Larry “Bo” Collins

AUGUSTA – Larry “Bo” Collins, 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at the Maine Veterans Home, Augusta, where he had resided since September 2022.

Born on Nov. 25, 1938, in Livermore, he was the son of the late Fernando and Noella (Lepage) Collins. Bo was raised in Livermore and was a 1959 graduate of Livermore Falls High School.

After high school, he was drafted into the Army, serving during the Kennedy Administration and Cold War. He served for a total of six years, active and reserve components combined. While on active duty his assignments included Fort Benning, Ga.; and Baumholder, Germany. While at Fort Benning, he was a helicopter radio operator. While in Germany, he was a gas truck driver often maneuvering in mountainous terrain.

After his time in the Army, he was employed for 32 years at the International Paper Company at the Otis and Androscoggin Mills in the maintenance department. He was a member of IP’s Quarter Century Club.

Bo’s true passion was selling cars. As a second job for many years, he was a car salesman at various dealerships. After retiring from IP, he worked for Darlings Motors, Waterville, as a driver transporting cars and as a detailer. Bo was the epitome of a car enthusiast. He was an antique car collector, enjoyed going to car shows and auctions, and just loved cars in general. He was an avid fan of NASCAR, New England Patriots, Jeff Gordon, Tom Brady and college basketball.

In 1992, he met companion Winifred “Winnie” Belden. He and Winnie enjoyed many years together, residing in Manchester and Winthrop, until her passing in 2013. They enjoyed traveling and taking day trips to the Maine Coast, but their favorite activity was spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Jenny (Collins) Fournier of Falmouth.

He was predeceased by his parents; son, Christopher Collins who died in 1995, sisters Pauline (Collins) Corkum and her husband Dale, Joan Collins who died in early childhood, and close friend and former brother-in-law Lorry “Al” Brown.

Daughter, Jenny, would like to thank the staff at Maine Veterans Home, Augusta, and Beacon Hospice for the compassionate care given to her dad and to his former landlord, Gary Violette.

A graveside service with military honors will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21 at Holy Cross Cemetery, 445 Park St., Livermore Falls.

Arrangements by Finley Funeral Home, 15 Church St., Livermore Falls. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.