Event Date : Monday, October 06, 1975
Event Type : Death

Description : Norman (Dodger) Collings, whose life spanned the fields of sports, farming and community involvement, died at the age of 65 Monday after a short illness in Chedoke Hospital, Hamilton. Mr. Collings was born in Bradford and educated at the local public and high school. After finishing high school, he began a professional hockey career. During that career, he played with a number of American minor league teams as well as the old New York Americans and Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League. He also played on a West Toronto Memorial Cup championship team. Mr. Collings was renowned locally for his athletic ability and, as well as being an accomplished hockey player, he was active in lacrosse, curling and golf. Before joining the management of Hardee Farms and Federal Diversiplex in the mid-sixties, Mr. Collings worked as a market gardener on land he owned in the Holland Marsh. In 1965 he joined Hardee Farms and in 1970 was appointed vice-president and general manager of the Bradford plant's operations. Always enthusiastic, Mr. Collings also involved himself deeply in the community. He was a member and past president of the Bradford Lions Club and an Elder in the United Church. He served as the town's volunteer fire chief, succeeding his father who had held the post before him. For a number of years, Mr. Collings was a member of the Bradford Village Council and was a former member and chairman of the Bradford and District Community Centre Board. His works in the community brought Mr. Collings the respect and esteem of the community at large. While active in his community, Mr. Collings was an unassuming man. He was known to most people by the nickname Dodger, which he picked up during his sports career. Mr. Collings is survived by his wife for more than 40 years, Jean; his son, Tom, now a county engineer in Stratford; his daughter Mary Jane Buyers, now living in Melbourne, Australia, and seven grandsons. Mr. Collings is resting in the Lathangue & Skwarchuk Funeral Home in Bradford. Funeral services will be held at the Bradford United Church Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

"Churchgoers at Bradford United Church were treated last Sunday to the "gospel folk" music and words of inspirations from the group Tushisah. The group is comprised of local students who play area churches and convey religion through their music. Tushisah was conceived five years ago from the Inter-school Fellowship Club at Bradford District High School. The group consists of (left to right) Rick Swagerman, Doug Gray, Marilyn Kell, Bonny Vaughn, Patty Flack, Jean Faris, Gary Swagerman, Al Faris, and John Bassie on drums. Sound man is Gratz (not shown)."