Well-known farrier and blacksmith Earl Collins of Millbrook, Ont., passed away suddenly on March 31 in Peterborough, Ont. He was 84.

Funeral services are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Collins was a respected farrier and blacksmith who travelled near and far for his trade. In his truck, along with his tools, he kept a fishing rod for those "in case I come across a stream" kind of days.

After retiring from his farrier duties at Kawartha Downs, Collins was an ever present symbol in the grandstand and never missed a race day, entertaining all with his jokes and stories.

Collins is survived by wife of 61 years, Joan; his sons, Robert and his wife Leslie, and Brian and his wife Cindy; his grandchildren, Lorian, Lyndsay (Murphy) Leigh Anne, Jessica, Garry (Crystal) Edy and David; and his great grandchildren, Creighton, Lily, Finn and Lola.