Newport, N.H. —
He had a passion for animals especially dogs. For many years he was self employed/self taught as a dog trainer, this was one of his many strengths and he was always happy to help people learn how to train their dogs through positive reinforcement. His family remembers him as being able to train any kind of animal, most recently he had trained a pair of pigs.
He also loved spending time with his nieces and nephews fishing, hiking and just goofing around. David is best known for being an avid outdoorsman.
He especially enjoyed mentoring his nephew Ezra and teaching him everything from fishing to the ways of the woods.
He is survived by family and extended family his parents Jane and John Collins of Charlestown, sister Liz Merrill of Newport sister Carmen Franks of Charlestown, sister Bri Lehane Port St. Lucie Fla. His grandmother Irene Pike of Newport, grandmother Barbara Huneven of Newport and grandparents Raymond and Lillian Nutting of Sunapee. His nieces and nephews, Hunter and Landen LaClair of Charlestown, Ezra Merrill of Newport, Danielle Baker of Dover N.H., Megan Baker of Mesa Ariz., Christy Webb, Ill., Bennie Benson of Newport and Willow Franks of Charlestown. also has many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will miss the passion David brought to their lives.
There will be a service at Newton Bartlett funeral Home in Newport at 1 p.m. Wednesday May 10followed by a graveside service at North Newport Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to:
New Hampshire SPCA
PO Box 196
Stratham, NH 03885