Capt. Lewis "Skip" Collier

Lewis M. “Skip” Collier Sr. passed away on June 6, 2013 at his home. He was 54. Skip was born on June 7, 1958 in Easton to William “Butch” Collier and Joan Bambary Collier. He began a lifelong career on the Chesapeake Bay at the age of 16. After graduating from Queen Anne’s County High School in 1977, Skip worked as commercial waterman and sea duck hunting guide. He became a professional Mariner after achieving Master OUTV and 100 Ton licenses. Captain Skip piloted tugboats up and down the Bay for the Maritime Industry for 15 years and helped to rebuild Poplar Island. In 2004 he joined the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory as Captain, Research Vessel Laidly to support scientific investigations by Maryland Department of Natural Resources and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. He also worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard to develop a highly regarded vessel safety training program for lab scientists. Skip was an avid hunter and fisherman and received several awards from Ducks Unlimited. He reveled in spending time with his family and friends both on and off the water. Skip delighted in making children smile when he played the roles of Santa and Captain Fish. He was an active member of the Oxford United Methodist Church and his deep faith brought him peace. He married Lou Ann Thompson in 1977. After working together at the Oxford Lab for 8 years, Skip married Shawn McLaughlin in 2012. In addition to his wife and father he is survived by two sons, Lewis Collier Jr. (Erin), and Andy Collier (Brittanie); two grandsons, Aidan and Camron Lewis, two sisters, Lu Anne Smith (Craig), and Lynne Diefenderfer; nieces and nephews, Stephanie, Mandy and R.D.; great nieces and nephews, Chelsea, Cassidy, T.J., Spencer, Logan, Paige and Griffin and great-great niece and nephews; Elijah and Kyara. Friends may call from 6-8pm on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A; Easton. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Easton Church of God at 11am. Burial will be in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Attn: Membership Department, 6 Herndon Ave Annapolis, MD 21403 or Oxford United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 117 Oxford, MD 21654.

Capt. Lewis "Skip" Collier

June 7, 1958 - June 6, 2013