Obituary: Don Collier

Donald H. “Don” Collier, 72, passed peacefully on Tuesday, April 10, 2012. Don wore many hats over the years — most proudly his family hat. He was a loving son, nephew, uncle, husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. He also had his sportsman’s hat — hunter, fisherman, Bronco fan and archer. Many of those he taught, coached and mentored became “family” to him. Don competed at archery tournaments, built bows, taught archery to all ages, and coached national award-winning collegiate teams.
Don had a ranch hat — he loved irrigating his hayfields; raising cows and horses; and taking care of his dogs, cats and potbellied pigs.
He had work hats — Moon Lake Electric, the Bureau of Reclamation, Carrol Archery, Rocky Mountain Archery, Centrilift and Colorado Northwestern Community College in Rangely.
Don wore a huge humor hat — he loved to tell a good story or joke immediately after saying hello.
Over the last several years, he wore a “medical” hat with many labels: miracle patient, positive attitude, and resiliency. God gave him a unique grace to live with his medical challenges; he had a strong belief in God and looked forward to being reunited with loved ones in heaven.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathy; son, Lee; daughters, Lana (Kelly) and Cheryl; grandchildren, Cody, Tony (Jenifer), Robbie, Michael, and Jennifer; great-grandchild, AJ; uncle, Wilbur. Also part of his family are Lee, Susan, Gabe, Linda, Rita, Corey, Lori, Ken, Gerda, Ed, Jeff, Richie, Tracy, Cindy, Alisha, and Glenda.
His celebration of life service will be Friday, April 20, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church (207 South Sunset Ave., in Rangely, Colorado). A viewing will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Rangely Cemetery under the direction of the Ashley Valley Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.RangelyMortuary.com
In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to the Sunday school program at First Baptist Church in Rangely or Canyon View Vineyard Church in Grand Junction.