ERIC COLLINS

We regret to announce the passing of ERIC (COLLEY) EDWARD COLLINS at his home in Rockville, Pembroke, Bermuda on the 23 of September 2022. Eric was born the 12 of December 1961 in London, England of parents Dennis Edward Collins and Joan Victoria Collins, formerly Moran. He was predeceased by both his parents and his brother Dennis. He is survived by his loving wife of twenty three years, Diana Cadorin and nephews and nieces Michael, Adam, Emily/Anthony, Michelle and Steven and their parents. Family was an important part of his life. Eric Collins considered himself blessed to be a sixth generation Londoner, and a fifth generation Bermudian. The Collins family, including Eric, relocated to Bermuda in 1963. Eric enjoyed a happy "island boy" childhood. He was a student at Dellwood Primary, Saltus Grammar School and later at Florida Central Academy, where he graduated in 1980. He then attended Charleston Southern University and Trident Technical College studying criminology and psychology. His choice of program may be a surprise to those who recall his playful rebellious humour and nature. That charming good nature and outgoing personality led Eric to a career as an entrepreneur and marketer. He was passionate about building positive relationships in his social life as well as in his athletic and business careers. As an accomplished all-round athlete, he was a competitive footballer at high school and college levels. He was a lifelong Arsenal fan. Eric was a triathlete in the mid and late 1980s competing in several events. Most recently he was an accomplished fisherman and boatman as Captain of first Gelato and BlueEyes then the Twin-V. Eric loved to swim and do water sports, but ultimately, his genuine sporting love was tennis. Eric was a lifelong participant. He played and was an active promoter and coach as well as a competitor. His competition and allies alike will remember his victories, his determined participation, sportsmanship and competitive drive. He was deservedly proud of the accomplishments of the Pro Stars European tennis team that he built and coached to play at the highest professional levels. His team competed at Wimbledon and on the professional circuit. He was well known in the Bermuda Tennis community. Eric was ever driven by a gregarious and generous nature. His roots and culinary talents lead him to introduce Bermudian fusion cuisine to the menu of the Bistro Bayen of Paris and in various establishments in England. His specialty, "Colley's American Burgers", were a hit in and around London. He loved electronic house or techno music and would never turn down an invitation to a good party. He was a professional DJ bringing rhythm and good times to the social scene in Bermuda. Life gave Eric the opportunity to study, sample and become a connoisseur of Californian, French and Italian wines. He would also occasionally enjoy a tot of Black Seal or Cockspur rum, or a shot of Jagermeister. In Bermuda, Eric met and married the love of his life, Diana Cadorin. Married outdoors on a picture perfect day at the site of the Sonesta Hotel, they shared many adventures. Over the duration of their twenty three years together they lived in Baja Mexico, San Diego, Paris, London, Basildon and of course Eric's true island home, Bermuda. Eric retired his canine buddy "Tequila" to a farm in Ireland. Felines Jumper, Sheba and Marlin were well loved companions. Eric spent time with family and friends in England, Ireland, Italy, Spain, throughout Europe, the USA and Canada. He recently adventured in Nova Scotia. In Bermuda, Eric was a regular at the Daylesford bar. He was an instigator and organizer of events using his DJ and hospitality talents. Patrons of Harry's and the Bermuda Bistro (the Beach) will also miss a regular and a friend. Eric (Colley) brought many chuckles and smiles to friends and family here in Bermuda and wherever he travelled abroad. Eric himself would say, he left the party way too soon. It won't be the same without him. His legacy of kind, outgoing, playful good times and the memory of his generous heart will be shared by all who had the good fortune to know and share his life. A memorial will be held at the Spanish Point Boat Club on Saturday, November 12, 2022. Please assemble at 2.00 for a 2.30 service. It will be immediately followed by a wake at the same location. Dress will be colours, casual and/or Pirate. If Eric's life touched you in any way, Diana and family would love to have you join us for the celebration.