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Richard Collins Obituary
Richard B. Collins - Bon Vivant
Richard Collins, or Dick as he was known to his friends, passed away at his home on Wednesday May 8, 2013 at the age of 79 following a courageous 6-month battle with cancer.
Dick was born on December 1, 1933, in Santa Barbara, California, attended schools in Los Angeles, married his wife, Pat, in 1958, and served as a Sheriff in Lancaster County. He then earned his law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Soon after, he joined Jim Barrett at his law firm and created Barrett, Stearns, Collins, Gleason, Kinney, one of the largest law firms in the South Bay of Southern California. Dick and Jim were great friends and after a trip to Napa, Dick encouraged him to buy Chateau Montelena Winery. He was also one of the youngest American Bar Association Presidents.
For more than 40 years Dick specialized in Real Estate law, working with Ernie Hahn and the Coppola Brothers at Macerich on many shopping center developments.
Starting in 1996 Dick spent the majority of his time with what he considered his true calling in Marin, California, his service to the community. His many philanthropic endeavors included Marin Clean Energy, Tiburon Town Council where he was Town Mayor, and The Downtown Tiburon Task Force. Some of his many interests included tennis at the Belvedere Tennis Club where he was President in 2003, traveling the globe with his wife & family, waterskiing at the family cabin at Lake Arrowhead, fantasy football, playing basketball, boating and spending time with family and friends. An unstoppable Trojan fan, Dick spent years tailgating with his family and friends at the LA Coliseum. One of his great loves was playing poker in Gardena, Vegas and Monte Carlo.
Dick is survived by his wife, Pat, of 55 years who he met on a date in Berkley as he was leaving for his tour of duty with the army in England. His warmth with people is reflected in the outpouring of affection from hundreds who have been touched by him throughout the years. Dick is also survived by his three daughters, Kit Collins of Mill Valley, Lisa Collins-Adams of San Rafael, and Erin Getty of Hermosa Beach.
Dick has had a private burial. A celebration of his life will take place on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Collins
6 Entries
Diana Bell
May 17, 2013
Dick was a wonderful, honest, talented man to work with and know. Those long hours and papers every where! Larry Eaton, Kathy Murray & I were always busy with his work product. There are so many great fond memories that I will cheerish always. I am very glad Dick was part of my life in the 25 years we knew each other.
May 15, 2013
Remembering Mr. Collins brings back wonderful memories of working with him, a gentle, love for life,
curious and admirable man. He was a role model for the whole office and I am proud to say I worked with him. My sincere wishes of condolence to his wife, Pat and family.
May 15, 2013
Words cannot describe my feelings for such a wonderful man who gave me an opportunity so long ago and believed in me enough to hand over the management of some of his largest assets. He is already missed. Prayers to Pat and the girls
Steffanie Harris
May 15, 2013
Dick was a wonderful man, a generous person and a mentor to me. He was a great person to work for and I will miss him greatly.
Tom McAuliffe
May 14, 2013
Dick was instrumental in helping the Unity In Marin community secure their beautiful new home in Novato, the old Navy Chapel at Hamilton. We will be forever grateful for his cheerful and dedicated efforts on our behalf. May he rest in peace and may your memories of him bring you lasting comfort. - Tom McAuliffe, Past President of Unity In Marin, and Rev. Bill Englehart, Senior Minister
Jeanne Fitzgerald
May 11, 2013
Dick was such a kind, compassionate person. I only knew him briefly but it was obvious he was a very sincere person. I appreciate the kindness he showed us as we were preparing to leave Tiburon (Boardwalk Market). The town of Tiburon will certainly miss this caring man.
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