RAPID CITY- Patrick Henry Collins, 69, died on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at his home in Rapid City. The son of Martin and Leonida (Lorge) Collins, Patrick was born in Deadwood on March 16, 1942. He worked locally at RCC Western Store before serving his country in the United States Army and subsequently worked for the Pennington County Director of Equalization. His main love before he retired however, was working with animals and helping his father manage and operate the Collins Buffalo Home on Highway 385. Patricks skills as a jack of all trades made him especially suited for this job. He understood buffalo well and the specialized corrals he designed and built served the operation flawlessly. The log cabin bear pen he built from scratch by hand still stands on the original site. His skills as a scrounger and tinkerer consistently made common ordinary junk assume new and useful purposes, and his projects consistently revealed superb artistry and innovation. In keeping with the Collins familys long standing tradition of rodeo performances, Patrick was both a saddle bronc rider and a rodeo clown. His great sense of humor and impeccable timing consistently brought the family to tears when he donned a wig, some high heels, black sagging nylon stockings, an old blue sweater, and a black dress with a matching hat to become goofy Mrs. Lester, his best and most requested impression. Patrick was preceded in death by his parents and his spouse Rita. He is survived by one brother, James Collins, Rapid City; five sisters, Darlene McKee, Deadwood; Nadine Klement, Sioux City, IA; Mary Collins, Christine Miller, and Geraldine Cummings, all of Rapid City; his daughter, Erin Davis, St. Louis; his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Wray; his grandsons, Travis and Kelso, and his stepson, Danny Litz, all of Rapid City. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, with a Christian Wake Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 13, at Blessed Sacrament Church with Rev. Brian Lane presiding. Burial will follow at Pine Lawn Cemetery with a luncheon to follow back at the Church at noon.