Gordon Basil Collins, 51, of 1870 Long Rapids Road, Alpena, passed away at home on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Gordon was born July 5, 1956 in Alpena to Gordon L. and Angeline (Precord) Collins. Gordon lived in Alpena all his life, graduating from Alpena High School in 1974. He was an avid fisherman who fished the Brown Trout Festival for many years. He also loved deer season and joining friends and family at the various camps. He enjoyed camping with his family in the U. P. for many years, enjoyed the great outdoors, and instilled the love of outdoors to his children, Kimberly and Eric Collins. Gordon was employed for several years in construction and was employed with the City of Alpena as a fire fighter and EMT specialist for 11 years.

Surviving are his parents, Gordon and Angeline of Alpena, his daughter, Kimberly and fiance Sean of Mt. Pleasant; a son, Eric Collins of Mt. Pleasant; 2 brothers, Douglas and Jodi of Alpena, Scott and Hillary of Martinsburg, West Virginia; several nieces and nephews; his best friend and former wife, JoAnne; his aunts, uncles, and his faithful best friend, his cat Bailey.

Visitation will be held at the Bannan Funeral Home on Monday from 2-8 p.m. and will continue Tuesday at Trinity Episcopal Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Michaud officiating.

Interment: Evergreen Cemetery

Memorials: Hospice of Michigan and Alpena Regional Medical Cancer Center