Arthur (Art, Archie) Freeman Collins

 Born in Fairfield, Idaho on April 20, 1938, Arthur (Art, Archie) Freeman Collins was the first child of Esther and Lester Collins. 

 When Art was about eight years old the family moved to Weiser, Idaho. Along with Art and his parents, were his brother Dale and sisters Louise and Loraine. Their baby sister Thelma, born January, 1940, passed away when only three days old.

 Art is survived by his wife Laura, his daughter Bonnie (Ron), his sons Randy (Debbie) and Rob (Michelle), his stepchildren Ben (Mandy), Brad (Vickie), Jessica (Sam). His brother Dale (Mary)and his sister Louise. He has eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

 He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Loraine and Thelma.

 Art grew up in Weiser, graduating from Weiser High School, later moving to Boise; went on to Boise Junior College majoring in business finance; joined the National Guard, where he served full time for five years. Those are the basics, but they do not tell you about the man.

 Art’s Father passed away in 1953 and his sister Louise said that Art did his best to step in and help her and Loraine, even learning to tie the bows on their dresses before they left for school. As a young boy, I was told, he was blessed with spending some summers on his grandfather Love’s (Esther’s father) farm. He treasured those memories along with other local farm jobs that he had growing up in Weiser, mentioning bucking hay bales for Sonny and Oscar Hickey on the Oregon Annex during his high school years. For being “the Man of the house” he eventually found time to squeeze in some good football! He seemed to really enjoy life to the fullest!

 While in high school Art purchased his first car, a 1929 Model A Ford. When he was about 17 he bought his second car, another, Ford. Art and one of his buddies decided to improve on the looks of the car, took it all apart and embellished it, including push button door locks.

 Motorcycle riding, both dirt and road bike, became one of his many passions, riding with his brother Dale, his sons Randy and Rob, and with friends in Weiser and the Boise area. In later years he and Dale took many road trips on their Harleys. Those were memorable times that he so enjoyed reminiscing about. He so loved his family! 

 In recent years his wonderful daughter, Bonnie, and her husband, children and grandchildren, were able to reconnect after years apart. What a wonderful 20 some years that got to be! He cherished every moment they spent catching up on the years that they missed! Letters, cards, visits! His life was now complete.

 Always looking for new adventures, he took up sailing. His first boat was built for one sailor only. As his family watched, he launched for his first cruise assuring everyone the boat was safe and would not tip over. About 10 minutes into the maiden voyage, the boat tipped over and Art ended up in Mann Creek Reservoir. 

 As time went on the boats got bigger, the lakes got bigger, and Art’s sailing skills greatly improved. He actually improved enough that he taught his old lifelong friend, Lon Dunn, how to sail. Many sailing vacations were enjoyed with family and friends on Pend Orielle Lake and Priest Lake.

 One time at Pend Orielle Lake Dale and Art were standing on the dock chatting, Art stepped back, fell through the hole between the dock and the piling and into the lake, then just as suddenly, he popped back up like a bobber. Dale grabbed him and they continued talking as though nothing happened.

 While on an annual sailing vacation at Upper Priest Lake, Art went to use the outdoor privy. He came back all grumpy. “I dropped my flashlight in the hole. It was brand new! The light is still on!” No one offered to go get it.

 Art and Laura have been married 25 years, living at Mann Creek. For many years they owned the Homestead Cafe in Weiser. While there, he put his bookkeeping skills back to work while Laura put to use her restaurant knowledge running the staff and food side of the business. With their love of serving the public they made quite a go of it and decided to sell and retire about 10 years ago. 

 Art so enjoyed his country home and the time he and Laura spent camping and fishing, along with their ever present “fur babies,” currently, Foxy and Indy! Along with the dogs, I don’t believe he got to ever watch “Jeopardy” without his beloved cat, “Ony,” on his lap. He was always a big old softie when it came to kittens, but of course they always had a home till they grew old! He will be truly missed.

 Art lived a full life with so many people who held him dear to their hearts. We cannot end the story of his life without remembering Donna and Flora, the children’s mothers and their other “Mom” Linn, and the important part they had in his life and the lives of their children.

 In the driveway at Mann Creek sits a sailboat, not one but two fishing boats, a four-wheeler, and a motor home. Art used to always say to his old friends “he who dies with the most toys wins!” Not so sure if that’s true or not, but what is true is “To have been fortunate enough to have known a soul as kind and loving and caring as the Man this tribute is written about, makes all of us the Winners!”

 There will be a celebration of Art’s life on Saturday Sept. 21, 2024 at Rolling Hills Golf Course starting at 3 p.m. Open to the public. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to a local animal shelter or your favorite charity.