Obituary of Vern Collins

Vern “Butch” Collins passed away peacefully on May 8, 2019 at Salmon Creek Legacy Hospital with his loving wife, Connie, by his side. Vern was born on July 26, 1949 in McMinnville, Oregon to Gerald Collins and Donna Lee Pedersen (VanSlyke). In 1954 his younger brother, Ronald George, was born.Vern attended Franklin High School where he enjoyed singing in the choir.He later graduated in 1967.In the summer of 1967 Vern enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Vietnam from 1968 – 1969.Vern ended his service to our country in 1973. Upon his return from Vietnam, Vern became a bus driver for Tri-met.He drove the streets of Portland making friends with customers on his routes for the next 34 years.He retired in 2005. Vern married twice before finding his soul mate and love of his life, Connie Jo Mayberry. The two were married at the Cedarville Lodge in Gresham on October 19, 1991.It was a perfect match.Vern’s love and talent for singing country music blended perfectly with Connie’s love for teaching country dance. Vern was the lead singer for multiple bands over the years, including “12 Bars from Mars” (middle aged rock stars), 9-Piece Horn Band, Airflow “Not Just Another Desoto” with Charlie Cook & Kurt Bevers, and most famously the Vern Collins and Cross Country Band which played many benefits for Western Youth Ranch for troubled teens.The band won multiple “Battle of the Bands” competitions and also performed at the Oregon State Fair, Deschutes County Fair, the Mayors Ball and the Rose Festival.Vern absolutely loved classic country music.He wrote a number of songs, released a CD, cruised the Caribbean with country dancers from all over the US and met a number of celebrities including Ronnie Milsap & Steve Wariner. When Vern wasn’t singing, he was home caring for the dozens of dachshund rescue puppies he and Connie Jo had taken in.No price was too high when it came to his passion for saving these four-legged little ones. He also loved the game of golf.In the halls of the Tri-Met office, Vern’s name still hangs for winning more than 5 golf tournaments.He built up quite a reputation for his incredible golf game over the years. Through his lifetime of singing and driving in the Portland community, Vern made many many friends.He will be missed for his generous heart, quick wit, progressive thinking, love for family and smooth country voice. Vern is preceded in death by his mother and father.He is survived by his wife Connie Jo Collins; uncle Ronnie Pedersen; uncle Jauncie Perrizo and Aunt Connie Perrizo; brother Ron Anderson and sister-in-law Debbie Anderson; brother-in-law Rich Mayberry and sister-in-law Vicki Mayberry; brothers in law Chuck Mayberry and Wille Mayberry;four nieces, one nephew and many cousins. An Honorable Veteran graveside service will be held Friday, May 31st at 2:30pm at Willamette National Cemetery. A music filled Celebration of Life will be held at the North Portland Eagles Lodge on June 8th from 4pm – 9pm. 7611 N. Exeter Avenue Portland, OR 97203.