Collin Arthur Pace, age 28, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in his hometown of Gilbert, AZ, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on March 31, 1991 at Desert Samaritan Hospital in Mesa, Arizona. Collin was proud to be a fifth-generation Arizonian. He shared a kingly middle name with his grandfather, Earl Arthur Zarbin, whose wisdom he strived to emulate and follow. He was a cherished son to Milt and Denei Pace, best buddy and brother to Ryan (Christina) Pace, Brandon, Dallin (Macy) Pace, Lauren (Dallin) Huso, and adored uncle to Amelia and Eloise Pace.
As a young child, after being noticed as having an incredible talent for public speaking and performance, Collin was bitten by the theatre bug. He lived to entertain family and friends. That talent continued to grow as he performed on and beyond the stage with Gilbert Fine Arts Association, Mesquite High School, and Hale Centre Theatre. After graduating from high school, he went on to college to pursue his passion, expanding his craft to include playwright and director. Amid his studies, Collin was called to serve a two-year volunteer church mission to Managua, Nicaragua. Upon his return to college, Collin interned at the Goldwater Institute in Phoenix, AZ and the United States Senate in Washington, DC. In 2017, Collin graduated from Brigham Young University (Provo, UT) majoring in public relations and minoring in theatre arts and business management. He then began a budding career as a public relations professional, specializing in politics and government relations in Utah and Arizona. As a seasoned campaign manager and political consultant, he provided leadership to countless people, teams, and organizations.
Collin was known as a “heart of gold” and made many, many, lifelong friends along his journeys. He enjoyed traveling and embracing new places, people, ideas, and cultures along the way. Always a creative thinker, Collin continually cultivated his desire to improve and discover new things through thoughtful study and imaginative writing. He was well-known for his cheerful and charismatic personality. Collin had the ability to engage others through multiple modes of communication, countering an unrivaled wit with warmth and understanding. Fiercely loyal to friends and family, he had a knack for making people feel better about themselves. “Colly Boy” had a special way of putting things in perspective and showing you what really mattered. He had an uncanny aptitude to provide comfort, using humor and laughter as medicine for all.
There will be a visitation from 9:00am to 9:30am, followed by a funeral service on Monday, June 10, 2019 starting at 10:00am at the Highland West Stake Center (1010 S. Recker, Gilbert, AZ 85296). A graveside service will follow at 12:15pm at the City of Mesa Cemetery (1212 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201). The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Valley Youth Theatre (https://www.vyt.com/support/). Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
We have no words that could ever say how we feel other than , we love you all and pray for you all to have strength and peace
Colin was a very gifted, and kind young man. It was a privdlege to have known him. My thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the Pace family.
Milt and Denei – What a tremendous young man! We loved reading and learning more about Collin with all of his gifts, talents and accomplishments. Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this challenging time. May you feel our Saviors love more fully and the peace that only He can offers.
Denei & Milt, I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful young man. Of course, he was very young when we knew you in Tempe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you be blessed with comfort and peace.
So sad for your loss. Fine young man. Always enjoyed speaking with Collin. He recommended some great resources when I needed some advice about politics.
Our love, thoughts & prayers are with all of you in this very difficult time. Collin was such a good guy. I enjoyed having him in YM. He knew his mind. I m so glad he was able to touch the lives of so many on his mission, at hale theater, & his career. He will be warmly remembered and his new mission will be exciting for him. It’s sure hard for those of us left behind in mortality. The gospel plan & the holy ghost are the things that help us deal & cope.
We are so sorry for your loss
We are saddened by the news of Collin’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.