Collins, Reginald Philip, age 92 of Truro, passed away on Wednesday May 16, 2012 in the Colchester Regional Hospital, with his family by his side. His family would like to thank Dr. Cortney Smith for the dedication, care and compassion that she showed Reginald during his final day's. Reginald was the son of James and Ethel Collins of Leicestershire, England. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife Judy, brothers Stan and Frank, sisters Eva and Rene.
Reginald joined the Royal Navy in 1936 as a sixteen year old Boy Seaman. He served on both the HMS Rodney and Illustrious. In 1942, whilst serving aboard the latter, his foot was badly injured. He was hospitalized in Durban, South Africa, where he met, fell in love with and married his wife Judy, a Dutch South African.
Following the war, Reginald studied and passed the exams for a commissioned rank. However, at that time, there was a waiting list of several years for promotion, and so when in 1949 The Royal Canadian Navy approached The Royal Navy CPO's who were experienced aircraft technicians, like Reg, a C1AT4, who were due to retire or sign on again, invited them to transfer to Canada's first Naval Air Base at Shearwater. Reginald accepted their offer and spent the remainder of his military career with the RCN. After retiring from the RCN, Reginald worked for the Ministry of Defense, inspecting military helicopters.
Reginald is survived by his daughter Pamela, son Reginald Jr., granddaughter Tammy and great grandchildren Glenn and Kayleigh Esau.
Reginald was a quiet man, devoted to his family. He was generous to a fault. If you were in need and it was his to give, it was yours. He always kept up on current events, especially political issues at home and world wide. He always impressed upon his family to do the same, to enable them to make educated decisions. He and his guidance will be sorely missed.
A Legion Tribute Service will be held in the Lounge at Branch 26, Brunswick Street, Truro, at 3:30 pm, Thursday May 24, 2012 followed by a memorial by Rev. Lori Ramsey and a celebration of Reginald's life.