Steven Dana Collins, 44

Steven Dana Collins, 44, who friends called “Big Steve,” chess player, mechanic, friend, brother and son, passed away on May 31, 2018, from natural causes.

Although Steve lived most of his life in Montana, he was originally from the Pacific Coast in Newport, Oregon, where he was born March 29, 1974. As a teenager, he moved to Portland where he attended high school before coming to Eureka, Montana, with his family.

Steve attended Flathead Valley Community College briefly and later completed the Job Service program in Salt Lake City. After finishing the program in auto mechanics, Steve spent time in Oregon and California before returning to Northwest Montana and settling in Kalispell.

Throughout his life, Steve was an avid chess player, competing while in high school and continuing to study chess books and to play whenever possible. Many people appreciated Steve’s mechanical abilities as well and, of course, his great sense of humor. Steve

enjoyed discussions and always brought a lot to the table with his ideas and wide array of facts. He was willing to help others when needed with a thoughtful word, pitching in on a task or giving advice. Leaving this life too soon, Steve will be sorely missed.

Steve is survived by his father, Pom Collins, of Trego, and mother, Rita Collins, of Eureka.

A memorial celebration will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, at Sykes Diner, 202 Second Ave. W., in Kalispell. Family and friends of Steve are welcome to attend.

Donations in Steve’s memory can be made to the Samaritan House in Kalispell.