Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Collins, Ray March 2, 2005
**********************************************************
Copyright. All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/obits/obitsca/obitsca.htm
**********************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
K T bluewolf@onemain.com March 4, 2005, 9:43 pm

The Bakersfield Californian 
Ray Collins
Services: Sat., Mar. 5, 11 a.m.

Ray Collins, 76, of Taft, passed away at his lifelong home with relatives in 
attendance on March 2, 2005, after a short hospitalization. Ray had been a 
loyal and loving family member and friend, expert machinist and an avid 
outdoorsman. 

Ray is survived by his sister, Katherine Ann Smith of Pacifica; aunt, Jane 
Fike, previously of Bakersfield; uncle, Robert Penney of Derby Acres; nieces, 
Marjori Smith, Nancy Smith Tellez and Alice Smith; nephew, William Ray Smith; 
great-nephews, Darrell Smith, Nicolas William Petrakis, Albert Smith, Raymond 
Smith and great-niece, Noma Penney Smith, all of Northern California. He was 
preceded in death by his beloved mother, Noma; father, Bill and nephew, Mark 
Smith.

Ray was born in Maricopa on October 17, 1928 to Noma Esther Collins and 
William Ray Collins of Taft, attending Taft and Tupman Elementary Schools, 
graduating from Taft High School in 1946. He then attended Taft College for a 
machinist trade for which he had a natural talent, allowing him to become 
supervisor machinist for Standard/Chevron Oil Company. Ray retired from 
Chevron after 39 years in 1986, holding various positions including being a 
primary machinist for the research and development department, developing 
pieces of equipment for new or problematic drilling issues.

Ray took a brief hiatus from Chevron, serving as an Army Corporal for his 
country in the 32nd Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade in England.

Upon returning to Taft he resumed his career at Standard/Chevron enjoying his 
family and numerous friends in California. Ray was a devoted and loving son, 
nursing both his father and mother through illness and final passing, in 1965 
and 1990, respectively. Ray was always willing to help anyone within his 
circle of family and friends in anyway possible, with as much time as needed 
always the supportive ear and heart. His many family and friends will remember 
our hundreds of games of cribbage, porterhouse steaks cooked on special 
occasions, Christmas fudge, double-batch oatmeal raisin cookies, and hunting 
and deep sea fishing trips. As a confirmed bachelor, Ray shared his summers 
with nieces, nephews and friends children in his home outside Taft feeding his 
many chickens, motorcycle rides and walks into the hills, bird hunting trips 
during the seasons and sliding on cardboard down the hills at AW Noone Park.

After Rays retirement, he spent his time enjoying life. He enjoyed two weekly 
breakfast meetings with friends at Zingos in Bakersfield and also at Tinas in 
Maricopa where he swapped lies. He became quite a traveler, driving throughout 
the country, visiting historic sites, fighting gamecocks and visiting friends.

He visited Branson many times to listen to cowboy country music which he 
loved. As the avid deep sea fisherman, Ray fished twice per week in the Morro 
Bay/San Luis Obispo area with friends from that area and friends from Kern 
County.

Ray will be missed by many but always with a smile of remembrance of his 
bright blue eyes, broad smile, good jokes and his many conversations.

Visitation begins today, Friday, March 4, 2005, from 3:00 to 8:30 p.m. and on 
Saturday, March 5, 2005, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Erickson & Brown 
Funeral Home, 501 Lucard Street, in Taft, CA, 661-765-4111.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, March 5, 2005, at Westside District 
Cemetery, 440 East Cedar St., Taft. A celebration of life reception will be 
held after the service at Paiks Restaurant, 200 Kern St., 661-765-6915, Taft. 
All are invited and welcome.

Erickson & Brown Funeral Home 


Additional Comments:
Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased.


File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/kern/obits/gob6010collins.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/caobfiles/

File size: 4.3 Kb