Michael Bruce Collins

Michael Bruce Collins, 75, of Keenesburg, Colorado, passed away on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 with his family at his side.

Mike was born to Arthur and Elinor Collins on March 23, 1949, in Muskegon, Michigan. His family moved to Colorado when he was 16 years old. He graduated from Adams City High School in 1967 and attended Front Range Community College to study business management for one year. Mike worked in the automotive field for Peterbilt and Ford in his younger years before starting a business alongside his wife, Dottie. Mike was a well-known broker who sold large engines and transmissions nationwide. His next adventure began when he and Dottie opened the Brighton Bingo Hall in the late 80s. When Mike retired in the early 2000s, he discovered his true calling as an entertainer and started a karaoke business with his youngest daughter, Samantha, called Now & Then Karaoke. As time passed, he continued to share his passion for music, met up with his good friend Tom Ward, and started up Vets & Tunes. They performed at the VA Hospital, numerous assisted living facilities, Elks lodges, American Legions, and other private events.

Mike's love for his family was a defining aspect of his life. In 1965, he met Dottie Sue, a young girl who would change his life forever. They finished High School together, and he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he was deployed to Vietnam. Their marriage on March 1st, 1969, marked the beginning of a beautiful family journey. In 1971, they welcomed their first daughter, Holly, and in 1981, another beautiful baby girl, Samantha, joined their family. Mike's love extended to his grandchildren, Bret, Teryn, Michael, and Grayson, whom he cherished dearly. He was also a proud father-in-law to Bill and Randy, the men who stole his daughters' hearts.

At his core, Mike loved people. He never failed to get a laugh out of his family, friends, the waitress at the restaurant, or just a stranger at the grocery store. Mike had a charm and sense of humor that made him endlessly easy to talk to. He treated everyone like family and made a lasting impression on the hearts of all who knew him. Mike will be dearly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Elinor, his brothers, Ronald and Thomas, and his sister, Linda.

He is survived by his wife Dottie Sue of 55 years; children Holly Kidd (Randy Vahl); Samantha Phare(Bill); sister Gail Jaramillo (Andrew); brother Patrick Collins (Mindy); grandchildren, Bret Johnson(Angelique), Teryn Kidd, Michael Phare, Grayson Phare, and great-grandson, Baby Johnson due August 2024; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 26th, at 4pm.

American Legion Post 180

595 Railroad Avenue 

Keenesburg, Colorado