Christopher Clark Collins

On July 7, 2016, at 4:05 am, surrounded by his family and loved ones, Christopher Clark Collins, age 59, of Riverside, passed away at Riverside Community Hospital from complications due to COPD. Chris was born on December 28, 1956, in Riverside, California. He was the adopted son of Ramona Watt (Clark) and Norman Collins. After Norman’s death, at an early age, Chris was raised by his step-father, Howard Watt, with his sisters, Michelle Washabaugh (Watt) and Sheryl Carr (Collins), and brother, Howie Watt.

Chris grew up in Riverside where he attended Arlington High School. He later joined the United States Army, serving as an Infantry Direct Fire Crewman in the CSC 2nd Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. Following his service in the Army, Chris served as the general manager of various Foot Locker stores before joining the family liquor store, Howard’s Liquor, located on the corner of 3rd Street and Kansas Avenue, in Riverside.

Chris lived his life like most of us, he had successes and failures. During his life he persevered through tragedy and struggle. At his core, Chris had a playful and goofy spirit. He relished planning and plotting pranks on his family and friends. Chris was passionate about anything he believed in and would often be encouraged to calm himself when discussing politics or religion.

His powerful voice matched his strength and toughness, and it could often be heard booming throughout the house. Chris later found God’s love in his heart, which was a turning point in his life that lead him back to his family and loved ones. Chris relished in the love he ultimately found from his children, his ex-wife, and his grandchildren. Chris leaves behind his ex-wife, Janel Collins, and their daughter, Ashley. As well as, ex-wife Kay McPhail and their children, daughter, Cathy and son, Doug. Chris also leaves behind his four grandchildren, whom he adored.

Services will be conducted for Chris by the Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary with a viewing scheduled on Friday, 7/22/2016, at 11:00 am, and a graveside service held at the Olivewood Memorial Park at 12:30 pm. Those who wish to honor and remember Chris’ life are invited to attend.

One of Chris’ greatest passions in life was for his dear Cardinals baseball team. Chris never missed a game and always knew everything that was going on with the team, from their roster to their line-ups, and their injury report and more. His mood was often in sync with the performance of his Cardinals. After his passing, his daughter found this poem which brings us comfort as our hearts long for his presence and his great big smile and booming laughter…

“May you come to find

comfort in and remember

-CARDINALS appear

when ANGELS are near.

So go now, sit outside

And drink your tea.

Keep a look out for

The little RED BIRD-

It’s there, your

LOVED ONES will be”

-Victoria McGovern