Murdick Martin “Joe” Collins Jr. of Trout Lake was known by his friends as a hard working man, a farmer, trapper, and woodsman who loved the outdoors. Mr. Collins died Monday, December 18, 2006, at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie.

He was born March 14, 1929, in Strongs to Murdick and Hazel (Pomateer) Collins.

Mr. Collins enjoyed fishing, reading, and berry picking, and was always busy doing something outdoors, friends recalled.

He is survived by four daughters and their families, Belva and Edward Tuggle of Fennville, Betty Jo and Walter McMillan of Trout Lake, Marion and Calvin Browning of Trout Lake, and Cheryl Collins and Mike Miller of Dafter. He is survived by nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, a sister, Avis Ward of Onekema, two brothers, Dick Collins of Newberry and Louis Collins of Cadillac, and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Collins was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, who died in 2004, and his daughter, Beverly Kittle, who died in 1989.

Visitation was held at Hovie Funeral Home in Sault Ste. Marie Wednesday, December 20, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A service took place at the funeral home Thursday, December 21, at 1 p.m., with Pastor Chris Gillies officiating.

Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Trout Lake.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Chippewa County.