Delphin E. Collins, known to all as “Skip”, passed away peacefully at the age of 73 at the Hospice Residence in Harrisburg.
Born February 24, 1944 in Harrisburg, he was the son of the late Delphin D. and A. Margaret (Floyd) Collins and had worked for a time at Goodwill Industries.
Skip attended Faith United Church of Christ in Grantville and was an avid bowler with a high score of 245. His greatest joy, however, came from his many journeys to spend time with his beloved trees. Despite being in the care of someone or in a facility for most of his life, Skip managed, at times without the blessing of his caregivers, to go on adventures throughout the United States, including Hawaii. After seeing pictures of Redwood trees in a National Geographic magazine, he slipped out of his room at the State Hospital in Harrisburg and hopped a bus to the West Coast. “Trees make me happy”, he has stated on many occasions. His unauthorized excursions made him quite well known to the staff at Harrisburg Hospital, the Harrisburg Police and always left an impression on anyone he met.
Skip is survived by his sisters: Sylvia C. Stone (and her husband, Charles), of Mechanicsburg, Sarah C. Stevens, of Camp Hill, Lois C. Bliss (and her husband, Donald), of Palmyra; his brother: Richard L. Collins (and his wife, Marty), of Harrisburg; many nieces and nephews; and his caseworker and dearest friend, Joanne M. White, Harrisburg.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Kimmel Funeral Home, 2001 Market Street, Harrisburg, with the Rev. George Robertson officiating. There will be a viewing from 10:00 am until the time of services Saturday.
Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Harrisburg.
Skip’s family would like to send a huge “Thank you” to all those who cared for him over the years, including the hospital and police officers; and especially Hospice of Central Pennsylvania. They request that, in Skip’s memory, donations be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, 17110.
For condolences or flower orders, please visit www.kimmelfuneralhome.com.