Obituary of Michael Patrick Collins

Tucson sadly lost a pillar of the community on September 20, 2023. Michael Patrick Collins was a beloved father, son, brother, and friend. A proud local business owner, Mike dedicated his life in Tucson to helping others. When he was not on the phone booking jobs or cracking jokes, he enjoyed working on his cars, riding his motorcycles, and exploring the country on the road.

Mike was born on July 24, 1959 in San Jose, California to his father, William Collins, and his mother, Alice Collins. Number six of seven children, Mike enjoyed growing up in the Bay Area with his large family. He developed an early love for cars and planes that he would kindle for the rest of his life. Notably, his first car was a Volkswagen bus that saw him to many adventures!

In his mid-20s, Mike traveled to Tucson, Arizona to visit his brother Ed and family. Looking for a new adventure, he made the permanent move to Tucson in 1984, first living with his brother, Jim. After working for a few years with a local moving company in the late 1980s, Mike struck out on his own in 1990, and Excel Movers was born.

In 1995, Mike welcomed his first daughter, Katie. Quick to follow, Mike’s second daughter, Sarah, was born in 1996. Mike dedicated the rest of his life to being a wonderful father. He worked incredibly hard every day to make sure that his daughters had any opportunities they wanted, and he told anyone who would listen how proud he was of his girls. Even though he moved seven days a week, he never missed a softball game, a choir concert, or a piano recital for his girls. In 2023, Mike was able to walk both of his daughters down the aisle at their weddings in April and May, respectively.

Aside from his children and his vehicles, Mike’s business was his pride and joy. The legacy of the thousands of people he helped in more than 30 years will live on. Mike leaves behind a large family, countless friends, and a wide network of relationships throughout Tucson and beyond. Although he will no longer be with us, Mike will be “always on the move.”