Alan Leslie Collins

1947 ~ 2020

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Oct. 1, 2020
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
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  • Alan Leslie Collins passed away on September 25, 2020, after a brief illness. A tower of strength and spiritual power, he will be sorely missed by all who loved him.

    Born February 14, 1947, to Walter LeGrande and Rosemary Collins, Alan came into this world full of fire and determination that lasted his entire life. Whatever was important to him was given his full and focused attention. From a young age, his dedication to his family and the gospel of Jesus Christ directed his decisions all of his life.

    He served as a faithful Spanish speaking missionary in Texas from 1966-1968. He loved the language and the culture and used his language skills both in work and travel.

    Alan graduated from the University of Utah and his love for the school continued throughout his life. He had a long career as a home builder, property developer, and as an architect for twenty years at Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah.

    In June of 1969, he married his sweetheart, Tamara Merrill, in the Los Angeles Temple. Together they raised seven children: Megan (Kendall) Oliphant, Cameron (Nicole) Collins, Bolton (Jeannette) Collins (deceased), Meredith Collins (deceased), Merci (Michael) Hase, Benton (Haley) Collins, and Chason (Christina) Collins. He deeply loved his children, his twenty-two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He made it a point to gather his family together as often as possible.

    From May of 2015 to November of 2016 Alan and Tamara served together as temple missionaries in the Spain, Madrid temple. They loved serving the varied peoples that entered and exploring the country on their limited days off.

    He had several passions that enriched his life: travel, golf, and his collections. Alan loved to travel, especially in Europe where he could enjoy the beautiful art, history, and architecture that inspired him. He loved to golf and encouraged a deep love of the sport in his sons and grandsons. He began collecting marbles as a boy, which he only added to over his lifetime. He also collected canes in his travels, usually antique ones that told great stories of their times. Alan was a voracious reader and loved to collect books, primarily related to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its doctrine. Each home he built for his family included a library, inspired by his own father's love of learning.

    His most recent obsession was for pennies minted around the same time as the restoration of the gospel and during the life of Joseph Smith, for whom he had a deep love and appreciation.

    Above all this, however, was his deep and abiding love of the Savior. His testimony and personal relationship with Jesus Christ defined his whole life, as he served faithfully in every calling asked of him. He loved to sit with his family and discuss the gospel, the scriptures, and the lives and teachings of modern-day prophets. More than any other gift he has given his family over the years, the power of his witness of the Savior and His divine mission has blessed them with strong foundations of their own, building generations of faithful disciples of Christ.

    A visitation will be held Thursday, October 1, 2020 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Larkin Mortuary at 260 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City. Masks and social distancing will be required. A private funeral and burial will be held at a later date.


    Guestbook/Condolences

    My dear Tammy, I was so saddened to hear about the passing of your Alan. I wish I had known before the viewing so Chris and I could have come to give you our love. I consider you such a beautiful woman of faith and talent. You and Alan have raised a wonderful family. My prayers are for each of you as you go forward. I know the lord will bless you with peace but I also know it can be a very difficult time. Please know I will be thinking of you through the coming months. My love and forever hugs, Shirlee Hansen


    - Shirlee hansen

    Dearest Tamara...
    We were so saddened to hear of Alan's passing and want to express of deepest condolences. It was such a privilege to serve with you both in Madrid. Our love and prayers for you.


    - Read Gilgen

    Dearest Tamara...
    We were so saddened to hear of Alan's passing and want to express of deepest condolences. It was such a privilege to serve with you both in Madrid. Our love and prayers for you.


    - Read Gilgen