Collin Cromwell

Collin Earl Cromwell Age 65 Avid Outdoorsman Collin was born on December 22nd, 1950 to Willard and Coraleen Cromwell. Collin loved to go out on hiking and backpacking trips. He was an active member in Wilderness Wanders, a hiking group in the Pacific Northwest, and he frequented the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington. Collin would share his love of this rugged terrain by leading hiking and backpacking trips through the Boy Scouts of America in Vancouver, Washington. Last year he went on a 50 mile backpacking trip with his son, Chris, in the Ozark Mountains. They were also able to take few day hikes into Estes State Park in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It was this great love of nature that led Collin and a few other gentlemen from his East Side neighborhood to spearhead the cleanup and restoration of a wooded spot at the corner of Case Avenue and Frank Street. This space now serves as a natural park and educational area named The Saint Paul – Big Urban Woods. Collin was a talented wood worker, building many beautiful pieces of furniture. He made his living as a carpenter specializing in home remodeling. He would take these skills and use them for the betterment of his community. He was a leader in Urban Cross, a youth summer camp organized by Mounds Park United Methodist Church and attended by youth from many churches both within and outside of Minnesota. The group aims to accomplish restoration projects on the homes and businesses of Saint Paul’s Eastside. Collin also worked with the group Rebuilding Together in Portland Oregon. The group works on homes of the elderly, disabled, veterans, and families with children to help maintain homes that foster independence and safety for all. Collin was a caring man who loved to help people. He had a unique sense of humor and always made a clear first impression. His strength of character was evident in his 30 years of sobriety and the time he devoted as a leader in the Alcoholics Anonymous group. Above all else, Collin loved and was very proud of his son, Chris Cromwell. Colin passed away at home on July 10th, 2016 of complications from a motor neuron disease. He is survived by his son, Colin Cromwell; mother, Coraleen Cromwell; sisters, Jan, Myrna, Myra, and Willa; and special friend Gwen Morton. Memorial service will be Thursday, July 14th, 2016 at 11:00 am at Mounds Park United Methodist Church (149 Euclid Street) with visitation one hour before the service. Memorials are preferred to the family.