Physician.
Born at Winnipeg on 7 November 1932 to Verna Margaret McCutcheon (1906-1985) and John Edward Collier (1901-1978), his youth and early years of adulthood were spent in Winnipeg's North End. He began his higher education at United College (now the University of Winnipeg), and then continued at the University of Manitoba, where he graduated with a degree in Pharmacy in 1956, and was named Senior Stick and Class Valedictorian. In 1960, he married Joyce Arlene Falconer (1939-2013). They went on to have four children.
Shortly after his marriage, he decided to pursue a career in Medicine. Upon graduating from medical school in 1964, he and his wife moved to Portage la Prairie, where he joined Dr. Don Rae at Prairie Medical Associates, beginning a 25-year partnership. He also devoted significant time and contributions to the town in which he lived and to the medical community. He sat on numerous boards, such as the board of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, including as its President (1978). After he retired from practicing medicine in 1990, he worked for Manitoba Health in Winnipeg, ultimately as Chief Medical Officer for the Insured Benefits Branch. He then took a role closer to home in Portage as Vice-President of Medical Services at Regional Health Authority Central Manitoba. In 1992, he was awarded the 125th Anniversary of Confederation Medal for his outstanding contributions to his community.
After realizing that he was never as fulfilled as when he was practicing medicine, he went through medical board recertification in 2003 and began providing medical support to rural communities in southern Manitoba, which he continued until 2011.
He died at Portage la Prairie on 26 February 2012. The Portage and District Community Foundation established a fund in his name.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 3 March 2012.
“Kenneth John Collier,” Collier Family Tree, Ancestry.
This page was prepared by Lois Braun.
Page revised: 5 February 2026
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