Ronald Wayne Collins

Ronald Wayne Collins, known to many as Ron, passed away naturally at his residence in Newport, Oregon on August 1, 2026, at the age of 77, leaving behind a life defined by adventure, kindness, and generosity. Ron was born on September 15, 1948, in Denver, Colorado, and from the very beginning he carried the spirit of someone meant to move, explore, and live fully. He grew into a man who did not simply pass through life, but met it head-on with courage, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the world around him. His journey carried him from the mountains of Colorado to the Pacific Northwest, where made his home and built a life that reflected his independent spirit and open heart. He graduated from Grant High School in Portland, Oregon, and continued his education at OSU, always understanding that learning was not limited to the classroom. Ron learned from the road, from the water, from hard work, and from the people he met along the way. He believed in showing up, doing the job, and giving his best, and that attitude shaped every chapter of his life. He worked as a yacht broker, broke ponies, raced speed boats, and also a trainer for FedEx, each role revealing a different side of his determination, versatility, and love of motion. He was never afraid of work, and he never lost his sense of purpose. Ron was a true adventurer. He was a surfer, he lived on a sailboat, and he found joy in camping, fishing, and traveling. He was drawn to the water and the freedom it represented, and he lived in a way that honored that calling. He understood that life is not meant to be watched from the shore. It is meant to be entered with heart, balance, and faith. His days were filled with the kind of experiences that become stories, and his stories became memories that will be cherished for generations. He was a spiritual man, guided by a deep inner compass and a respect for the mystery and beauty of life. Ron lived with a grounded wisdom that came from experience and from his willingness to trust the journey. He had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and encouraged. His kindness was not loud, but it was steady and real. His generosity was not measured by size, but by sincerity. He gave himself freely, and in doing so, he made the lives of others brighter. Ron is lovingly remembered by his lifelong companion and best friend, Diana, who shared his life, his adventures, and his enduring spirit. He is also remembered by his former spouse, Joanne, his sister, Kyle, his cousin, Linda, his beloved muffin, and many additional family members and friends whose lives were touched by his presence. Each of them carries a piece of his story, and each of them knows that Ron’s influence will continue to ripple outward through the memories, lessons, and love he leaves behind. Those who knew Ron will remember his adventurous nature, his kind heart, and his generous spirit. He had a way of reminding others that life is precious and that every day offers a chance to begin again, to be brave, and to live with intention. He did not wait for permission to chase the horizon. He followed it. He did not shrink from the challenge. He met it with grit and grace. He did not keep his light to himself. He shared it. In moments of reflection, his life calls to mind the words of Helen Keller: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Ron lived those words with conviction. He made his life a daring adventure, and he did so with authenticity, humor, and heart. He leaves behind not only memories, but an example. He showed that a meaningful life is built through courage, kindness, and the willingness to keep moving forward, even when the road is uncertain. Ronald Wayne Collins will be remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration. His life was a testament to freedom, resilience, and the power of living true to oneself. Though he has departed this world, the spirit he carried remains in the hearts of all who knew him. May his memory inspire others to live boldly, love deeply, and embrace each day with the same adventurous soul that Ron brought to every moment of his remarkable life. "Goodbye Daddy" from your faithful and beloved dog muffin. "I will always love you, and you will always be in my heart", Love Diana Arrangements were cared for by the Bateman Funeral Home.

Ronald Wayne Collins

September 15, 1948 - August 1, 2026