Final Salute

A. Wayne Collins, CAPT USN CEC, Ret. At 87 years, the last 40 in the beautiful Arizona Desert, Wayne Collins was called by his Lord to the Promised Land June 24th, 2022. Captain Collins passed away at home in the company of his children. Born in Los Angeles, Wayne attended Alhambra High School where he was drum major and won the first of many tennis trophies. UC Berkeley structured his engineering passion, introduced the Navy through ROTC, and led to meeting his future wife, Joanne, at a Friday the 13th party. Wayne’s 26-year naval career comprised assignments related to facilities construction, operations, and planning. He served in Spain, Vietnam, and various stateside duty stations. He retired in 1982 as the Assistant Commander for Planning and Real Estate with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command. Upon retirement, Wayne put down roots in Phoenix, eventually becoming Public Works Director, County Engineer, and Assistant County Manager for Maricopa County. In 1991 Wayne moved to the Arizona Department of Transportation; ultimately serving as Deputy State Engineer for Planning and Engineering and Deputy State Engineer for Development. Wayne retired from ADOT in 2000 and worked as a Vice President with Huitt-Zollars, assisting in marketing and design for various transportation projects. Wayne found great enjoyment and satisfaction in his work and his many professional relationships. Wayne’s was a life well lived. He and Joanne were active in their church, singing with the choir and serving in various volunteer positions. He sang with the Valley Chamber Chorale and regularly attended the Phoenix Symphony. He loved researching topics of interest, played tennis regularly until the age of 81, and took photographs everywhere. Wayne loved Joanne and their four children deeply, investing in and supporting them. He shared with them his love of the outdoors through camping, hiking, and boating. Closets are full of photos of family adventures great and small. He was a man of faith – he saw the Hand of God in his life; he depended upon God. Principles, high standards, and “doing it right” were important to him and how he lived. He always said “I am a lucky guy!”. Wayne is survived by children and spouses: Karen and Jack Holmes, Ken and Amy Collins, Dave and Katie Collins, Mike and Maryann Collins. He is also survived by his very special friend Yvonne Lewis. Wayne adored his grandchildren Chris Holmes, Matthew Holmes (and wife Jessica Dickinson Goodman), Laura Holmes, Alex Collins, KJ Collins, Andrea Collins, Rebecca Sigafoose (and husband Damontre), Erica Collins, April Collins, and Clara Collins. Wayne was also blessed with a wonderful great-grandchild, Junior Sigafoose. He was predeceased by his best friend and wife, Joanne Virginia Pluess, and his brothers. A Memorial Service will be held August 13 at 11:00 am at Orangewood Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, 7321 N 10th St., Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Phoenix Symphony or the Heifer Project, two causes close to Wayne’s heart. Please visit hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.

Posted online on July 01, 2022

Published in The Arizona Republic