Albert B. Collins

1956 - 2016

CANISTEO - Albert B. Collins, 59, known to all as Chip Collins, passed away unexpectedly at St. James Mercy Hospital, May 8, 2016.

He was loved and will be missed greatly by his father, Dr. A. Byron Collins; his only child, Kyleigh Mae Collins and his beloved Laurie Casterline; along with his sisters, Karen, Kathy, Kim, Colleen and Kirstin; brothers, Chris, Kevin and Craig Collins; brothers-in-law Mike Robinson, Jay Ewanich and John Coppola; sisters-in-law Megan, Noelle and Melanie joined by his special nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his mother, Donna Mae (Birmingham) Collins and joined her in heaven on Mother's Day.

Chip was born May 28, 1956 in Syracuse. He graduated from Canisteo Central High School Class of 1975. Throughout high school he was a member of the varsity football team. He was one of the best water skiers on Keuka Lake and a fearless snow skier at Swain and Happy Valley. He went on to study at SUNY at Alfred where he graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry. He then joined his father as Manager of ABC Ranch for the next 40 years. He worked tirelessly and took great pride in the championship Hereford herd and the land and crops he managed. He was an avid hunter, skilled, enthusiastic and loved the sport. He knew every nook and cranny in those hills. His friendships with his hunting buddies and hunting stories spread across many states. Chip was always in search of the biggest buck. He proudly displayed his prized bucks and turkey trophies in his hunting cabins.

He worked hard at renovating an old farmhouse and building a beautiful pond on his property. Chip was content in life, one of the lucky few. He was so proud of his daughter, he loved ABC Ranch, Cunningham Creek, his family and friends; from his first cup of coffee at dawn to touching base with Dad throughout the day and night in managing the farm and enjoying good times with his good friends Bruce Watson, Chuck Hathaway and others at the Killbuck Inn after a long day's work. Chip had a shy confidence, a quiet kindness, and a heart of gold. He was always there to help a friend or do a favor. Chip simply put was a great guy. He touched all of our lives in a special way and he will remain in our hearts and memories forever. His loss is immeasurable and the world is a sadder place today without him.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Thursday at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo. A Mass and Christian burial will take place on Friday at 10 a.m., at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Hornell.

Memorial contributions in Chip's name may be made to the Canisteo Living Sign Project, payable to the Canisteo/Greenwood School District, 84 Greenwood St., Canisteo, N.Y., 14823.

Online condolences and memories may be made through hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com.