Collin Dan McMaster, 89, of Oakville, Wash., passed away peacefully at his home Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. He was born March 13, 1930, in Olympia, Wash., to Hugh A. and Bertha E. (Gibson) McMaster. Collin was raised in Porter, Wash., and attended grade school there. He graduated from Elma High School, class of 1948.
Following graduation, Collin joined the United States Merchant Marines and traveled aboard the ship John Weyerhaeuser through the Panama Canal in route to New Jersey to deliver Pacific Northwest lumber. He also enjoyed traveling along the Pacific Coast to Alaska while working as a crew member aboard the passenger cruise ships Denali and George Washington.
After his adventures at sea, Collin returned home to Porter. He married the love of his life, Marilyn (Bosler) McMaster, Sept. 1, 1951, at the United Methodist Church in Elma.
Collin began a dairy farming business after purchasing acreage on Fords Prairie near Porter in 1958. In recognition for becoming one of the leading dairies in Grays Harbor County, the McMaster family dairy was given the Conservation Farmer of the Year Award by the Grays Harbor Soil and Water Conservation District in 1963. Collin made the transition from dairy farming to raising beef cattle in 1986. He thoroughly enjoyed watching and tending to his animals throughout his life.
Collin was a member of the Sharon Grange for over 50 years. He enjoyed the social interaction with fellow grange members and being a member of the Sharon Grange bowling team. Collin was also a member of the Porter Fire Department.
Collin was known for his patience, work ethic, easy smile and distinctive laugh. He looked forward to visiting with family and friends over a cup of coffee whenever possible. His favorite hobbies included fishing with his brothers and other family members, and working on wood projects in his shop. Collin enjoyed feeding and watching a variety of wild birds that would gather at multiple feeders outside his kitchen window. It was well known by many that watching football was one of his favorite pastimes.
Collin is survived by his children, Raymond (Susan) McMaster of Elma, Michael McMaster of Oakville and Lynn (Kurt) Lubbe of Montesano; grandchildren, Tiffany (Mike) Osgood of Elma, Heather (Matt) Stacy of Wenatchee, Collin McMaster of Elma and Vance Lubbe of Elma; great-grandchildren, Addelynn, Brielle and Kellen Osgood, Kaylee and Conner Stacy, Evan and Lynlee McMaster; and brother, Glenn (Donna) McMaster of Olympia; and numerous loving family members.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Marilyn McMaster; brothers, Gilbert McMaster and Keith McMaster; sister, Virginia (McMaster) Boyer.
Visitation will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at the Harrison Mortuary, 311 W. Market St., Aberdeen, WA 98520. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m, Saturday, February 1, 2020, at the Masonic Cemetery in Elma. Following will be a celebration of life service at 12:30 p.m., at the Montesano Church of God, 317 E. Spruce Ave. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Grays Harbor Fire District 5, P.O. Box 717, Elma, WA 98541. Or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary of Montesano.
