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CRAIG COLLINS Obituary

Craig Shaw Collins 1/23/1951 - 4/21/2011 Craig, a developmentally disabled man, lived for 25 years at Montecillo House, a wonderfully supportive group home run by the Lifehouse Agency in Terra Linda. Craig was a client at The Cedars in Ross and the Golden Gate Regional Center. In his free time, Craig was a fixture in the Marin Community as a frequent visitor to local stores and businesses. Craig was born in San Francisco to Daniel and DeReath Collins. Because of severe disabilities at birth, Craig's parents were told that he should be permanently institutionalized. They decided instead to bring Craig home to be nurtured and raised as part of a loving family. In support of their son, Craig's parents co-founded Marin Aid to Retarded Children (MARC) and were instrumental in the passing of the landmark Lanterman Act by the California Legislature. Craig is survived by his loving brothers Daniel, Edward (Sylvia) and Charles (Paula), several nieces, nephews, and many friends. A celebration of Craig's life will be held at 1:00 PM on June 12 at the Outdoor Art Club, 1 West Blithedale Ave., Mill Valley.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Marin Independent Journal on Jun. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for CRAIG COLLINS

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SUZANNE

June 17, 2011

DEAR COLLINS FAMILY, I WAS A BIG FAN AND FRIEND OF CRAIGS FROM BIG 5 IN TERRA LINDA. HE WOULD COME IN SMILING AND A BIG FIST PUMP, WE WHO KNEW HIM WILL BE BETTER IN LIFE, HE WAS MY SUNSHINE, LIGHT AND SMILE..WHEN HAVING A BAD DAY I KNEW I COULD COUNT ON HIM FOR A SMILE(THANK YOU CRAIG) HE WOULD SPEND MANY HOURS IN BIG 5, SO WE WOULD PUT HIM TO WORK....CLEANING OUT THE DRESSING ROOM WITH HANGERS OR BRINGING SHOES THAT WERE RETURNED TO THE BACK,WITH A SMILE AND A FIST PUMP...THANK YOU CRAIG FOR MAKING MY DAY.I WILL MISS YOU DEARLY.HEAVEN HAS A NEW ANGEL...SINCERELY SUZANNE

Angela Perry

June 15, 2011

I knew Craig for such a long long time I am so very sorry for craigs lost

Justin Carrigan

June 14, 2011

As far as I can remember my life in Terra Linda goes, Craig has been there. Since his passing, it has seemed that there is an emptiness in Terra Linda. I will miss the fist bumps in the stores, or along the sidewalks of Terra Linda. Farewell friend.

Alan Eshleman

June 12, 2011

...just back from a beautiful memorial service for Craig. I knew him since he was 8 years old. When I started working in Terra Linda (at Kaiser) in 1998 I was surprised to see Craig--entirely on his own--waiting at the bus stop on Las Gallinas and pleased to see he remembered me. Fare thee well, Craig. You touched a lot of lives in a positive way and your own life is a tribute to what a loving, supporting family can do for a person.

June 12, 2011

I have been taking drum lessons from the magic flute since I was 4 years old. I am now 19. Every week, Craigo would come in to give me a fist bump and say hello while I was practicing. When I had to stop because of sports and college, he would be outside safeway waiting every Saturday for me to show up on my normal grocery run. You were a huge part of my life Craigo and I miss you.

Eileen Doherty

June 11, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with Craig's family and friends.

June 11, 2011

I volunteered at the MARC program from 1962-66 and worked along with Mrs. Duke and many others in the summer and weekend programs. The MARC program gave many families of special children a place where their children could be with other children, but not be different. It also allowed families to have a little time to other things, while knowing that their children were being taken care of. This program that Craig inspired helped not only families of special children, but gave me a different perspective on working with others and giving back. It helped me grow up and be more thankful for what I have and am able to, and to appreciative every little step forward these children took. My prayers are with the Collins family.
Susan Coppock Turner

Fred Winters

June 11, 2011

I too will miss Craig as when I worked at Scotty's he would come in every night and make my day. I came back from vacation one time and He tried to say my name which I was able to understand how great is that. Thank you for making my life better understanding.

A M

June 10, 2011

You will be missed as I drive around Terra Linda. Sorry to your family and friends. Sorry to other strangers whose day you always made. ~A stranger whose life you crossed often and whose path was never actually met. You were always smiling which made me smile. Thank you.

Walt Traver

June 10, 2011

We will truly miss Craig at TL Safeway. Craig is a man who lived his life to the fullest. What else could be better?! Condolences and respect to Craig's parents.

C Mc

June 10, 2011

Craig- you were such a beautiful person, inside and out. I miss your smile, your stained coffee cup, your backpack and magazines, but most of all your presence. You proved to people that while you had some challenges, they were nothing that couldn't be overcome.
You brought smiles to our faces, and laughter and joy to our hearts.
You are an amazing spirit Craig, and a light shines bright in the sky with your love and energy.
You are so deeply missed by many, and things just aren't quite the same without you.
May your spirit live on in the memories and stories we all have. May your strength and perseverance of you and your family continue to serve as an inspiration to all.

I love you my dear Craig. Soar with the Angels, and twinkle with the stars.

John Davis

June 10, 2011

Craig you have inspired me. You and your family have brought like where there was darkness. I know we are sad that you are not here with us any more but I know you are here in Spirit. You are forever with us in our hearts and minds. Thank you Craig.

Julia Collins

June 10, 2011

Craigie, I have the most wonderful memories of growing up with you. You were always a source of happiness and light for all of us. I miss you dearly. Love, Jake

Hilary Collins Heaven

June 9, 2011

I will miss you craig craig your loving niece Hilary Collins Heaven. You were such an amazing person that taught me much about the spirit of a human being!

June 9, 2011

Craig was one of the most loving and perceptive people I knew. He was a bellweather of truth and honesty and he had a great sense of humor. He was an anchor to his family and friends. He is truly missed. Tuddie

Marshall Gleisten

June 9, 2011

I always would say hi to Craig. He was a special gentle person. I will miss seeing him in Terra Linda.

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