Obituary of Robin Collins

Robert Charles Leeming Collins

"Robin"

October 28, 1935 - April 16, 2024

While his family held his hands one last time and with a kiss from his beloved Marion, Robin rigged his boat, adjusted his sails, set his course and sailed.

Robin, son of Grace Janet Leeming of Chicago and Frederick Haultain Collins of Peterborough. Predeceased by his daughter and "first mate," Beverley Hicks-Lyne; sister, Janet Smith; brother, James "Jim" Collins; and brother-in-law Hugh Mackenzie. Robin's death leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of his wife, Marion Roger Collins (nee Mackenzie); son, Chris Collins (Sue); daughters, Michele (Jay), Robin (David) and Alison Rodriguez; son, Colin Kinnear (Cynthia); sister, Mary Jane Dickson; brother-in-law, Blair Mackenzie (Kathleen); and sister-in-law, Alison MacNeil (Hugh). Fun loving Grandaddy to Jordan (Tim), Kelsey (Ryan), Madison (Graham), Michael, Brian, Tegan, and Cameron; and great-Grandaddy to Lucy and Peyton. Proud uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. 

With a B.A. from University of Western Ontario and an M.Ed. from McGill University, Robin was a gifted and dedicated educator both as teacher and principal. Building on his love of helping others, he transitioned to financial consulting, ultimately establishing his own financial management services business in the 1980s. He provided unbiased and sound advice to his clients for the next forty years. 

Most cherished by Robin was his 'love story' marriage to Marion. For 44 years, he was her "darling," soulmate and gentle giant, with the most giving, caring spirit and kindest heart. While their Stony Lake roots bonded them, their shared desire for travel, adventure, knowledge, and being with family and friends sustained them. He had a kind and positive outlook and, in his words, "it was my great good fortune to have been able to travel with Marion all over the globe, and especially to the far north." Robin was a proud Canadian and, again in his words, "returning home always made me feel very fortunate to live where I do." 

Many happy times were enjoyed at Stony Lake, where Robin was an accomplished international sailor, a wind whisperer, and a skilled paddler. Off season, he and Marion loved La Ruche, their magical hillside home at Osler Bluff Ski Club overlooking Georgian Bay, where Robin could be found tending his spectacular gardens. In the winter, these two avid skiers took to the hills, until their move to Lakefield in 2007. He contributed to his community as past Commodore of the SLYC, builder of the Canadian Flying Scot fleet and as coach for the Branksome Hall School hockey team.

A self-taught photographer, he had an innate eye for colour, balance, and composition. He designed and published a treasured collection of books featuring his professional quality photographs. As well, despite arthritic hands, he carved exquisite works in red cedar. He was a voracious reader, with a lifelong interest in history, politics, and English. Everything he wrote was grammatically correct and beautifully worded. Wherever he was, humour was never far away and funny stories of great aunts trapped in airplane lavatories, ill-directed garden hoses and, of course, 'Nibor Snilloc' will always be remembered!

Dear Robin, keep an eye on the far horizon and watch for our sails as we moor together again on that distant shore. 

Friends and family will gather at a later date. We are very grateful for the compassionate and dignified care Robin received from the doctors and nurses at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. If you wish, please consider donating to the PRHC Foundation by clicking the link.

Donations can also be made by calling 705-652-3355 or visiting www.hendrenfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOME - LAKEFIELD CHAPEL.