Derek

Collins

Derek Collins October 20, 1954 – May 14, 2011 Derek Collins passed away at home in Brookings, Oregon on Saturday, May 14, 2011. He was 57. Derek was born October 20, 1953 in Fort Bragg, CA to Kenneth and Gail (Burton) Collins. He grew up in Yuma, AZ. Derek married Cynthia Fox in Alpine, AZ on August 24, 1986. The couple moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1991 where Derek worded as a post-secondary education computer instructor. With his knowledge of computers, he would also fly into remote villages where he taught classes as well as learning and enjoying their culture. Derek loved the outdoors, which made Alaska his true home. When he wasn't teaching computer programming, he was introducing his love of the outdoors by hunting, fishing and camping with friends and family. In 2001, due to health issues, he had to move to the lower 48. Survivors include his wife, Cindy of Harbor, OR; sons Zack Collins of Brawley, CA and Cody Collins of Fairbanks, AK; grandson Brandon Monroe and mother Gail Ferguson of Cypress, TX; sisters Kathy Hartsough and her husband Phil of Harbor, OR, Cindy Williamson of Cypress, TX; nephews Shawn, Kyle and Qt; nieces Brianna and Krista; stepdaughter Shawnee.