-in-law Lynn Couture.
Randy firmly believed: “Every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father.” He knew these gifts included his bride; his beloved family; and the many successful business ventures he started, acquired, and dynamically grew. His journey began farming in Essex County and Huron County, before embracing retail as his passion when Randy and Audrey founded Hully Gully in Varna, ON. Throughout his 52 successful years, over 100,000 customers came to appreciate his continual admonition to “have fun” while “treating others as you would like to be treated”. His greatest pleasure was to walk the retail floor, greeting new customers as well as reconnecting with those who had bought 30, 40 or 50 years before.
Dozens of charitable organizations have been the beneficiaries of the Collins generosity. In addition to frequent direct financial support, annual events such as last weekend’s Freedom Ride (in support of Teen Challenge), and the Fall Colour Ride which to date has raised $325,000 for the Children’s Health Foundation, continue to show Collins never ending community appreciation. On Hully Gully’s 50th anniversary, London South was the recipient with the creation of a handicapped accessible children’s playground on Southdale at Bostwick. This is in addition to 6 Saturn playgrounds they previously funded. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy, in lieu of flowers consider a donation to Harvest Hands or Faithville.”
Visitors are welcome on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 2 p.m. Pastor Ron Baker Officiant. Cremation to follow. Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood.
