Craig Steven Collins

Craig was born on June 18, 1948, to Richard Theodore (Ted) Collins and Jeanne Marilyn Collins in Portland, Oregon. He was the second of three children. His sister, Gary, was the oldest and his sister, Kym, the youngest.

After Craig graduated from high school, with a short stint in college, he joined the Navy. He was stationed in Antarctica as a radioman, which turned out to be an adventure of a lifetime setting the trajectory of his life. Upon discharge from the Navy, he went to New Zealand where he met his first wife, Vanessa. Together they had two children, Amy, and Adam. Amy lives in Geelong, Australia with her husband Anthony and three children, Ayden, Madeline, and Ella. Adam lives in Vancouver, WA, with his daughter, Alexis, wife Jenn and her two children, Keira, and Kaden.

In 2010, Craig married again after meeting Glenda Ahearn from Cincinnati, Ohio. They were married for fourteen years, living in Portland until his death on August 31, 2024. True to form, every day was an adventure. The more spontaneous, the better!

Certain characteristics flowed through Craig his entire life. He was funny, kind, impulsive at times and loved his family passionately. He never knew a stranger. Sailing was his lifelong calling.

These were the most important things in his life: He loved Jesus. He deeply loved his whole family, children and all his grandchildren. He loved his wife, Glenda, whom he called “My precious Glenda.” He loved the Navy and the military camaraderie. He loved Oregon. He loved life, rich or poor, under any circumstances.

Craig was a blessing from God and will be missed terribly. His funeral service is September 15, 2024, at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham, Oregon from 1-3pm, including a short service of faith. Friends and family will have an opportunity to add their remembrances. A military honors ceremony will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 3pm. All are welcome to attend.