Eric Todd Collins

Eric Todd Collins, 56, passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, after a 17 month battle with brain cancer. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Glioblastoma Multiforme, in May 2017. This unrelenting cancer took his speech, his cognition, and his memory, but it could not take his faith, courage, and strong spirit. His example of strength and perseverance will continue to bless our lives forever.
Eric was born on February 20, 1962 to Patricia Ann Smith and Richard Ellison Collins at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. After several moves around the country he came to Cache Valley with his mom and siblings. He graduated from Sky View High School and attended Utah State University. He married his “Always and Forever” love, Cassandra (Sandy) Coburn, and they have three beautiful daughters.
Eric lived a life of service. He served the Logan community for 23 years as a Law Enforcement officer retiring as a Captain. He especially enjoyed being on the SWAT team. His cop stories at family dinners were much anticipated and often left our cheeks sore from laughing so hard. His retirement years found him working in security at Logan Regional Hospital where he became the manager. He also worked as a Reserve Officer for the Cache County Sheriff’s Office.
Eric loved football and enjoyed playing and coaching. He loved riding motorcycles and playing golf. He had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing with the American Festival Chorus. He enjoyed shooting and shared his knowledge of guns and safety in teaching concealed carry classes.
Eric is a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served in many callings from nursery to High Council. His last calling was as Bishop of an amazing ward.
Eric considered his most important role as husband, father, and grandfather. His family can attest that he is absolutely the BEST and we are so blessed to have his guiding example to follow. He never missed a dance competition, cheer or sporting event, talent show, presentation, talk, or anything else his children were involved in. He continued that same dedication with his grandchildren and loved watching them cultivate their talents.
Eric has a genuinely kind and sincere heart that draws people young and old to him. He is a favorite grandpa, uncle, in-law, brother, cousin, neighbor, teacher, coach, and friend. He will be truly missed until we meet again. He would say to us all, “Be Strong and Carry On.”
Eric is survived by his eternal companion and best friend, Sandy, their children Nichole (Scott) Hall, Meghan (Todd) Parker, and Whitney, their grandchildren Jaxon, Mazey, Camry, Tate, Tyden, Zoey, and Claire, his parents Pat and Sullie Blau and Dick and Kay Collins, his siblings Rick (Theresa) Collins, Laura (Dar) Ashliman , Serena (Mark) LaBaron, Ryan (Jen) Blau, Ben (Lisa) Blau, Emory Collins, and many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, in-laws, cousins, friends and extended family. He is loved by all!
He was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Merlin and Donna Coburn, all of his grandparents, and some extended family.
Funeral services are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary, and will be held at the Mount Logan Stake Center, 565 E 100 S, Logan, UT at 12:15 pm on Saturday, October 6, 2018. No public viewing will be held. A private family viewing will precede the funeral. Interment will be at the Logan City cemetery with Law Enforcement Honors.
Our family would like to thank all those who helped Eric and our family on this difficult cancer journey including: Dr. Rich, Dave Kotter, Dr. Colman, Dave Schow, Kira and Tammy, Dr. Wipple, Dr. Chambers, Dr. Firth, IMED Cancer Center, Logan Cancer Center, our Managers and Directors, all of our friends at Logan Regional Hospital and throughout Intermountain, CNS hospice, Julie and Jason, our YSA friends, our neighbors, our ward and stake, the Law Enforcement Community, the City of Logan, the AFC, and especially our amazing family and close friends. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Logan Cancer Center or our local Law Enforcement agencies in his honor.