Patrick J. Collis

Patrick Joseph Collis, age 68, passed away on August 9 succumbing to complications resulting from his battle with lung cancer.

Pat was born October 5, 1947, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. His father and mother, the late Walter George Collis and Marie Marjorie Collis, and his siblings (George, David, and Susan) emigrated to the United States in 1960, settling in Chula Vista, California.

Pat attended Castle Park High School in Chula Vista where he established the basis for his many passions. He became a standout starting lineman for the varsity football team. He learned he had a strong mechanical aptitude. He discovered muscle cars. And, most importantly, he met the love of his life Paulette Rae Henry although she had to compete mightily with a Ford Mustang for his attention.

Pat and Paulette were married on November 8, 1969 in Chula Vista. Their son and daughter, Joseph and Laura, became the joy and center of his life except possibly when the San Diego Chargers game was televised. During those times “Papa” set some definite game day house rules.

Pat’s domain was the garage at the Collis family home on Plaza Mar in Chula Vista. The garage was not used to park any of the automobiles (all Fords) the family owned over the years. Those were located in the driveway or the street. The garage was setup as Pat’s workshop where, accompanied by his ever-present Dutch Master Cigar, he had enough tools to build and fix seemingly anything. Laura accurately described her father as “Mr. Fixit”.

Pat’s artistic pursuits, traits that have been passed along to his son, Joseph, also emanate from the garage. They include original, beautifully rendered, stained glass creations. Those special works of art were given to family members and close friends over the years.

It was rumored a poker game took place in the garage from time to time. Participants included Ed, Gary, Tom, and others. The last names are withheld for obvious reasons.

The garage also served various race car collaborations in the 1970’s and 80’s. Pat raced his 1967 Mustang fastback at the Carlsbad Speedway in the early 1970’s. Later he acted as his brother David’s pit crew when he raced a modified Vega at the El Cajon Speedway. After each outing, back at the garage, the race car was prepped for the next event. It became known that Crown Royal was imbibed at these tune-up sessions, but only after the car was pronounced ready.

And in spite of chronic painful knee injuries Pat applied his unique artistic talents to the landscaping at the Plaza Mar home. He took pride in nurturing an attractive lawn and garden where spectacular varieties of Boston and Staghorn ferns and several mum varieties flourished. He also harvested tomatoes and zucchini for the family to enjoy at meals.

Pat has left his family and friends bigger than life experiences that will be recounted and expanded upon in the coming days, months and years. Those stories and experiences will be remembered with love by his wife of 46 years Paulette Rae Collis, his son Joseph Walter Collis, and daughter Laura Rae Collis; brother George Collis and his wife Charlie of Sparks, Oklahoma; brother David Collis of Kingman, Arizona; sister-in-law Mary Walker and her husband Gary of Gresham, Oregon; sister-in-law Barbara Conklin and her husband Ken of Daleville, Virginia; niece Joanie Giron and her son George; niece Elizabeth Wright; nephew Tony Walker and wife Lea Walker, daughter Roxanne and son, Jayden; and nephew Bill Sprouse. All have countless tales of their times with Pat and will undoubtedly retell them frequently throughout the coming years.

Patrick Collis was particularly proud and happy with the family he formed with Paulette, Joseph, and Laura. He was also proud of becoming a citizen of the United States, the life-long friends he established, his neighbors, and when the San Diego Chargers played in Super Bowl XXIX.

He also requested that whenever a 1967 Ford Mustang is nearby that he be thought of fondly. Pat, you will be.

The viewing of Patrick J. Collis will be held at the Chapel of the Roses at Glen Abbey in Bonita, California, on Monday August 15th from 5 pm to 9 pm. Patrick J. Collis will be laid to rest at Glen Abbey Tuesday August 16th at 1pm.

After the Tuesday services, from 2pm to 7pm, a reception will be held at the Collis family home.

Arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Mortuary, Bonita, CA.