Borrego Sun - Since 1949

Charles Collum walked this earth for 71 years, from April 26, 1952 until November 25, 2023. During the last two months of his life, friends from varied aspects of his life surrounded him at his home to share stories and loving thoughts. His nieces surrounded him with laughter and favorite memories. Bringing friends and family together was something Charles loved doing.

Charles was born the 3rd of five children, to Delmar and Lurline Collum. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jimmie and his brother Doug. He is survived by his sister Renee and brother Frankie.

As a renaissance man, Charles had many interests and careers in his life. He roamed far afield from his birthplace of Red Bay, Alabama, always carrying with him the southern manners and charm he learned from his mother, Lurline. He studied theater at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. After graduation, he moved to New York City, where he worked on many theatrical productions as a stage carpenter and toured the country as a crew member of The Acting Company. After moving to California, he segued into the film industry. He worked on notable movies...Honey, I Shrunk the Kids as the construction coordinator, and Pulp Fiction as the art director. His talents led him to Florida, where he managed the building of the Nickelodeon Studios.

After moving back to California, he renovated a home in Encinitas, and became a technical director for the Moonlight Amphitheater in Vista. He nurtured and inspired many young people on his crews, many of whom remained in touch with him.

When he changed careers in midlife, becoming a CNA and then a nurse proved to be the perfect life choice. He worked for several assisted living facilities in Encinitas and as a school nurse at the Army Navy Academy in Carlsbad.

In 2015, he moved to Borrego Springs to work at the Borrego Health Clinic. He was generous with his time, volunteering his time at the school and spending time with anyone in need. His compassion, especially with the elderly and those on palliative and hospice care, was evident in his actions. He often sat with patients as they transitioned from this life, not wanting anyone to feel alone. He was a stellar example of selflessness.

Charles was an original free spirit. He enjoyed hiking the trails, hills and valleys of Borrego Springs. He made friends from all walks of life. He was famous for his sarcasm and side eye glance. He enjoyed a good belly laugh. He had a passion for art, music and movies. He absorbed everything he read, from literature to the New York Times to encyclopedias.

His range of interests and knowledge reflected his curiosity. He effortlessly passed along that knowledge to everyone he knew. His calm demeanor, wry sense of humor and generous spirit made him a wonderful brother, uncle, great uncle and an amazing friend. He was a huge influence in the lives of his nieces, Anna Laura, Emily, Heather, Ruth, Esther, his nephew Ben and great nephews Joel, Luke, Silas , Ezra and great nieces Madie, Molly, Becca, Naomi and Celia. He made them, and anyone he came in contact with, feel accepted and valued. No one had more fun together than Charles and his family.

His spirit lives on in all who had the honor of knowing him. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.