CLIFFORD W. COLLINS

Clifford W. Collins ("Ampa") 92, died Nov. 1, 2003, at his home in Cordova, with his wife by his side.

A memorial service was held at Cordova Community Baptist Church on Nov. 7. A second memorial service will be held on May 30, 2004, at the family's summer home at Long Lake, during the 41st annual Collins Memorial Day Fly-In Breakfast.

Mr. Collins was born Feb. 21, 1911, in Emporia, Kan. He graduated from Emporia High School in 1929. As a young man, Mr. Collins traveled to Joplin, Mo., where he met and married the love of his life in January 1933. In 1939, he traveled to Alaska via steamship, with his wife and young son.

Since his arrival in Cordova, Mr. Collins was involved in the community in many aspects. He was a commercial fisherman and served as president of the chamber of commerce. At one time, he owned and operated a photography and jewelry store, and later an insurance agency. Mr. Collins was deeply involved in aviation in Alaska, and was a member of the Alaska Civil Air Patrol, flying many search and rescue missions over the years. He continued to pilot his own plane into his 80s. Mr. Collins spent his years after retirement trying to impart his love of the outdoors, wildlife, birds, gardening, and especially Long Lake, to his family and friends.

The family said of Mr. Collins, "It's hard to put a finger on what made Ampa such a unique individual. His smile, generosity and hospitality were legendary. There was just something about him, and those whose lives he touched are forever enriched."

Mr. Collins is survived by his wife of 70 years and 10 months, Jewel; son Philip Collins and wife Carolyn of Cordova; granddaughter Karen and husband Cary Strahan of Wasilla; grandson Mike Collins and wife Kari of Big Lake; great-grandson Josh Collins; great-granddaughters Sharayah Dollente and Faith Collins; and many, many friends.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.