Richard W. Collins

COLEBROOK, NH -- Mr. Richard “Rick” William Collins, 80, of Colebrook, passed away at his home on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014. Rick was born on Sept. 11, 1934, in West Stewartstown, a son to the late Walter S. and Amy V. (Knapp) Collins. He was the third of six children. He was educated in Colebrook schools and graduated with the Colebrook Academy Class of 1953 with the highest 4-year average in the FFA Program. After high school, Rick moved to Connecticut to work in a plastic manufacturing company, and joined the Connecticut Army National Guard. In 1956 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force working as an air traffic controller until his discharge in 1960. He then moved back to Colebrook and met his wife, Aline S. Marquis, and they were united in marriage on Dec. 30, 1961. After working as a construction truck driver and living a short time in Manchester, Rick and Aline moved back to Colebrook and made it their life-long home. He then worked for the Adrien Thibeault Gas & Appliance Co. of Canaan, Vt., for a few years until being hired by the Andrew R. George Insurance Agency in 1965. He then began a 45-plus year career of selling personal, commercial, and life insurance in the Colebrook area. Rick purchased the George Agency in 1970, operating it until he sold it to AD Davis Insurance in 1979. He then the worked as the local branch manager for AD Davis Insurance until 1990. In 1992, Rick started the Collins Insurance Agency and he grew the agency for 19 years. In 2011 he sold his agency to Geo. M Stevens Insurance of Lancaster. In 1990 Rick purchased the Nancy’s Video & Photo Center changing the name to Collins Video & Photo Center. Due to the success of his insurance business, he closed the video store in 2002. Rick was also a very active member of the community. He served on the Colebrook school board from 1969 -72, and while serving as Chairman of the Board he helped to negotiate the purchase of the Our Lady of Grace Academy for the school district. Rick was an active member of the Local Jaycee Chapter, proudly working on the winter carnivals, parades, and other events the group sponsored. He was also a Charter Member of the Colebrook Kiwanis Club. He served on the Colebrook Volunteer Fire Department from 1973-93, attaining the rank of Captain, and served as a Fire Warden for the Colebrook Village Fire Precinct. Rick was predeceased by his parents Walter & Amy Collins; brother “Bill” Collins; and sisters Betty d’Anjou, Mona Grover, and Dotty Sage. Rick is survived by his wife of 53 years Aline S. Collins; daughter Claudelle Meyer and husband Robert of Neville Island, Penn.; son Michael Collins and wife Laurie of Columbia, NH; and son David Collins and wife Colleen of Webster, NH. He also leaves two grandchildren who were the pride of his life, Justin & Melissa Collins. He is survived by one sister, Barbara Hamel, of Concord, and many brothers & sisters-in-law; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. There will be no public calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at 11 a.m. with The Reverend Craig Cheney as celebrant. A committal service with military honors will be held at the Colebrook Village Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Colebrook School District, 21 Academy St. Colebrook, NH 03576, for the purpose of business education in memory of Richard W. Collins. Condolences may be offered by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Richard W. Collins

September 11, 1934 - October 12, 2014