Collin S. Wilkinson, 45

GILFORD — Collin Seth Wilkinson, 45, an avid and accomplished skier, grew up spending winter weekends at Gunstock and other ski areas across New England. Skiing was a passion that inspired him as he moved from Laconia, after graduating from high school in 1996, to Colorado, Utah, Oregon and California. In Mammoth, California, the snow eventually melts, and as an adult, Collin developed a passion for golf. Wherever Collin traveled, his life was full of adventures.

It was in these youthful years that Collin also began struggling with addiction. These battles were with him as part of his travels, sometimes triggering the move from one state to another.

In 2018, Collin returned to Laconia, living paycheck-to-paycheck and dealing with health challenges. Like many in his shoes, he struggled to access the health care he needed. Desperation and addiction sent him to a low point on Dec. 3, 2022. Dealing with suicidal ideations, he reached out to his siblings: “I could use some help… in a really dark place.” Surrendering trust to his family, Collin entered a rehab facility in Effingham, and began the process of learning to deal with addiction. After leaving Green Mountain Treatment Center, Collin was very transparent about his struggles and wanted to talk about his addiction and recovery work openly. He embraced the 12-step process and immersed himself in the local recovery community — attending multiple meetings a day. Recovery became his primary focus and his second “job.” He was getting to know himself, sharing his journey and starting to make amends. The change, evident to everyone, was just beginning. It is with this in mind that we write about his struggles here. Addiction is a disease and with support, recovery is possible.

Collin took pride in his service and work for others and found an incredibly supportive community at the Laconia Country Club, Gunstock Mountain Resort and the rooms of AA. His family is thankful for all their care and acts of kindness.

On Sept. 13, four days after his 45th birthday, Collin died from a heart attack while sleeping at home. He had just begun his search for serenity, to understand what he could control, and was learning how to change. His life ended too soon. He is deeply missed by his family and friends.

The full story of Collin’s life is long, complex and nuanced.

Please join us at the Laconia Country Club on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 4 p.m., for a memorial service to share memories of Collin and celebrate his life. All are welcomed.

Donations in Collin’s memory can be made to Navigating Recovery at navigatingrecovery.org/donate.html.

Call 211 to find organizations that can help with addiction. Call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.