More detail on this person: Clive Herbert Collins, 84, of Stuart, FL passed on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. Born in Southgate London, England, son of Herbert and Myrtle Collins. Clive was raised in England, completed primary school, graduated from Mincheden High School, and attended London University in the UK. He joined the British Army from 1955 to 1957, where he served his country honorably earning the British General Service Medal and Suez Medal. Clive then traveled the world from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, Thailand, and Australia working various aviation-related jobs. He arrived in the United States in 1967 as an Operations Officer for Braniff International Airlines in Miami and worked there until he began his military career with the United States Army. Clive, a true patriot, volunteered for the United States Army in 1969 and served for 11 years, including a tour in Vietnam as a Helicopter Pilot flying the Hughes TH-55, Bell TH-13, OH-58, and, mostly, his beloved Bell UH-1 gunships as Aircraft Commander. He also flew the CH-47 in Europe after Vietnam. He earned the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and was the recipient of numerous awards including a bronze star, purple heart, Distinguished Flying Cross among others before his retirement in 1980. Clive then followed his love of the ocean becoming a 1st Mate on a commercial fishing boat and private yacht before purchasing his own 30' commercial fishing boat. Clive's love of flying and his experience in both the British and United States Military led him to a successful civilian career as a helicopter pilot for Air Logistics, Louisiana until 1991 when his cancer diagnosis and laryngectomy forced his retirement. In retirement, Clive focused on his passion for gun and military antique collecting and history. He also enjoyed collecting, tinkering, and driving his many cars and motorcycles. A lifetime patriot and military man. He was a life member of VFW, Post 10132 Hobe Sound, FL, and a life member of The Military Order of the Purple Heart. He is survived by: his children: Justin A. Collins and his wife, Ellison, of Naples, FL; Nicole Perlman and her husband, Glen, of Walpole, MA; his brother Barry Collins; his grandchildren, Ellie, Jack, and Travis as well as his future granddaughter, daughter of Justin and Ellison; Dear friend Stephanie Yerkes of Stuart. A service will be held graveside at All Saints Cemetery, Jensen Beach, FL on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 9:30 am. All County Funeral Home, Stuart, Florida Published in TC Palm from Apr. 29 to Apr. 30, 2021
Burial information: All Saints Cemetery, Jensen Beach, FL
This information was last updated 05/08/2021
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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