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Kenelm Nickerson Collins
Kenelm Nickerson Collins
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Kenelm Collins Obituary
A Navy veteran and graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, he served as engineer with American Export Lines, worked at the Bomarc Missile site at Otis Air Force Base, as a bank manager, as a foreman at Cape Cod Ready Mix, and found his true calling as a teacher at Nauset Regional High School. He loved all aspects of teaching students.
He was past commodore of the Orleans Yacht Club, past president and director of the Eastham Historical Society, past director of the Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Society, and member of the American Legion. He loved boating, shellfishing and golfing.
Passionate about the town of Eastham, he served 51 consecutive years on many town boards and committees with his recent 18 year commitment as selectman.
Ken loved his wife of 51 years, Marilyn; son, Glenn Collins, his wife, Linda, and grandsons Jared and Cameron of Eastham; and daughter, Lynn Collins Francis, her husband, Bill, and grandchildren, Beth and John, of Sudbury. He also had so many devoted family members and friends in his life.
He loved telling stories and enjoyed discussions about a broad range of subjects.
Burial will be private at Evergreen Cemetery in Eastham. Please join the family at a celebration of his life at the Orleans Inn, 3 Old County Road, Orleans, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take the time to sit down and share a story with your loved ones.
Donations may be made in his name to the Kenelm N. Collins Memorial Scholarship Fund at Nauset Regional High School, c/o Principal Tom Conrad, P.O. Box 1887, North Eastham, MA 02651.
Nickerson Funeral Home
508-255-0259
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Emily Sussman
October 16, 2008
To the Collins family:
Please accept my deep condolences. I got to know Ken a couple of years ago as a news reporter covering Eastham for the Banner, and he was always happy to help me out, giving me the inside scoop with a wink and a smile. He was a warm and constant presence in town, and I know he'll be missed greatly.
Emily Sussman
Joyce Powell
October 7, 2008
Dear Lynn, Mrs. Collins, Glenn and family,
Our hearts go out to you, and our thoughts are filled with great memories of you Dad, and his zest for life. He lives on through each of you. Blessings and peace,
Joyce Nystrom Powell and family
dj yo
October 7, 2008
Dear Lynn;
Thanks for notifying me of your father's passing. Especially your Dad, but Bernie too, helped us boys at Nauset become become better through respect and guidance. I will remember him as good, kind and true, attributes he obviously passed on to you.
Thank you Ken;
Dan Yonce
Elizabeth Wolf
October 6, 2008
Dearest Mrs. Collins, Lynn, Glenn and family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. It is amazing that though it has been decades, I can clearly recall the voice, spirit and strength of your husband and father. He was a wonderful man, who touched everyone who met him in a special way.
Warmest hugs and our most sincere condolences go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
Love,
Lisa Ozon and family
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Suzanne Moulton
October 4, 2008
There is no way for us to remember our life on Cape Cod without remembering Ken. He was such a remarkable man - the true definition of a genuine human being. He has truly left a legacy on the Lower Cape that will never be forgotten and will always be a part of Eastham folklore.
We will never forget him and extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Collins family. Suzanne and Dick Moulton
Randy Doroff
October 3, 2008
Dear Marilyn & Family,
All of us were blessed to have known Ken. He was a wonderful and caring man with an enjoyable personality that attracted people. Our time sitting with him telling stories will be cherished forever. Our thoughts are prayers are with all of you who loved him the most as we know the difficulty of having to say goodbye.
Most Sincerely,
The Doroff Family
Lisa O'Neill
October 2, 2008
Dear Mrs. Collins, Lynn ,Glen and family,
My family and I are so grateful to have had the opportunity to know Mr. Collins. He was a wonderful man, with a great sense of humor and a zest for life, his family and the Cape. I will never forget how he glowed with pride at your wedding Lynn, and how much joy it gave him to be surrounded by his family and friends! I am so glad that Sean, Richard and I had an opportunity to visit with all of you over Memorial day weekend two years ago.
Love,
Lisa, Sean & Richard
Richard VanderMay
October 2, 2008
The Collins Family: Ken or Mr. Collins as my boys always called him was truly a Cape Codder's Cape Codder. His never ending work for our community will always be appreciated. I will always remeber his sense of humor and his ability to be a friend and a teacher.You are in our prayers. The VanderMay's
Amy Rosse
October 2, 2008
Dear Lynn, Bill, John and Beth and the Collins family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss and hope that all of the great memories you have of your Dad/Father-in-Law/Grandfather will ease your pain at this difficult time in your lives. He will always be with you in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we are sending huge hugs until we see you again. With Love, Amy and Michael Rosse and Jake and Sam Daniels (MA and VT)
MIKE allard
October 1, 2008
Marilyn,Linda,and
Glenn
Ken was a great guy as was his dad.He gave me a great deal of advice
over the years and was a great supporter of the Nauset Sea Scouts. His
stories were fantastic!! I loved sitting on his bench with him at Town Cove My thoughts are with you. Mike Allard
Suzanne Bonanno
October 1, 2008
Words will never be able to express my deepest sorrow for your loss. Our town be at a loss for his great thoughts which will never be able to be replaced. I hope his son and grandchildren will carry on the Torch.....I am truly sorry losing our Eastham Icon.... Suzanne Bonanno
Lorrie McOuat
October 1, 2008
Marilyn, I was so sorry to hear about Ken's illness and death. He was a great guy and I can't think of the two of you without remembering all the fun we had for many years. May your memories help you get through this difficult time. Love, Lorrie and Charlie
Jim Packett
October 1, 2008
Dear Marilyn and Family,
We have lost an "original". Ken's impact on family, friends, and townspeople will live on. You are all in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Shelley Minsent
October 1, 2008
Lynn, Glenn, & Mrs. Collins,
Your dad (husband) was a true Cape Cod legend, as was his father before him. He was not only larger than life as a person, but is also larger than death. He will never be forgotten. Ken Collins stories will be floating around on Cape Cod forever. The things he did made him a great man, but what I value the most was that he was a good man--a really good person. With all my love to all of you,
Shelley
Kathy Francis
October 1, 2008
I wish to express my sympathy to the whole Collins Family. Ken was a great man and friend and he will be truly missed by all.
You are in my thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow
50th Wedding Anniversary
October 1, 2008
Patricia DuCharme
October 1, 2008
Dearest Marilyn and family, I share your grief through this difficult time and want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember many good times spent at OYC with Al at my side. Sincerely, Pat DuCharme
Alexandra Plotkin
October 1, 2008
With great sympathy for your tremendous loss,
Alexandra, John, Rob, Alex and Mary
Sudbury
Dick Clark
October 1, 2008
Dear Marilyn, My heart goes out to you and your family at this time of sorrow. May god be with you. Dick Clark and Faith Nyser.
The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home
October 1, 2008
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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