Christopher J. "Chris" Collins

Christopher J. Collins

Born in Bloxwich, England, and raised in Aldridge in the West Midlands, Chris was the son of the late James Horace and Doris Wilcox Collins. Chris died at his home in South Portland on October 21, 2025.

Nine years older than his sister, Heather adored her big brother and followed him everywhere. Some of her favorite memories are of their long walks through Sutton Park or along the beaches of North Wales, Chris with his camera in hand, always spotting beauty in unexpected places - rust, paint, leaves, or anything a little worn with character. Though they lived an ocean apart after his move to Maine, their bond remained strong. During Heather's recent visit, they spent time reminiscing, looking through old photos, and talking about the past- moments Heather will always treasure. Just before she returned to England, they took a drive to Bailey Island and enjoyed fish and chips at Cook's, one last outing filled with laughter and sharing memories.

In his younger years, friends remember Chris as the life and soul of the party (and there were many…). His old Morris Minor took him and his friends on plenty of adventures, the best remembered was to the seaside at Woolacombe. He loved the writer Kurt Vonnegut and he had his friends act out scenes from the novels: notably doing Boko Maru. Chris loved cinema and they often went to the Birmingham Arts Lab to see films he recommended; particularly the road classics Duel and Two Lane Blacktop but also Bertolucci's Il Conformista.

He got into jazz in the mid 70s after Zappa and George Duke, then Sonny Rollins fusion albums. He introduced his friends to the German ECM jazz label in its very early days and went to see Eberhard Weber in Birmingham. His love of Pat Metheny led to the Bracknell Jazz Festival, where he managed to blag his way into the performer area to get a surprised Metheny to sign his albums. In later years he said that Metheny's Last Train Home was the song he wanted played at his funeral – a wish that will be honored.

Chris studied horticulture at Askham Bryan College, where his creativity and insight came together in his final-year thesis. When the management committee of The Wilberforce Home for the Multiple Handicapped Blind approached the college about creating a garden for their residents, a space that did not exist at the time, faculty nominated Chris to design it. His plan included a number of thoughtful features, such as raised planters for wheelchair accessibility and fragrant plants for those with limited sight, creating a sensory and welcoming place for all to enjoy. He was notified in August of 1983 that the committee accepted his proposal in full, and his design would be implemented. Chris was awarded a distinction for his thesis, the highest honor.

Chris was appointed Landscape Officer at Wychavon District Council in Droitwich and then Pershore, a role in which he took great pride, protecting the trees and hedgerows that defined the character of the district. He supported planting and conservation initiatives across Wychavon, helping to restore and preserve both towns and countryside. His strong application, practical mindset, and hands-on experience made him an exceptional fit for the post. His passion for trees was evident in all he did. He managed everything from development site inspections and Tree Preservation Orders to new planting schemes under the Countryside Commission's grant program. Thanks in large part to his efforts, thousands of trees were planted throughout the district following the devastation of Dutch Elm Disease. Beyond his professional skill, his warmth, humor, and down-to-earth nature made him a joy to work with. Everyone loved his Black Country accent and easy-going manner.

He married Cathy Nugent in 1993, and they lived in Worcestershire. Weekends were often spent exploring the Worcestershire and Gloucestershire countryside on foot or by bicycle, with the Malvern Hills as their go-to spot. Chris was in charge of packing provisions in his rucksack: cheese and Branston sandwiches, Cox's Orange Pippins, a hunk of malt loaf, a can of Carlsberg, a flask of tea, and a marzipan Ritter bar. Their outdoor adventures often ended in the village of Broadway for another cuppa, or at their favorite pub in Ombersley for a pint and a savory pie. Chris had a long fascination with American culture; it seemed fitting when life eventually took him across the Atlantic with Cathy in 2000. Though they later separated, they remained on good terms and were always united in their love for their daughter, Zoe.

Nothing brought Chris more happiness than time he spent with his precious Zoe. A devoted at-home parent, he became a favorite among the neighborhood kids for his cheeky, offbeat humor and quirky stories told in his lively and sometimes incomprehensible accent.

As Zoe shared, "There was never a dull moment with my dad. Whether it was stories about his day-to-day life or memories from past adventures, he constantly had something to share. We had many of the same interests and enjoyed taking photos in nature, going to the movies, or hunting for eclectic finds at thrift stores. He was curious about every part of my life, and would share my updates with everyone, from his former work colleagues to the staff at the IGA or C-Salt Market. He always encouraged my artistic side, buying me enough sketchpads and pencils for a lifetime. When I played sports in grade school, he brought jars of Coleman's mustard for my coaches and bags of apples for my teammates. Later, as I began experimenting with my own self-expression, dying my hair or getting piercings and tattoos, my dad was always excited to see the latest and, of course, tell everyone about it. He thought I was the coolest person in the world. I can't even begin to list the number of ways I miss his presence in my life."

Once Zoe started school, Chris joined Jensen Baird, where he provided support with diligence and good humor for many years until his retirement this past July. His coworkers remember him for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and appreciation for a good conversation- especially relating to cars, history, or Zoe.

Chris loved in particular all things cars, watching Formula 1, photography, Coleman's mustard, Kurt Vonnegut, Rawhide, gardening, Henry David Thoreau, good conversation, Nigel Mansell, James Hunt, Morgans, Corvettes, magic bars at C-Salt, and the old Smaha's.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Zoe Georgina Collins; his sister, Heather Collins; and many friends and relatives in England, Canada, and Maine.

Plans to honor Chris's life will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Maine Audubon or another organization that protects and enhances our natural world and green spaces.