The community of Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Stan Collins, who passed away at the young age of 34. His passing has left family, friends, and neighbors deeply shaken, struggling to comprehend the absence of someone so full of warmth, humor, and love for those around him.
Stan was known for his easy smile, kind heart, and the way he made everyone feel welcome. Whether lending a helping hand or sharing a laugh, he had a natural way of brightening even the hardest days. His loss has created an emptiness that words can scarcely capture — the kind of silence that lingers in every familiar place he once filled with life and laughter.
In the midst of this tragedy, those closest to Stan have reflected on the unimaginable weight of grief, especially the pain of losing a child, a sibling, or someone young and full of promise. One heartfelt message shared online captured the depth of that sorrow:
“I wish more people understood that child loss isn’t just being sad and crying.
It’s anger.
It’s numbness.
It’s being shattered into pieces and still having to function.
It’s every emotion all at once — and sometimes, none at all.
When you lose a child, you don’t just grieve their absence.
You grieve the life they should have lived, the milestones they’ll never reach,
the moments you’ll never get back.
Grief is love with nowhere to go.”
Those who knew Stan say that his heart was enormous — always full of compassion, loyalty, and quiet strength. His absence will be deeply felt across Rocky Harbour, where he was more than just a neighbor; he was family to many, a trusted friend, and a cherished part of the community’s fabric.
As loved ones continue to grieve, the community is coming together to support one another through this painful time. The memory of Stan Collins will live on through the laughter he shared, the kindness he showed, and the love that will never fade.
May Stan rest peacefully, and may those who loved him find comfort in the memories that will forever keep his spirit alive.