Neil Howard Collins

Neil Howard Collins was born on January 20th, 1963 at Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California. He arrived to his parents Mim and David Collins. Neil is survived by his mom, Mim Collins; dad, David Collins (spouse, Maryjayne) and his brother Scott Collins (spouse, Amy and their son Cooper). Neil had three children, a son, Sean Michael Collins (spouse; Heather); a daughter, Samantha Ann Collins and a son, Joshua Aaron Collins.

He was blessed to have grandchildren that he adored. They are William Henry (little dude-6), Liam Jacob (littler Dude-3), his shining star Cambria, Cami, (10) and Jaxon Ray (littlest Dude- 9 months). To the delight of his grandkids Neil chose to be known as “Grand-Dude.”

As a Dad, Neil loved to sing “Sister Golden Hair” by the group America, while brushing Sammie’s long blonde hair. One of Sean’s best memories of his dad was when they were driving, it didn't matter where, “The radio was on and my dad was singing and just making the best of the time. It became so much a part of me that I now do it with my kids.” Josh remembers, “I was sitting in my hotel room after getting done with MEPS. I was on the phone with dad and telling him that I was going into the army and he told me how proud he was of me. I had never heard dad say that to me before.”

As a boy Neil grew up in Chatsworth, Beverlywood and Santa Monica. He graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1981. On September 11th,1981 he left home for The United States Air Force. He served for 3 years and nine months stationed in Rapid City, South Dakota. He fell madly in love with the magic of the Black Hills and the Native American Lakota Culture.

It wasn't until the early 2000’s that Neil wrote his first book, “The Evolution of Linda- The Emotional, Spiritual, and Sexual Journey of a Modern Lakota Woman” <https://a.co/d/29962eK>. Neil was at home in his spirituality and brought to life in his stories all that he gathered from his days in the Black Hills. Neil’s writing became the vehicle for a Lakota spirit that he named Linda Dark Horse. As Neil manifested his fictional autobiography, Linda finally emerged from the shadows. Neil was a student of dreams and their deeper meaning and eagerly became a member of a dream group led by renowned Jungian Analyst, Lionel Corbett, called Psyche and The Sacred. It was in this environment that Linda came to life in new ways.

Another example of Neil’s creativity was that he had just finished his second book entitled, “Look the Devil in the Eye.” At the time Neil took ill, he was well into the completion of a screenplay based on Linda’s stories. Neil's talents were diverse, he also built and mastered his own left handed guitar. He was a voracious reader. Sometimes he would read 2-3 books a week! Neil also loved films and belonged to “Art on Life,” a film discussion group for years. They became friends and have grown into a community. Neil not only brought his humor and insights to the group, but also handled projection and sound for the group.

Mim, his mom asked him one day why he loved penguins. Neil simply said, “Because they are Kool.”

Neil was revered by his close circle of companions such as Greg Dalgleish, Larry Jacobsen, Ash Jordan and Amy Gallardo. His four legged companion Charlotte, his dog, lives with her Nana Mim and is spoiled with long walks, home cooking and lots of visitors. Neil’s privacy was paramount to him and if we have overlooked anyone that loved Neil, please forgive us. If Neil loved you once, he still does.

Neil’s career included educating people about FireArm Safety, NRA Personal protection and Teaching CPR. He wanted people to have the most information to keep them safe.

Neil was in the prime of his life when he suffered a debilitating stroke on February 13th, 2022. In those 10 and a half months he showed us how to do hard things. During those days he came to a new presence and found ways to connect to let others know he was still here. He truly lived in the present, in the Now. Neil was released from this life on December 29th, 2022 at Saint Joe’s Hospital in Burbank, California.

Mim and family along with his friends express gratitude for the around the clock care, devotion and friendship they provided to Neil while staying at the Studio City Rehabilitation Center. Andrea Wilson, RN, one of his beloved nurses, was a gift of comfort to Mim these past months as the liaison to her son. Gratitude is extended to each person that came into contact with Neil during this journey. “May our indomitable human spirit,” carry Neil’s message forward, as Neil and Linda said in their book“Learning to live and love again; weathering the highs and lows with dignity and resolve.”

A celebration of Neil’s life will be held on January 22nd, 2023, two days after what would have been his 60th birthday.

           Happy Heavenly Birthday, Neil!

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/neil-collins/obituary/

Copy