Kurt Val Collins

Kurt Val Collins, age 33, of San Diego, California went home to be with Jesus on January 23rd, 2016. He was born October 25, 1982 in Missoula Montana to Marjorie (Fowler) and Gary Collins.

In 2001, Kurt graduated from Sentinel High School in Missoula, Montana and then attended Prairie Bible College for a year. After attending college he joined the Navy on September 2, 2002. 3 years later in 2005, Kurt married the love of his life, Judy.
For the next ten years, Kurt and Judy lived in all four corners of the United States and Kurt travelled to amazing places like Dubai, Australia, the Philippines, Japan, China and India, compliments of the Navy.

Kurt began his career as an Aviation Structural Mechanic and later chose to become a Nondestructive Inspections Technician. Throughout his job he had the opportunity to work on everything from P-3s to F-18s to helicopters. He advanced quickly and ended his career as a Petty Officer 1st class.

As much as Kurt loved Judy, the love for his motorcycle was a close second. He rode anywhere his wheels would take him- dirt, street, track- it didn't matter. When he wasn't working, Kurt enjoyed anything outdoors. Kurt loved taking off on the weekends for backpacking trips.

Every year, Kurt tried to make it home to Montana for the opening of hunting season. He loved the time in the mountains hunting with his friends and family.
Kurt's family extended beyond bloodlines and the Navy to include a large church family, both in California and Montana. His faith was incredibly important to him as was demonstrated through his desire to mentor others in their faith, his mission trip to Peru, and many other service opportunities.

Kurt is survived by his wife, Judy Collins, his parents Gary Collins and wife Pam, Marjorie Fowler and husband Jack, sister, LaRae Johnson and husband Curtis, step brothers; Ryan and Nathan Fullerton and Jeff Fowler, maternal grandfather Don Dukelow and a large extended family. Kurt was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Alvin and Louise Collins and maternal grandmother June Dukelow.

A funeral will be held at Lolo Community Church on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 11:00am, with an open casket viewing from 10:00 to 10:45. A reception will follow, and a graveside service will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 3:00 pm. Sunset Memorial Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Condolences for Kurt's family may be left at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Read Kurt Collins's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.