Russell Bruce
Collins, 59, of Poway, California, husband of Denise (Obert)
Collins, passed away on December 4, 2011 in San Diego after a seven
year battle with cancer.
Born on June
12, 1952, he grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts, graduated from
Arlington High School in 1970 and received a degree in civil
engineering in 1974 from Tufts University in Medford. He worked for
various companies over the years, the last being Sweetwater
Authority, which was the water authority for the city of San Diego.
He retired from there in June, 2011 after twenty years with the
company.
Russ had a
love for life and was determined to live his life to the fullest
Even though he had stage four cancer, he worked full time, and
enjoyed all outdoor activities, especially hiking and biking. In
May 2010 he took a wonderful ten day trip with his wife, sister and
brother-in-law to England and Scotland, traveling primarily by
train. He and his wife also took a trip to Hawaii in May, 2011
where he went snorkeling for the first time. Russ had a great love
of all sports especially soccer which he coached for many years. He
enjoyed going to his son’s water polo games.
He was very
optimistic that he would beat cancer. He participated in an
experimental chemotherapy study for two years and was hopeful that
it would make a difference to people in the future.
In addition
to his wife he is survived by two children. His daughter, Julie, is
25 years old and a third year medical school resident at Tulane
University in New Orleans, Louisana. His son Luke, 21, is a senior
at UC Davis majoring in history.
He is also
survived a sister, Cindy Imlach and her husband, Bob, of Ipswich,
and nephews Scott Imlach and his wife Rachel of Billerica, Chris
Imlach and his wife Andrea of Rowley, and Eric Imlach and his wife
Kara of Burlington, and also two grand nephews, Sam and Ben Imlach
of Rowley.
A memorial
service to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday December 11 at
1:30 PM in the Park Avenue Congregational Church, 50 Paul Revere
Road, Arlington, MA. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed.
In lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be made to the American
Cancer Society, Colon Cancer Research, 30 Speen Street, Framingham,
MA 01701.
