Alastair Leslie Collis
June 10, 1960 to March 1, 2023
Obituary
Alastair Leslie Collis passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023, surrounded by his loving daughters. It goes without saying, Alastair was one of a kind. His charm, laughter, and love lit up every room he entered.
A talented piano and organ tuner and technician, Alastair was the third Collis to run A.L. Collis & Son, founded in 1910 by his grandfather, Athelstan Lockyer Collis. Like his father, James Leslie Collis, and grandfather before him, Alastair devoted his life to sharing the gift of music with his loyal customers and dear friends across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.
While music was at the heart of his life, Alastair had many talents and passions. He was a skilled cook, an avid fly fisher, a passionate storyteller, and an adventurous traveller. He loved nothing more than hosting his family and friends for a meal at his dinner table, and going for a drive in his convertible in the summertime. Alastair lived and loved to the fullest.
His kindness, generosity, and strength live on in the Collis family through his mother, Lillian Collis (James Leslie Collis, deceased), eldest daughter, Anna Leslie Collis (Kieran Lacey), and youngest daughter, Laura Ashley Collis (Jeremy Andrews).
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on March 5, 2023
7-9 p.m. on March 5, 2023
2-4 p.m. on March 6, 2023
7-9 p.m. on March 6, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
2:00pm, Thursday March 9th
St. Paul's Anglican Church, Harbour Grace
My dearest Al it hurts so much that you’re gone but I am grateful for the time we shared together over the years . Al you have brought so much joy and happiness in my life and I know you felt the same . I will never forget you . You will always hold a special place in my heart . 🕊️💙
My deepest condolences to the Collis family. I am so sorry to hear of Alastair’s passing we were friends since our teens but sadly lost track of each other over the years; but I will always remember the lengthy chats we had as well as the deals we did together when both our Guitar shops where open & of course that big smile of yours. Rest in Peace old friend.
So sorry to hear of Alastair’s passing. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Collis, Anna, Laura, and family. It was always a pleasure to chat with Alastair and listen to him play. He was a true gentleman. I recall when I bought my Baby Grand from him and the countless times he tuned my piano’s over the years. He was a kind man with a big heart. Rest in Peace Alastair.
Judy Quinn
Sad to hear this. I haven’t seen Alastair in several years but we had many laughs in Salmonier with Roger, Sean and Phil. Condolences tovthe family.
Thank you Alastair for the care you gave Rita’s piano. You always brought it back to life. Loved how your work was always perfect even with our dogs and cats in your lap. They always loved your visits too. Thank you for you friendship and the wonderful conversations. You always had the right words for me when I needed them.
Condolences to Lillian, Anna and Laura. Alastair, we will always remember you.
Condolences to Mrs. Collis and Alistair’s family. A great musician, friend, bon vivant and hail fellow well met. He will truly be missed but well remembered.
Mrs. Collis and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Alastair’s passing. it was always a pleasure to meet and talk with him over the years. Alastair was always a true friend to Kiwanis Music Festivals in the province. When the Kiwanis Club of Carbonear decided to purchase a Baby Grand Piano for our new Community Centre Alastair was there to contribute professional advice and financial help. We purchased the piano and through his generosity he donated an additional Upright Piano to our Kiwanis Club in Memory of the Collis Family.. On behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Carbonear we extend our sincere condolences to you all..
Milton and Joan Peach
Carbonear
Dear Mrs. Collision and family,
It was with sadness that I read of Alastair’s passing. I have fond memories of him, yourself and Mr. Les from my working days at Scotiabank, Hamilton Avenue. Alastair was a breath of fresh air whenever he came into the bank. He was larger than life. May you find comfort in your memories in the days ahead. May he Rest In Peace.
Clare (Pippy) Sikorsky
Ottawa, ON
Dear Anna and Laura,
I was so sorry to hear about your father passing away. .I have so many memories of all of you. He was always so full of life and 100% the best dressed dad around. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
Mrs. Collis, Anna and Laura,
Like so many have said, I was so shocked at hearing the news of Alastair’s passing.
The memories of our years together in junior high and high school came flooding back., as well as the many conversations we had when we’d bump into each other over the years.
I can honestly say that I had the biggest crush on Alistair
when I first met him at IJ Sampson.
I think perhaps it had something to do with his charisma, charm and ability to be a gentleman at such an early age. I’m pretty sure he would wear blazers and dress pants quite frequently.
I remember for a Variety Concert at Bishops, he arranged to have a piano delivered to the stage for using during the event.
Well, those qualities lasted a life time along with his ability to have a conversation with anybody and to make that person feel important and valued.
When I taught in Foxtrap, I frequently took my Kindergarten classes on a field trip to the Brookfield Fire Department and then across the street to A..L. Collis and Son for a visit in the showroom. Needless to say playing and singing took place and before leaving I’d hear a few of Alistair’s stories about things going on in his life.
I feel St. John’s has lost one of our treasures, one of our characters.
I’m sorry to hear of Allistair’s passing and hope his daughters find peace in his memory. We were friends back years ago. I’ve thought of him often.
May he rest in peace.
So sorry to hear the sad news about Alastair’s passing.. My sincere condolences to his mother, his family and friends.
I am so sorry for your loss. It was my husband Sean (Tiller) who shared fabulous stories of his long-standing friendship with Alastair from their early days in elementary school to the day he convinced Sean to come and work for him. Sean was on his way to sign up for the Army- and Alastair persuaded him to come learn the fine art of piano tuning. And they never looked back after that. Alastair always made a point to check in on Sean regularly and the two always had a grande chuckle as Alastair told wonderful stories to put a smile on Sean’s face. Alastair will be missed.
On behalf of Sean’s children, Eli and Josie, and myself, our sincere condolences to Alastair’s family.
To Mrs Collis and family.
I send my deepest condolences
I can speak for myself and my siblings when i say that we are very saddened to hear of the passing of one of our lifetime friends . Alastair lived only a few doors away from us and we were all part of the neighborhood group who hung out in the “playhouse” in Alastiars back yard, tramped through the “horse trails ” of what is now Cowan Heights, chased dragon flies in the swamp at the bottom of the Big Hill.. (now Ferryland Street behind Collis’s) We shared stories, popsicles and stolen crab apples, lazed in the summer sun picking out pictures in the puffy white clouds and pounded on piano’s in the shop.. (we pounded, Alastair played) .. God love Mr Collis, who never tossed us out! We will always hold onto those fond memories and cherish the memory of the fun personality that we knew as .Alastair…. our own Gatsby
Deepest Condolences to Mrs. Collis, Anna and Laura on the passing of your son and dad.. We hope that the happy memories you have of him will get you through this difficult time..
Madeline and Cyril Martin
Mrs. Collis, Anna and Laura, My family was very saddened to hear of Alastair’s recent passing! We first became acquainted with your Dad’s father in the early 1970’s when my sister Barbara and I both purchased a piano from his business on Topsail Rd. Later when my Mom purchased a home across from the business, she and Lillian (or Lil as she preferred to be called) became friends over the phone when my Mom learned that she knew many of my father’s siblings from Bay Robert’s. Alastair was a very kind hearted man which was evident when he saw my Mother shopping at the Village Mall one summer’s day and noticed she was having trouble walking due to back pain. Knowing that she was a neighbour of his he immediately offered to give her a ride home and even suggested a doctor friend of his that might help my Mom with her obvious back pain! My Mom said he even invited her into his home and was very gracious and hospitable! If Mom was alive today she would be very sad to hear of Alastair’s untimely passing, just as we are! It was very obvious just from talking to him how proud he was of his two lovely daughters. You were undoubtedly his pride and joy! Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers as you lay your father and Lillian’s son to rest. May God sustain each of you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Sharon and Wayne Taylor, and my sister Barbara Janes and her husband John. May your loved one Rest In Peace.
We send our deepest sympathies to Lilian, Anna & Laura. Alastair was like part of our family. His grandfather. Athelstan tuned our grandmother’s 1912 Kohler & Cambell piano which Alastair later masterfully restored to it’s original condition. My upright Yamaha piano went missing from Alastair’s showroom however he quickly reassured me in his charming voice not to worry and it was replaced with a beautiful white grand. Our memories will be forever cherished.
Mrs. Collis, Anna and Laura: So sorry to hear of Alastairs’s passing. Gordon and I extend our deepest condolences to you all. May God Bless and Comfort you in the days ahead as you deal with your loss.
My condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this hard time.
Mrs. Collis and family, so sorry to hear of Alastair’s passing. Heartfelt condolences to you at such a difficult time.
So terribly sorry to read of Alastair’s passing.. Paul and I send our deepest sympathies.
Renee (Marquis) and Paul Antle
To Mrs Collis and family.
I send my deepest condolences and blessed thankful love for Alastair and yourself giving me a absolutely top of the line electric Guitar and amplifier on instalment payments,,( what I could ,when I could.) What trust bestowed on this long haired rock n roller wanna be, I truly never had and have never received before or since.
That kindness and the years of friendship , started there and never stopped.
Allister had a 1966 upright Piano delivered to my home,30 years later and ,,,,the cost and price was non negotiable,,,,this time it was not to mentioned.,,it was a gift.
Alastair was a gift that you gave to the world Mrs Lillian.
God loves you both,,,and I do too.
I’m proud and so blessed to have met and known you both.
Always.
My condolences to the Collis family. Alastair was one of a kind and had a deep, empirical wisdom when it comes to musical instruments. Surely, the “Harps of Heaven” are going to be well tuned from here on out! 🙂
To the Collis Family:
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your dad.
Alastair and I went to school together from kindergarten to grade 11. I remember him pulling on my pigtails when he sat behind me in grade 4. Later on, Mom bought a small upright piano from Alastair’s father. But it just as easily could have been bought from Alastair himself because he was a born salesman. And an engaging conversationalist and natural entertainer. In later years we always had a great chat when we ran into each other. I will always remember Alastair as a kind friendly person. And I am very sorry to learn he is passed away.
To Lillian and Alastair’s daughters
I was saddened to read about Alastair’s passing.
He was a life long friend having grown up in the family home just a few doors west on Topsail Rd. My family
purchased a piano from his Dad and we continued the
enduring friendship.. Alastair and his Dad did so much for the music community in NL especially through the support of the Kiwanis Music Festivals each year.. His generosity and kindness will always be remembered. Alastair was certainly one of a kind and added zest to all those he came in contact with. Keep those memories with you now and into the future. Rest in Peace my friend, Rest in Peace
Paul and Jean Thompson
To the Collis family and his daughters, so sorry to hear Allastair has passed away. Allastair was truly one of a kind. Such a great guy who always had a story to tell. Having met Allastair through my oldest brother, I remember some stories from his teenage years and never forgot them.
When I would stop by the store, he always had ideas running through his head and would ask me about them and then put that smile on.
I remember after I got married, he knew I was coming to see him and when I walked into the store, he ran over and got on the Grand Piano and played Here Comes the Bride Wedding Song. He was so foolish with stuff like that.
Always a memorable adventure when around Allastair.
RIP Allastair.
Aunt Lil, Anna and Laura:
We were very saddened to hear of Alastair’s passing. Our heartfelt and deepest condolences to the three of you. A young man gone way too soon. RIP my cousin.
Boyd and Flo
Our sincere condolences to Mrs. Collis, Laura and Anna:
Allastair was a very close friend of ours, and we were so sad to hear of his passing. . We were his point of contact in Goose Bay in obtaining customers for him who needed their pianos tuned. He trusted us with many pianos over the years on consignment when we operated our music store in Goose Bay. Our home was his hotel when he came on his yearly, and sometimes twice yearly visits for piano tuning. After Laura and Anna were born he came with many pictures of them both, and they were his angels.
He shared many stories of him and his dad when he was a young boy, travelling around Newfoundland tuning pianos.
He made a special visit when our first daughter was married and of course supplied the church music. Many evenings he would entertain our friends on the piano, and I can see him now, he would turn around while playing softly and tell a few stories while not missing a tune, and have everyone shaking with laughter.
We visited him many times in St. John’s , which included a visit to his mom next door, but for the past 3 or 4 years, with covid, and spending more time out of Newfoundland.. the visits were rare.
He talked us into a Wurlitzer piano many years ago and it is my prize possession to this day, and it will always remind us of the hours we shared with him.
Rest in peace, our dear friend, Allastair Collis.
Ruth and Nat Spurrell
Dear Lillian Collas,
My sincere condolences to you during this difficult time. Carol Parsons Jackson,Clarkes Beach
Auntie Lil, Anna and Laura
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. My condolences to you.
Anna and Laura I am very saddened to hear the news of your father’s passing.
I have been able to call Alastair a friend for many years. He was a kind and loving man.
When we were younger he often accompanied me on the piano.
I have several wonderful memories of him in the Santa Claus parade sitting on a float at a white grand piano playing Christmas selections and waving at everyone he knew. ( and that would have been many people from many walks of life). He tried to be a friend to all.
Thinking of your family at this time. I hope you find comfort in knowing his kindness to others will always be remembered.
Dear Mrs Collis and Family,
Sincere condolences on Alastair’s passing.
I have fond memories of your family visits to my grandparents home in Gander when my grandfather sold pianos and organs for A.L. Collis.
Since then, on every occasion our paths met, Alastair was genuinely excited and interested to catch up. on family news and share a few memories of his Gander visits with me. It was always a pleasure to share a few chuckles at his anecdotes and shenanigans. I will always remember Alastair as being larger than life.. And I know his passing will leave an incredible void for his family. My thoughts are with you.
Mrs Collis and family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Alastair and I were good friends when we attended Bishops College.
Please accept my deepest sympathies during this difficult time.
Rest well my friend.
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Lillian Collis , Anna and Laura. May your wonderful memories comfort you at this time.( I did private duty nursing with Mrs. Lillian Collier many years ago. You are a delightful lady) My late husband Clyde Vincent knew Allistair and I only briefly. When our daughter was ill, Allistair contacted us and offered to help.I will never forget his kindness nor yours.God Bless.
Auntie Lil, Anna and Laura, our condolences. We are thinking of you and sending our love. Peter & Patrick
To all the family, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Alistair on many occasions and he was alwsys full of wit and laughter and left every one with a smile on their face.
Alistair will never be forgotten! Sending love, deepest sympathy, and prayers for comfort and peace for you and your family.
Our sincere condolences to Mrs. Collis and family. Alastair, whom I taught so many years ago at Bishops College was, as a teenager, already a gentleman. In our many encounters since then Alastair was always a pleasure to have conversation with and always had an interest in people. I know he will be missed by family and friends. .
Mrs Collis
Deepest sympathy to you and your grand-daughters. Wayne worked for Allister for a number of years. We have good memories of him visiting us at our home and seeing him in the store on Topsail Rd. RIP. Allistair
Wayne and Lucina Corcoran
Dear Lillian, Anna and Laura. Please accept my deepest condolences. I first met Alastair in Toronto at an Art Exhibition in the 90’s. We became friends and I would fly to St. John’s to see him and stayed at the house. When he came to Toronto we would have lunch. He was the proudest Newfoundlander you could ever meet. Anyone that was lucky enough to meet him will always smile when they remember him and never forget his kindness. R.I.P.
Morris Hunt
Blessings for you and your loved ones. Sending condolences to the family.
To the Collis family,
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Maxine Stanley
Mrs Collis, Anna and Laura
We are saddened by the news of Alastair’s passing. There was never a dull moment when Alastair was in the room. We remember the dinners at Kenmount Restaurant and bonfires with the family with fondness. He encouraged all those around him and was up for entertaining,; dressing up for our Halloween parties, cooking courses with Steve Watson or hosting get togethers on Topsail Road.
He was a proud dad to you both and a loving son to Mrs Collis. We enjoyed his company and will miss him dearly
Deepest condolences
Bernice and Tony Batten
Mrs Collis and family: Linda and I were so deelpy saddened to hear of Alastairs’s passing. We have know n Alastair for many years and found him to be so generous and kind and the most pleasing personality. Our first Hammind Organ and later a piano(which we still enjoy in our home)we purchased through Alastair. Many a visit to A.L. Collis on Topsail Road where I had always felt welcomed by him to fiddle to around on many instruments at that time. RIP my dear friend. Mel Earle
My Deepest Condolences, to his family and friends. I knew Allastair from my childhood through my parents.
Allastair was an amazing human, his personality soared and his kindness was incredible. His finger were like butter on the ivories and I will forever remember his hugs.
I have not seen him since 2002 as I moved away but he was always in my thoughts.
Stephanie Dowden
RIP Alastair
RIP my friend.
I was very saddened to hear of Alastair’s passing. I first met Alastair at my parents home in Corner Brook when he and Dad were working out a deal between the two family businesses over china, a watch, and a grand piano! The next day, after a hearty brunch, Dad took Alastair up to Marble Mountain to introduce him to downhill skiing.. Skiing may not have been Alastair’s forte, but a grand time was had by all. A kind, fun loving, and talented man.
My sincere condolences to the Colllis family during this difficult time.
Mrs. Collis and family,
I am so saddened to hear this news and had to reach out to you. I have many fond memories of meeting you with my dad, Gerald Russell and uncle Bert Mercer, both who are now passed. Please know that you are in my thoughts often, especially now.
Nancy Russell Corbett
Alastair and his family were very kind to our family when we came to Newfoundland from England in 1968. We were friends as children and my twin brother and I formed a band with him in grade six! The band didn’t last, but friendship did. His beautiful soul will be remembered well.
Sending our deepest condolences . Mom loved Alistair as her son and loved his regular phone calls. He was like a brother to me. We will cherish numerous memories of this kind -hearted man. He is now reunited with my brother/ son Roger and Shawn. Thinking of you .
Love,
Joyce and Peggy Pye
My daughters, Karla and Kathryn also send their sympathy.
Mrs .Collis , Anna & Laura
There are no words to express a son and father like Alastair.. The 11 years of working with and for him was undoubtedly a memorable experience.. The good times and the bad will always be with me.. A kind.. generous.. fun loving and very talented man who could leave a lasting impression on anyone…He was a very decent man who genuinely did care for people..,May u think of the good times and cherish them ..RIP my dear friend
A sad loss of a huge personality, generous soul & wonderful talent. …my heartfelt condolences. The Sherlock Manning my dad bought for me from Alastair when I was 6 yrs old is still my favorite piano to play.
Condolences to all the family. Alastair’s was such a talented individual and lightenen up a room with his playing.. Sorry to hear of his passing..
Mrs Collis Anna and Laura
We are shocked and saddened to learn of Alastair’s passing We have many memories of our times together in the early years. Especially the NYE dinners !! The table was full but there was always room for one more. Alastair loved a gathering and he was the best host. Unfortunately life gets in the way and we loose touch with special people. Know that he was loved and cherished. by many. May you find solace in the days ahead.
Marilyn and Jim King
GFW
Anna and Laura,
Your dad was kind and generous, with talent and personality beyond compare. You were both the light of his life. The last time I spoke with him he expressed how very proud he was of his girls.
I am blessed to be in your lives.
Janine
My sincere condolences to the Collis family. May your wonderful memories provide you comfort.
I was first introduced to Alistair by Sister M. Loretto when he was a young boy. He and his father were always available for advice on pianos and for using their exceptional tuning skills.. He was efficient, pleasant and gracious. My deepest sympathy to his mother Lil and his daughters.
Anna and Laura,
My thoughts are with you both at this difficult time. My condolences to you both. Lots of love and hugs. Xo
Sending sincere condolences to Laura, Anna, Lillian and all of the Collis family. Alistair’s impact on music in NL is immeasurable and he is remembered by all who met him.
May your music live on and it’s memories allow those of us left behind a measure of peace and keep you in our thoughts
To the family of Uncle Alastair, my thoughts and prayers are full of love that God will hold you all tight from this day and each day going forward as grief has many stages and the firsts are always the hardest. Although not related by blood his love for people and so passionate and to him everyone was like family which from the time I was born he titled himself Uncle. Sending you all hugs and that during your hard times the wonderful memories will help with your healing. He will not be forgotten.
So sorry try to hear of Alastair’s passing. Fond memories of him at Aunt Annie and Uncle Fred Snows in Clarke’s Beach. Condolences to the family.
Mom (Jean Hillyard) also passes along sincere condolences.
Mrs Collis and Alastair’s Family.
So sorry to hear of his passing. Our thoughts are with all of you at this time.
Paul & Marnie Hillyard
My sincere condolences to all the family my mother Viola cared for Alastair as a child and when i was looking to get a piano for my own daughter naturally I went to buy one at A L Collis. When I told him who I was he graciously took me up to the house to see his mom and showed my husband and I his car in the garage. . I still remember how kind Alastair was to me that day and I walked out of the store with the piano I wanted The Sreigerman . Each time I look at it I think of him and his kindness. He played for myself and my husband that day and he was so amazingly talented. My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.
My deepest sympathies to you on Alastair’s passing. He was a wonderful person who was full of life. I have many memories of him so grateful for having known him. And he was a great friend to my father. Cherish your memories as I’m sure you have many. May he rest in peace
To Lillian and Anna and Laura,
Extending my deepest condolences to you all. Alastair was a true friend and a very talented and charismatic man. I had the pleasure to meet Alastair when his expertise was sought to restore the baby grand Wurlizter piano for the Canadian Forces Station St. John’s. It was in fact his recommendation to restore that piano which had been stored in the basement of Sailors Hall in the old Argentia Naval Base for decades. I trusted his judgement. He and the team did an amazing job, on what I would call one of the most interesting and proud endeavours for us both. During commissioning, I was delighted when Alastair showed up, dressed to impress and proceeded to entertain the crowd for a very special performance on the piano. He opened with Ode to Newfoundland for the crowd in style and made everyone aware of his amazing talent, both as an pianist and in the skilled restoration of that beautiful instrument. I could tell he was just as proud and delighted as I was. It was a great evening that lead to a great friendship and great memories for all involved.
I am so sorry for your loss. Alastair was truly one of a kind. Gone too soon.
Lil, Anna and Laura,
So sorry to hear about Alastair’s passing. The music community has lost a great musician.. We are in Florida and unable to attend the funeral but our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Hugs!
To the family of Alastair you are in my thoughts today sending condolences and hugs to you all Sincerely, Effie Perry.
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS HE WAS A GOOD MUSIC FRIEND AND FELLOW MUSICIAN— WE HAD A FEW LAUGHS AND PLAY A FEW TUNES TOGETHER— GOD SPEED-
An engaging, talented man. Friends with everyone who knew him. He made people happy and had an amazing never forgotten personality. So sorry he’s gone. Rest and laugh, Alastair.
Sincere condolences to the Collis family.
I have great memories of Allister……..he was great company, his heart was big and if you were feeling down he made you laugh. While I haven’t see Allister in a long time I often thought about him.
Rest easy my friend you will be missed.❤️
May he rest high with the Angels playing his classic tunes. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Collis, Anna and Laura.
Thinking of your family during this difficult time. ❤️
Our family friend for more than four decades – we are so sorry to hear of Alastair’s passing. He was the most loyal and caring friend in the world and we will miss him dearly. Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Collis, Anna and Laura.
Mrs. Collis and Alastair’s children,
We are sorry to hear of Alistair’s passing. We hope your memories bring smiles and comfort to you during this time.
The Conran Family
(neighbors across the street)
Lil – thinking of you and Alastair’s daughters today
Mrs. Collis and Alastair’s two daughters . We were very sorry to hear of Alastair’s passing ,a very talented man gone too soon . Please accept our deepest condolences. RIPAlastair .
My Childhood friend from elementary school all the way though high school and beyond. His sense of humour and kindness was unmatched. Rest easy Alistair, My condolences to you all. As he used to say “Hello me Darling”. But I’ll say so long for now.
Deepest condolences to the family and friends. Alastair was a schoolmate at Bishops College. I hope memories of happier times help you through these difficult time.
Thank you for everything you did for Take Note Music School . Your kindnesses extended to all the staff and students were so greatly appreciated. Rest in peace and Godspeed.