Family, community mourning pharmacist David Collins
Graham Veitch, 18, charged with 1st-degree murder of Collins, 55
The obituary for pharmacist David Collins, 55, who died in hospital early Monday morning starts with a Bob Dylan quote.
"When you are standing at the crossroads that you cannot comprehend, just remember that death is not the end."
Collins was allegedly killed by Graham Veitch, 18, the son of the woman Collins was living with.
Just days after Collins was rushed to hospital Dec. 18, his loved ones shared their sense of loss in his obituary posted on the website of Caul's Funeral Home in St. John's.
"We are deeply saddened by the sudden, tragic death on Monday December 19, 2016, of a wonderful father, brother, and friend," it reads.
"David was well-known to all for his wonderful smile that instantly lit up a room, his wittiness, his storytelling, his generosity, and his gentle loving ways."
'Generous, gentle'
Collins, born in Placentia, leaves his daughter Julia, partner Joan Ozon-Veitch, nine siblings, and a large circle of family, co-workers and friends, his obituary states.
Along with a lengthy career as a pharmacist with Lawtons, Collins's obituary said he had recently gotten into bee keeping and hobby farming.
"He was a generous, gentle, fun-loving soul who was always willing to be there when anyone was in need," it states.
'Outstanding individual'
"We are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our long-time member and past board member, Dave Collins," said a statement from Steve Gillingham, president of the Pharmacists' Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PANL).
Gillingham said Collins was "an outstanding individual who left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered."
"He was a leader and a friend to many."
Partner's son charged
In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Veitch is also charged with assaulting his mother and brother with a hammer at a home on Cadigan's Road in Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove.
Veitch, who turns 19 on Dec. 28, faces additional charges for assaulting a police officer, stealing a vehicle, and evading police.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said Veitch rammed a marked police car before he was eventually stopped by officers.
Veitch appeared in court on the charges Monday, and will remain in custody to appear in provincial court Dec. 23.