Clifford Philip "Phil" Collins

Clifford Philip “Phil” Collins

October 14, 1934 – March 6, 2019

            Clifford Philip “Phil” Collins, age 84, a life-long Cordova, Alaska resident, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at his home west of Nevis, MN with his devoted wife, Mary Ann at his side.

            Phil was born on Oct. 14, 1934 in Emporia, Kansas to Clifford and Lola Collins.  As a small boy, his parents moved to Cordova, Alaska where Phil attended public schools and graduated from high school.  As a young man, he entered the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country until receiving his honorable discharge.  In the late 1950’s, Phil moved to Alaska and homesteaded in a log cabin 110 miles from civilization, relying on hunting and trapping  for his daily sustenance.  Later he attended Washington State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geology.  He then went on to graduate school at U of Washington where he studied clinical psychology from 1967-1970.  Phil served as the Cordova District Manager of the Alaska Steamship Company.  From 1970-1982, Phil was employed as the Cordova Terminal and Marine Manager.  He owned and operated his own company, Collins Aircraft Services where he did contract flying providing air cargo liaison & fish locating services to the commercial fishing industry from 1982 – 1997.  In addition he ran his own commercial photography studio as a side line for a number of years.  He spent 20 years working as a full-time weather observer at the Cordova Alaska Weather Station.  He was a man of faith who was a long-time active member of the Cordova Community Baptist Church where he has served as chairman of the Deacon Board.  He was also active in his community and was a former manager of the Cordova City Council, past Chairman of the Transportation Committee of the Cordova Chamber of Commerce, past Chairman of Advertising for the Cordova Iceworm Festival and served as the Supply Officer of the Cordova Civil Air Patrol for many decades.  His hobbies included flying, photography, hunting, fishing and gardening.

            Phil’s life was made complete in his marriage to Mary Ann Jorgenson on Feb. 24, 2011 in Cordova, Alaska.  Through his encouragement and mentorship, Mary Ann earned her own private pilot’s license in 2014. 

            Phil is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Ann Jorgenson-Collins of Nevis, MN; 2 sons: Michael Collins of Cordova, Alaska and Adam Collins of Theodore, Alabama; six step-children: Charles (Lynda) Jorgenson of Billings, Montana, Ken (Kelly) Jorgenson of Columbus, Montana, Glenn (Cindy) Jorgenson of Helena, Montana, Carolyn (Dan) Smith of New Hope, Minnesota, Joel (Debbie) Jorgenson of Ankeny, Iowa, Paul Jorgenson of Hutchinson, Kansas; many grandchildren, step grandchildren & step great-grandchildren.

            A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM Sunday, May 26, 2019 at his homestead near McCarthy, Alaska.

To view leave online condolences or to view the tribute video please visit www.jonespearson.com