Daniel Lee Collins was born on Nov. 6, 1969 in Whidbey Island, Wash. In high school, Daniel enjoyed spending time with his best friend, Bob Goodman.

His love for the United States of America and his strong belief that this is the greatest nation in the world, propelled him to join the Navy in 1988. In his time of service he went on 13 deployments. U.S. Navy GSMC (SW) Dan Collins sailed the world from Asia to Australia.

He served on the USS Merril Force Trident, USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) and the USS Valley Forge ( CG-50). He continued his career at ACU 5 Del Mar in addition to serving in Afghanistan in 2010 as Guard Commander.

On Nov. 1, 1992, Daniel married his sweetheart and best friend Denise Jean O’Hara in San Diego, Calif. He knew she was the one. He proposed to Denise just three months after meeting her and they were married just a few months later.

In Oct. of 1993, they welcomed their son Christopher. Daniel, being a devoted father to Christopher, enjoyed playing catch in the yard, attending sporting events and supporting his son’s baseball and hockey games.

Christopher followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Navy in 2011. After 24 years of dedicated service, Daniel completed his Naval career and retired as a decorated chief out of the Naval recruiting station in Hemet.

He took a position as a Gas Turbine Technician in 2012 with DGC in Palm Springs, Calif.

Daniel lived with passion for America, his dogs, sports, barbecuing and spending time with those he loved. Good friends became his family. He, being an avid sports fan, rooted for the Oklahoma Sooners, Seattle Seahawks, Anaheim Angels and Anaheim Ducks.

Daniel adored his wife of nearly 25 years. He often shared that even after all of these years, Denise still gave him “butterflies.” He looked forward to spending time with her whether they were running simple errands or embarking on a vacation.

Daniel lived and loved so passionately that he has inspired others to love with their whole hearts. He dedicated his life to service of his family, his work and his country.

Daniel is survived by his wife Denise; his son Christopher; his mother Heather Porter and father Gaylord Porter of Whidbey Island; his father Patrick Collins and his brother Jon Collins of Oklahoma; and many loving family and friends whom he cared for deeply.