Driving force behind Jarvis Group mourned by family, colleagues and charities 

The recent passing of Adelaide automotive entrepreneur and philanthropist Richard Collins AM is being mourned by his family, Jarvis Group colleagues and the numerous charitable organisations which he and his wife Joanna supported.

Collins graduated from Melbourne University with a commerce degree majoring in economics and company law before joining the Ford Motor Company for a ten-year tenure.

He created what is known as the Jarvis Group today, from a single Ford dealership in 1984.

Collins purchased the small family-owned Jarvis Ford dealership in Trinity Gardens, South Australia from the estate of Steve Jarvis who had passed at an early age from cancer. Collins promised Steve’s widow Rita, that the Jarvis name would be kept and the business would be run with the utmost integrity.

Collins more than fulfilled his promise to Rita. Three more Jarvis Ford dealerships were created in Hillcrest, Gepps Cross, and Maryatville between 1990 and 1997.

Jarvis Toyota was established in 2001 and Jarvis Subaru in 2006. 

Jarvis Barossa with the Subaru, Suzuki, Isuzu UTE and Stihl Shop franchises was established in 2012, with the addition of Skoda later in the year.

Jarvis Peugeot commenced operations in 2016, and most recently Deepal is the latest brand to join the group’s stable of brands.

The Jarvis Group currently employs more than 300 staff and annually sells more than 7000 new and used vehicles annually, servicing more than 38,000.

In a statement on LinkedIn, the Jarvis Group says Collins was not only the company’s owner and chairperson, he was also its driving force for more than 41 years. 

“We feel deep sadness at his loss and profound gratitude for the leadership, vision and care he gave to us all.

“He will be dearly missed, but the culture he fostered and the influence he had will continue to live-on in everything that Jarvis is and does.”

The children’s charity, Variety South Australia, says Collins was a passionate supporter contributing as an entrant, sponsor and donor for more than 30 years. 

“His unwavering commitment to helping South Australian children in need has left a lasting impact on our community,” Variety SA says.

“In 2023, Richard was honoured with the ‘From the Heart’ Award in recognition of his exceptional commitment to Variety SA and his heartfelt support for those who need it most,” it says.

Ford Salute to Dealers award 2022

In 2022 Collins was named as one of six Ford dealers from around the world to receive the Salute to Dealers award which is championed by Henry Ford III, who oversees the global program started by his father Edsel Ford II in 2001.

According to the award judges, Collins’ selfless nature and drive to make the world a better place was evident in the extensive long term charitable outreach and financial contributions he provided to a myriad of causes both in Australia and internationally.

He was a principal sponsor and monthly donor to The Green Gecko Project, providing education and wide-ranging support services to communities and families in need in Cambodia, helping to break the cycle of poverty. 

Other examples of his charitable reach included support of a care centre for the Orangutan Foundation International in Borneo, where he provided high-tech x-ray equipment and a high-powered generator to ensure the facility maintains permanent electricity, and his work with Koala Life Australia, raising funds to assist with the conservation and management of this threatened species. 

His support extended to a sports foundation that provides opportunities for disadvantaged communities across Australia ensuring that children, regardless of circumstances, have access to sports facilities, coaching and equipment.

Collins was in the process of creating a charitable foundation, with substantial funding, to ensure support for these causes continues for many years to come. 

Other support afforded to his local community, but not often publicized, include providing vehicles to families in need and giving important financial help to his employees and community members during difficult times. 

These random acts of kindness, and numerous other charitable endeavours, demonstrated a lifetime of commitment and personal service by Collins to others, to his community and to the many international causes he supported.