Thurston E. “Tink” Collins, 87, of Haverhill, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Feb. 4, at his residence after a lengthy illness.
Born in Merrimac, he was the son of Arthur M. and Florence G. (Pickard) Collins. He attended Merrimac public schools and Merrimac high School. A Veteran of WWII, he served in the U. S. Army and was honorably discharged.
Collins was employed as a machinist at General Electric Corporation in Lynn for his entire career, retiring in 1989. In his spare time “Tink” was known for his love of automobiles and anything with wheels. He built many hot rods and was especially proud of his 1964 Chevy pick up truck. He and his truck made the cover of Whips Wheels. His other interests included skiing and boating.
A husband, father, and grandfather, he was the widower of Theresa M. (Lynch) Collins who passed away in 1999. He is survived by his loving children; his two daughters, Sharon L. Collins, of Hull, and Lynn M. Doucet, with whom he lived, and son, Michael K. Collins, of Amesbury. He also leaves his grandchildren; Melanie M. Fenlon, Shawn P. Doucet and his fiancé, Alison Conti, and Shannon L. Sirois and her husband, Jon, great grandchildren; Haley Fenlon, Lucy, Dominic, and Santino Romano and Jameson Doucet, two great great grandchildren, Mason and Shawn Smith, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Arthur, John, and James.
Friends and family are respectfully invited to call on Saturday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. (route 125) Haverhill. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. in the funeral home following the period of visitation. Burial will take place in the spring. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the MSPCA, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.