Tributes have been paid to former Filton Town Council chair Darryl Collins, who has died aged 76.
Darryl, a long-standing trade unionist and champion of making Filton a better place, leaves behind his daughter Lheanna and son Dayle.
He worked as a machine shop inspector at BAC, Airbus and GKN and was also a passionate advocate for pensioners’ rights, serving on the National Pensioners’ Convention for many years.
Lheanna said: “Nothing was ever too much trouble for him.
“He taught us that we could achieve what we wanted to achieve and that nothing was impossible.
“In his later years he never wanted to be a burden or ask for help – he just wanted to be there for people and to help them.”
Current Filton Town Council chair Tom Mewies said: “I was very sad to hear of Darryl’s death. He was a great servant to the Town Council and to the community of Filton. He was involved in many local organisations and touched many lives, and will be a great loss to the community life of Filton.
“On behalf of the Town Council I want to offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
Darryl lived in Filton for more than 40 years and was married twice, to Shirley and then in later years to Pam.
Darryl, a Labour councillor, served on Filton Town Council for several years, many as Chair.
He was also integral in setting up Filton’s Men in Sheds group where local men gather to socialise, build, and share skills.
On the Filton News and Views Facebook group, local people and colleagues have been offering their own reflections on Darryl:
Helen Johnson: Darryl – one of the good guys. I’ll miss him, his kindness, and cheer. Who is going to look out for us all now??
Dave Mikkelson: Darryl was a councillor who tirelessly served the community of Filton. He did what councillors are elected to do, look after the residents.
Debbie Teml: So very sad to hear about Darryl’s passing. He was a “marvellous” man who was integral to most activities in Filton getting started or supported, and will be a great loss to Filton.
A message from Darryl’s family
We’re writing with regards to Darryl Collins, on behalf of my sister and I. This is to update you about the funeral arrangements.
Firstly, we wanted to express our deepest thanks for all your messages, comments, and kind words. They have been amazing to read.
Dad’s funeral will be held on Monday, 13th November. The service will start at 1:15pm, and will be held at Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium.
Afterwards, we would like to invite you to join us at The Filton & District Social Club (Conygre Grove, Filton, BS34 7HZ). We hope to see as many of you as possible.
We have created a tribute page at https://darrylcollins.muchloved.com/. We would love you to share any thoughts, memories, and photos.
Also, many have asked about flowers. Darryl would rather you donate to one of the charities close to his heart. They were Macmillan Cancer Support and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). You can donate via the tribute page, or there will be donation boxes at the service.
Kindest regards, Dayle Collins and Lheanna