It's hard to find the words to describe such a wonderful man and loving uncle. I'll always remember that contagious smile and laugh and how you were always more than happy to lend a helping hand to those who needed it. You will be forever missed xx

All our love during this hard time, thinking of you all, Love Tim, Cerise, Ari and Lucy xox

Our thoughts are with you all at this time. Very special celebration and farewell. Arohanui ❣️

Dear Lynn thank you so much for live streaming Brian's service. I so wanted to be there but couldn't. My love and thoughts are with you and all Brian's family.

Our most sincere & deepest sympathy to you Lyn & family. Brian was a great & humble guy. RIP Brian

Dear Lyn and whanau sending you all our Aroha and condolensces on the passing of Brian. Arohanui Raymond and Wendy Eynon & Whanau Kaponga

Brian, You welcomed me with open arms in 2004 and for that I am forever grateful! thinking back at the year I spent with you and Lyn I only have great memories.⁣ I will always remember you and all you learned me about fishing, boats, whitebaiting, duck hunting and mawing machines. Rest in peace dear Brian! Lots of love from Ingrid, Kristoffer and Elise in Norway

to lyn and family. Im sorry for you loss of wonderful husband,father,brother,son and grandfather. a very easy person to talk to about anything and everything. great memories and sadly missed by all that knew him. rip brian

To Lyn and family, sending you our deepest condolences for the loss of Brian. Love Ivan & Tonia

To Lyn and Family: So sorry to read of Brian's passing.He was such a nice guy.I'm sure your family will surround you at this sad time Lyn. Thinking of you today. R.I.P Brian.

dear lyn and family .we are saddened to hear of Brians passing .he was a lovely man .our hearts go out to you and your children .heaven has a new star .much love phil and jo xx

So very sad to hear Brian has passed, was a wonderful person, always a wry grin and witty comment. Loved working on the power board with him all those years back when we a were training, night school in Stratford was always a laugh. Loved dropping in for a yarn everyone I came home to Opunake, will miss you mate, rest in peace Brian. Lyn, my heart hurts for your loss. Ray

So sorry to hearthis news guys. Sending love and thoughts to you all. Townie and Mouse x

my thoughts to Lyn and family.so sorry to hear Aine

Our sincere condolences to you all. Regards Russell and Cheryll Watson and Whanau

To Lyn, Sheree, Melissa, Gareth and all your family, So sorry to hear of Brians passing, of course you will miss him hugely, such a lovely guy who was always there to help. Nothing was a bother. Thinking of you all from Carole and John Lynskey.

our hearts are melting .we will never forget your smile Mr Collins..zaree looked upto you like you were her grandad .everytime see seen the boat pull in was hard to keep her away...that time you an patty were cleaning up your catch zarees was in ther with uz been a hamu and asked" hey mr collins are thoz your skiddy undies up ther" as lyns hanging out the washing (age 4)🤦‍♀️ we pissed ourselves laughing... its was a blessing having you as our neighbor .. u set my standards an can only eat fresh of the boat fish now lol... your gonna b missed you will always be in our thought big big luvz to you all from your not so quiet neighbors The Thompsons xx

So saddened to hear the news of a wonderful man. Kev and I shared some great times together with Brian and Lyn. My aroha goes out to the family at this sad time. Taku arohanui ki a koutou te whanau i te wa pouri. Snapper xxxxx

a true champion Brian top class all round family man,i am grateful for being part of the extended Collins- Newton family thru work last 16 years and have had so many fond memories of Brian in Opunake growing up and mostly in the sports shop , rest easy Brian you will be missed by so many people love from the Ratahi whanau

To dear Lyn, Sheree, Melissa, Gareth and families, we are sad to hear the passing of your dear Brian, sending our condolences and love to you all. Jen & Pete Fisher

Very Sad news. A great work mate on the Power Board. Sending Love & Blessings to you Lyn & your whanau.. R.I.P my Mate James Murray😥

So sad to here this, great school mate and work mate for years you will be saddly missed Brian. My thoughts are with Lyn and family.

Rest in Love Mr Collins, You have left many cherished memories to so many of us 80's kids who grew up Opunake. We all loved to pop into Collins and have dream at all the sports gear. Brought my very first fishing rod and basket ball from you. Most of us would of had all our firsts in your store. You will always be remembered. So sad to hear of your passing. Arohanui to the Collins Whanau. Coast The Most ❤

We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Thinking of you Lyn and family during this difficult time. xx

to lyn and family. im very sorry for loss of a wonderful man sending love and light to u and ur families.

Uncle Brian, was more like a big brother to me, he reminded me a lot of Grandad (Dinny) and I still can't believe that he has passed but I will remember him fondly for the rest of my life. I also wish that I could be there in person to say goodbye and give a hug to Lennette & Gareth etc... RIP Brian = love you mate!

R. I. P. Mate the coast has lost a true legend. You will be hugely missed by me the times we just chilled had an ale and had yarns. They will be times I will treasure for ever. I am truly going to miss you. Sending all my love to the whanu.

Brian one of the best friend and best mates anyone could have. RIP

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of a very good friend today. Our condolences to Lyn and family. I am thinking of you all and the good times I had with Brian when we were younger. RIP good friend

Dearly loved cousin of Yvonne and Grant Huggett. A genuine good bugger taken far too soon. Sincere sympathies and condolences to all the Collins family 💕

Dear Lynette and whanau much love to you all on the passing of Brian, always had a big smile and a hello when I saw him xx