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Peter Collins Obituary
Age 64, of Elmira, died at his home, with his family, and friends, by his side, on Thursday, September 25, 2008. Peter was born January 19, 1944, a son of the late Jerome F. and Caroline VanAuken Collins. Peter is survived by his wife of 41 years Susan Baker Collins; son, Cameron M. Collins of St. Louis, MO; daughter, Alexandra C. Burless of Elmira, with daughter, Jaime; brothers, David, Mike, and Jerry Collins; extended family; and many good friends. Peter was the former President of the Sullivan Trail Boy Scout Council. He was a dedicated Scout Master since 1963. Peter's family was the most important part of his life and he treasured his time spent with Cameron, Alexandra, and Jaime. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, September 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 304 N. Main Street, Elmira. Donations in Peter's memory may be directed to Boy Scout Troop 101, Hendy Avenue School, corner of W. Water St. & Hendy Avenue, Elmira, NY 14905. Arrangements by McInerny Funeral Home. Peter's & Susan's friends are invited to drop in at The Collins Home on Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
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Memories and Condolences
for Peter Collins
Keith Douglass
September 28, 2020
Peter was a dear friend, mentor and took the bold step to hire a young professional Boy Scout Executive from suburban Philadelphia to head the Elmira BSA Council field office encompassing Chemung and Schuler counties where he served with distinction as Council President. I enjoyed our scouting work together and political and other wonderful conversations we had during my tenure in the Southern Tier. I also recall fondly being welcomed to my new assignment by Peter's wonderful wife Susie who helped guide my wife Diane and I through our new chapter in our lives. Later Peter and I together with our BSA Council neighbor headquartered in Bath, merged bloodlessly the two councils forming an even stronger new council, which continues to provide a quality scouting experience for many young people. Peter had the vision and courage to lead the merger effort while continuing to support me during the challenging period. I miss Peter and will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to follow my scouting trail.
Kathleen Payette
October 21, 2008
Susie, You are often on my mind and in my heart these days. I am comforted by great memories of happier days long gone by -- I am sure you are, too. God bless you and Cam and Alex......... love, Kathleen
Stephen & Susan Nagle
September 30, 2008
May the great master of all Scouts be with us till we meet again. Be prepared
Keith Douglass
September 29, 2008
Dear Susan:
Stephen Nagle contacted me with the sad news about Peter. You both remain in my thoughts and prayers. I offered a Mass and said a Rosary for Peter this past Sunday.
I had the honor of addressing a group of National Boy Scout Executives Monday evening the 29th at the BSA National High Adventure Sea Base in the Florida Keys. After my remarks, one of the National Staff members came up to me and I knew him from my Scouting days in Elmira. He served in the new council several years after my departure and knew your husband and spoke very well of Peter's dedication, talent and inspiration. He too was saddened by the news and recognized as do I, that the newly formed Boy Scout Council happened in large measure due to Peter.
I have known many volunteers in my 30+ years in the non-profit field and Peter Collins will always be the epitome of what it takes to be "President of the Board". Peter mentored me as a young Executive Director and to this day, his teachings and inspiration I follow and fondly remember.
God Bless Peter, you Susie and your family.
Love and peace,
Ursula Burke
September 29, 2008
Alex, Mrs. Collins and Cameron and Jamie,
I was quite saddened to hear that Mr. Collins had passed away. I remember him and you, Mrs Collins, cooking at Alex's and my graduation at the little house on Wadsworth. I will keep you all in my thoughts.
Joe Payette
September 29, 2008
As a friend and mentor, Peter was without peer in my life. Peter helped to shape and encourage so many boys lives as a scout master. But most important he was an adult friend to a young men. There is a special table prepared for Peter in heaven, let the feast begin. Susy, I am sorry to not be there to pay my last respects. I love your whole family so much-Joey
Joel Charles
September 29, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, friends and family. Peter was an influence, a force, a presence in Scouting and the lives of many boys who had the good fortune to have him as Scoutmaster. On a wall in our house hangs a commemorative painting of "The Scoutmaster" by Norman Rockwell.
Peter gave it to me many years ago, and I see in it many memories of Peter and Scouting, to which organization he re-introduced me in 1968. We have our memories.
A brother in Scouting,
Christine Zaineddin
September 29, 2008
Dear Susan,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peter's participation in boy scout activities was an inspiration to many youth and adults alike. My son Mark was in Troop 101. Take care. Chris
Ted Metcalfe
September 29, 2008
It is with great sadness that I sign this guest book. I have too many great memories of Mr. Collins to begin to express.
Whenever I am in the woods eating a rabbit stew I will always be on the look out for Thumper seeking revenge, just like Mr. Collins warned me would happen.
Andrew Carmen
September 28, 2008
There are few days that go by that I can't relate a lesson learned in Scouting in Troop 11 via Peter. He will be greatly missed.
Lisa Mahle Grisez
September 27, 2008
Dear Cameron, Mrs. Collins, and Alex,
Our thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.
Lisa and Ken Grisez
Bernie Loomis
September 27, 2008
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with his family.
class of 1962
Dave and Liz Lowis
September 27, 2008
Susan, Cameron, & Alex,
What great memories we have of the Collin's family visiting St. Louis.
Peter always put a smile on our faces. You too, Susan. We loved to hear about the Collins' antics in Elmira. Miss you. Hugs from St. Louis.
Kevin Charles
September 27, 2008
I have many, many wonderful memories and experiences growing up with the Collins family. Especially camping with Troop 11 and Troop 101, a wild father son trip with Peter, Cameron, my father and I in the Adirondack Mountains by canoe, and some pretty fun 4th of July parties. My heart felt condolences and love go out to Susie, Cameron, Alex and their families. Peter will never be forgotten and the Boy Scouts will never be the same without him.
Dave Capus
September 27, 2008
To his family; Apart from my parents, Pete had perhaps the most profound impact on my childhood. I have always admired and respected him. (Probably more than he knew, he was a hard nut to crack. But I did follow him to three different Boy Scout troops.) He was one of the best and most honest men I have known and I will miss him more than I can say. I will always carry with me the life lessons he taught me.
Sarah Yarwood
September 27, 2008
Peter was a shining light for many of us, even though we did not all have the chance to meet him in person. He was an incredible friend and mentor, and will be remembered. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with us.
Brad Carlson
September 26, 2008
Dear Susie - I was very sorry to read of Peter's passing. I had a lot of contact with Peter when we were both involved in Scouting.We also crossed paths in business as he was running Van Auken at the time I was running Gierston Tool Co.
Im sure Peter will be missed by every young man he worked with in Scouting. My heart goes out to you and all of your family.
Nate Coleman and Kathryn McIntosh
September 26, 2008
Mrs. Collins, Cameron and Alex,
You have our greatest sympathies for your loss. Peter was a genuine human being. You are all in our thoughts.
Nate & Kathryn
Patrick McGuire
September 26, 2008
Susan, I am deeply saddened to hear about Pete's passing. He had a huge influence on me and many others growing up through scouting. Some of my fondest memories are with Pete on camping trips all over NY and at Philmont. He will always be a part of my childhood memories.
Prudence Atkins Tinberg
September 26, 2008
Dearest Susie, Cameron & Alex,
It is with a heavy heart that I sign Peter’s guest book today.
Having you as neighbors and friends on Foster Ave was truly a gift that I will always treasure.
All of you hold a huge place in my heart and always will.
We’ll miss “Collins” tremendously.
My love to all of you.........
Tom Payette
September 26, 2008
Susan, Cameron and Alex...All of us are with you during this sad time. We will keep you in our prayers. Tom, Kathleen, Joe, Patty and Maggie
Julia Kellogg
September 26, 2008
Susie,
We are so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. He was a woderful man.
Your Friends Julia, Jerry, LeeAnna. & Tracy
Kathy Roessel (Whitson)
September 26, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jerry Terwilliger
September 26, 2008
Susan-our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Always cherished our times in Scouting together. Peter was the Greatest Scoutmaster ever and will be missed.
God Bless!
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