Obituary of Richard R. Collins

Richard R. (Dick) Collins, 77, of Northport, Maine passed away July 7th. Born and raised on his family's potato farm in St. Agatha, Maine, Dick spoke only French for the first 13 years of his life until he was sent to boarding school at St. Francis College High School in Biddeford. At the University of Maine, Dick was class president his senior year, a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and captain of the men’s basketball team, graduating with a degree in business and economics. It was at the University where he met the love of his life, Anne Adams, of Belfast and Farmington, whom he married in 1961. After graduation, Dick went to work for the Traveler's Insurance Company in Yonkers, New York, and eventually joined American International Group (AIG), where he worked for 26 years, overseeing the company’s operations in such overseas postings as Bermuda, Lebanon, Iran and Japan. Dick at times was witness to several historical events including the civil war in Lebanon in 1969, the 1972 declaration of martial law in the Philippines by President Marcos, and the 1979 Iranian Revolution. In Iran, Dick was accused of being a spy for the CIA and placed under house arrest, but after a few harrowing months, he was able to leave the country after friends successfully petitioned the new government on his behalf. Dick returned to the United States in 1980 to become President of the American Life Insurance Company (ALICO), an AIG subsidiary based in Wilmington, Delaware. During his 12-year tenure leading ALICO, the company’s earnings and revenues more than tripled. Following his retirement in 1992, Dick and Anne become Florida residents, splitting their time between homes in Key Largo, Florida and Northport, Maine. An ardent supporter of the University of Maine, Dick served on many alumni boards and committees, chaired the University of Maine Foundation and was a member of the President’s Development Council. He and Anne were generous supporters of efforts to revitalize the Orono campus, including renovations to Memorial Gym and the Maine Center for the Arts, which was renamed the Richard R. and Anne A. Collins Center for the Arts. Dick was a proud supporter and fan of Black Bear Athletics, including the football, baseball, ice hockey and men's and women's basketball programs. In 2007, Dick and Anne received the Stillwater Presidential Award for their support and dedication to the University. Dick also received the Black Bear Award in 1996. Dick was also involved with many other business, civic and community organizations during his lifetime, including serving on the Board of Directors of Wilmington Trust Company, Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited, the Delaware Theater Company, the Delaware Symphony Association and Northport Golf Club. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Medical Center of Delaware, the Penobscot Marine Museum, and was Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Goldey-Beacom College. He was also a Director and Vice President of the World Affairs Council of Delaware and a member of the Delaware Business Round Table. He had recently joined the Belfast Rotary Club. An avid athlete, Dick earned the nickname "Rooster" in college because of a cowlick that prominently stood up on his head as he raced up and down the basketball court. He loved basketball and played for his entire life, never tiring of shooting baskets. Dick was also a passionate golfer, baseball player, runner and skier. When Anne took him skiing for the first time, he went up to the top of the hill, barreled straight down because he didn't know how to turn (he did learn that later) and exclaimed that he loved it. It seems a fitting example of the life Dick led - rushing in headlong, enjoying every minute and learning as much as he could along the way. Although Dick had a wonderfully full and adventurous life he remained true to his roots. After he and Anne retired he was thrilled to purchase a tractor just like one he had growing up. He could often be seen riding his tractor while mowing the field at home in Northport. Dick was predeceased by his parents Gladys (Michaud) and Raoul Collin, his brother Patrick and many dear friends. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Anne (Adams); daughter Pamela Stead (Kevin) of Metuchen, New Jersey; daughter Jennifer Collins (Robert Hussey) of Edina, Minnesota; grandchildren Conor Hussey, Megan Hussey, Lily Stead and Keira Stead; sisters Phyllis Paradis (Roland), Marilyn Kenyon (Gordon) and Rachel Collin (Mark Suffron); and brother Philip Collins (Marge). Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday July 11, 2014 at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., in Belfast, Maine. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday July 12, 2014 at Grove Cemetery, Belmont Ave., Belfast, Maine. A reception will follow at University of Maine Hutchinson Center in Belfast. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Waldo County http://www.hospicevolunteersofwaldocounty.org/