Tom:  Wherever you are your wife and family miss you so much.  Remember this, I will find you in the after life---wait for me.  Explore the universe and enjoy the beauty of God's heaven.
Helen

Dear Helen
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss.
John Scully
Alumni Relations Director 
Mission College Prep
San Luis Obispo, CA

Dear Helen,
We were so sorry to hear the sad news.

We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences.
Our prayers and good wishes are with you and your family. 

You and Tom have made many happy and wonderful memories in 61 years, to share everything as a caring and trusting couple with love and devotion.

It's been 31 years since we all traveled Europe together.
We still remember Tom's warm personality and friendly smiles.

Please take good care of yourself.

With deepest sympathy,
Hugh and Judy Stevenson

We were so sorry to hear of Tom's passing.  We have enjoyed hearing about your adventures of the years.  Our love and prayers to all.  Bob and Cheryl, Denton, TX

Dear Helen and Family,May your memories bring you comfort. Memory is a special place in our hearts where we can find comfort in the treasured thoughts of those we  hold dear.May it help you to know that I care deeply, and are remembering you and your family with special thoughts. I will also recall my last visit with Tom, and our chit-chat about old cars. God Bless,

I would like to give my sincerest condolences to Helen and the family at the passing of their beloved Tom. Life seems to move a lot faster now that us baby boomers are reaching towards our senior years.

During my adolescent years I was fortunate to be included as a family member and neighbor to the Collins' clan on Daily court. Their home was my second home. I have many fond memories spending countless hours with Tom, Helen, Tommy, Jack, and Jerry.

One story my dad remembered was the time Tom replaced the clutch for our family in my dad's old 49 Mercury. Tom was doing some of this World War II field repairs. I believe the car was in front of our house, but cannot say for certain. The year must have been 55 or 56. Tommy and Jack were running around with their Davy Crockett raccoon hats. Jack was singing the Davy Crockett theme song and I was joining in. Getting back to the story, Tom had the car jacked up and was hard at work doing what he did best in his late 20s. The job had gone well considering the working conditions, although much better than lying in the mud under a Jeep. As the sun was falling and Tom and Don were trying to button things up so they could have a cold one. By this time under the car the evening had set in. My dad asked Tom if he needed a flashlight to complete the job. Tom said, "No need I'm on the last bolts."

Thinking back at how young, strong and experienced Tom was, I'm certain he could have finished the job blindfolded. Helping his neighbors was just one of Tom's many wonderful qualities he put forward in life. I remember Tom's old 49 Ford work car he used to commute to Neville Ford when he was pulling wrenches. The old clichÃ©, a mechanic's car gets the least attention, could be true in this cases. The back seat was missing and the old girl looked a little rough around the edges like a possible fender bender or two. Working hard to support one's family, who wants to spend their spare time (if there is such a thing) working on your own rig.

Maybe the hardest thing about losing a loved one is missing them so much? Possibly wanting to have that one last conversation and tell them how much we love them, but didn't say it often enough when they were around? I know Tom is just across the river waiting to welcome us home when our time comes.

Rest in peace dear Tom until we all meet again where there is no more sadness or pain, the tears will come, but only tears of joy. Where the dirt road twists up past the old sawmill and the log cabin is three canyons ahead, then a left turn and crossing the bridge, we can get away again like we did so many years ago.

Helen and family,  Our prayers and condolences to you and yours.  I am so very sorry for not having recognized your name in the Mercury-News.  Please accept our prayers at this time of great loss to all of you.  May God strengthen you and give you the courage and peace to carry on with all the good memories of your loved one to cherish.

To the Collins family, sorry for your loss, may GOD give you his PEACE, LOVE, and STRENGTH at this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

OBITUARY

Thomas J. Collins

February 11, 1927 – August 22, 2010

Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary

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