David A. McCollor

David A. McCollor Age 53 Of White Bear Lake On Wednesday March 6th, Dave passed away surrounded by family and friends. Went to be with his mother, Madeline. Those left on earth too soon are his father Jerome; his loving and adoring wife of 32 years, Lori; the lights of his life and proudest moments, Katherine (Lewis) Dumer -daughter- Derek - son-; and the pieces of his heart, Gavin, Owen and Cecilia Rose - grandchildren-; Louis (Judy) and Carey (Carrie Ann) - brothers-. Amongst those are countless other family whom feel his loss each day, hunting buddies whom have lost their guide, and friends who will recount his stories each time they gather. Dave was a man of forward, hilarious, blunt humor that brought tears of laughter to everyones face around the game dinner tables, casino slots, tree stands or over a crisp Dr. Pepper on a hot day. Fiercely loyal and overwhelmingly gentle when he need be to those whom he loved and cared for. The ones he worried for, counseled and reassured (even when they didnt ask for it!). Papa to three, dad to two, husband to one and a dearly missed man of many names to hundreds others. The sun rises on the field for you, the birds call for you, the dogs still their bodies in anticipation for you, and we all will never forget. We love you, Dave. David was born in St. Paul on August 29th, 1965 and lived in White Bear Lake most of his life. He was the son of Jerome and Madeline McCollor. Dave graduated from the White Bear school district. Dave started his working career at the Bait shop in White Bear, next Erickson's gas station, and then spent many years at Frattallones Ace Hardware. After working there he went to OlymPak printing. His final and probably most loved job was at Wild Wings of Oneka in Hugo. He started there as a guide and slowly worked his was up to management. He was very proud of where he worked and up till the day he died always wanted to be there. Hunting was his true passion and he was able to be part of that every day with this job. He was always the man who knew everyone! Anywhere he went he would run into someone he knew. Even when we went to Disney Land! Dave met the love of his life at Maplewood Bowl and went on to marry Lori on June 19th, 1986. They were married just short of 32 years. His wife was the light of his life. He always joked about how much they hated each other but always wanted to be with her, and talked about Lori like she was at the top of his world. Dave and Lori had two children who were the light of his life. He was very proud of his children and the adults they had become. Those who talked to him when his kids weren't around new this! He spent a lot of his time talking about them to anyone who would listen! Dave's life revolved around hunting and fishing whenever possible. He raised his children in this life and Derek took that and ran with it! He was so proud to take his son out whenever he could and teach him all he knew. Derek was even teaching him a few things at the end! Any chance he got he was out in a field and was truly happy there. Despite everything happening in life Dave always seemed to manage to still date his wife and they spent many late nights at the casino, or seeing movies. Dave enjoyed traveling for hunting trips and hunting competitions. He hunted many different states such as Canada, Wisconsin, South and North Dakota, Montana and Iowa. The last two years Dave traveled with his daughters family to The Black Hills and Yellowstone. He was very proud to find all the different animals and tell his Grandson all about them. Dogs were also a big part of Dave's life. Him and his wife bred and raised Gordon Setters. He enjoyed many other breeds but Gordon's were really his passion. He trained countless dogs for hunting for other people and really enjoyed getting other people into the sport. Keeping with Dave's sense of family his three grandchildren were very important to him. Gavin was finally old enough to wipe his own butt as he would say, this meant he had a little buddy to start to teach everything he could. He was able to take Gavin on a few hunting and fishing outings and teach him lots about life at the farm (Wild Wings). Gavin and Dave enjoyed catching snakes and driving around looking for wildlife. Cecelia was his little buddy and they spent many afternoons snuggling on the chair watching Frozen. Owen finally figured out a few weeks before Dave passed the many ways to scare Grandpa! He is a little dare devil and grandpa was always trying to save him. "Grandpa" was the first word Owen said and he made him say it every day! He taught all three grandkids how to shake hands and give high fives as soon as he could and did it every time he saw them. Dave went on to be the book reader for his grandkids, just like his kids, and Gavin looked forward to it every time he came over. Dave had many family and friends in his life and touched so many people. He truly cared what people had to say and would talk to you for as long as you wanted.... or he wanted! He will be missed by many Mass of Christian Burial at 1PM on Wednesday (3/13) at ST. MARY OF THE LAKE, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake with visitation from 11-1PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to family. David’s family has requested that everyone wear their hunting colors to the service.