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Bernard Collins Obituary
1929-2012 Dr. Bernard M. Collins died on Tuesday, October 2, 2012.
Bernard "Doc" Collins was born on May 25, 1929, the eighth of nine children of Dr. Bernard and Elizabeth (Murphy) Collins.
Doc Collins graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1947, and attended Providence College and Brown University. In 1954, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Dr. Daniel Collins and Dr. William Collins; four sisters, Mary Furer, Elizabeth Miller, Bernadine (Bonny) Cook, Helen Meehan; and a grandson, Wesley Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Ann) O'Connell Collins with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage on September 6, 2012; nine children including five sons, Bernard (and wife Maryellen), Chauncey (and wife Linda), Matthew, Peter (and wife Leslie) and Bartholomew; and four daughters, Elizabeth (Libby) (and fiance' Ron Driscoll), Linda Mitchell, Lee Ann Collins, and Laura Downing; and 16 grandchildren, Chalice, Christine, Dr. Andrew, Christine, Megan, Michael, Stephen, Dillon (and wife Carrie), Evan (and wife Becki), Ashley, Brittany, Maggie, Sam, Katherine, Daniel, and Tyler.
He is also survived by two sisters, Jeanne Miller of Charleston S.C., and Sheila Burns of Juno Beach, Fla.
In 1954 Dr. Collins' followed in his father's footsteps, who was a practicing veterinarian in Pittsfield, Mass. from 1918 to his death in 1937, and began his veterinarian career working with his brother, Dan, at the Collins Veterinary Clinic on South Street in Pittsfield, Mass. He then opened his own veterinary clinic in 1962 in Lee, Mass. which he operated until 1985.
He was an active communicant of St. Mary's Church since 1955 and a member of it's Adoration Society. He also served as a Eucharistic Minister.
Doc Collins enjoyed 27 years of active retirement. In 1998 at the age of 69, he rode his bike across the country from Seattle, Wash. to Washington, D.C. in support of the American Lung Association. Until his death, he thoroughly enjoyed hiking, biking, snowshoeing and skiing with family and friends.
The family will receive friends at KELLY FUNERAL HOME, on Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at St. Mary's Church, Lee, Mass. on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Technology Program at St. Mary's School, in care of the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA 10238 in memory of Dr. Bernard Collins. If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures or stories please visit our website at www.kellyfuneralhome.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Collins
Ken & Nancy Kushi
October 12, 2012
To Bernies family: I just had to add this little story.
About 1963 or so we had a Boston Terrier that had an eye punctured by a stick. My mother called Bernie and he said come right up.
He then called a friend in Springfield who was an eye surgeon. The eye surgeon came right out to Lee and operated on "Boots" eye. She had one small white spot in here eye but had full vision restored. Bernie never charged us for the whole thing.
As "Boots" used to watch TV all the time.. Bernie said it would be alright for here to watch TV... but only for short periods.. Nancy and I will never forget him.
Some times in life we meet people like Bernie that leave a lasting impression.. Dr Collins was that kind of a man. We are all better for having known him.
Eric plakun
October 10, 2012
So sorry to hear the Collins clan has lost "Doc." He was such a fine man. I'll always recall meeting him on skis once or twice a winter up in Beartown. And I'll think of him whenever I am up there enjoying winter the way I know he did.
pATRICIA BRUNDAGE
October 9, 2012
Dear Collins family,
Such a lovely bond with your family and mine-both Prendergast and Brundage and Sullivan-such a giving happy relation and inspirational to me,personally;my thoughts and prayers are with you all,lovingly,Patti Brundage
Susan (Norwick) Dyer
October 6, 2012
I was very sad to read of Dr. Collins' passing. He was such a genuine man - forthright but compassionate when it came to our animals' welfare. I remember when we brought him a new puppy that had been sold to us as a Golden Retriever. He smiled, said "Ma'am, THIS is a Golden" and called "Rosie". Rosie came padding into the examining room as a visual aid! He treated my animals when they were well and knew when it was time to say goodbye to them. I had complete trust in him as a Vet and truly enjoyed him as a person.
Henry & Dorothy Naventi
October 6, 2012
Dear Ann & Family:
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. "Doc" took care of our pets, so he was very special to us. He will be fondly remembered.
Joyce Pleu Schiff
October 6, 2012
Gooz and family,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your Dad. My memories of a life well lived bring you solace at this difficult time. Our prayers are with you all.
beth Phillips
October 5, 2012
You and your brother took very good care of our collie, Bruce. Your brother was my dentist for many years. You will be missed
Marcia Chernov-Mccloskey
October 5, 2012
Sorry for your loss
Marshall&Jeanette Coty
October 5, 2012
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you
October 5, 2012
Chauncey & Linda...I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will pray for you and your family. All our love..Kevin & Teresa Callahan
Dick and Jeanne Cody
October 5, 2012
Libby and family, So sorry for the passing of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
colin cadorette
October 5, 2012
the world is a sadder place with out bernie in it, he was the nicest man you could ever meet he loved animals as well as people.it didnt matter to him if you could not pay when your animals were sick or hurt he knew you would pay him sooner or later,you never heard that about any other vets he just loved what he did and loved animals.he will be greatly missed by many many people!there will never be a man like him again you were a great man bernie.
Pat Strauser
October 5, 2012
One of the kindest men I've known and my thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.....
Sandy Scarafoni
October 5, 2012
Annie, Libby, and all the collins family, Doc-CUZ to me was a super man! What a great man who has made you smile all his life. Think of all the fun you all had with him. May God give you all the strength you need . We are so sorry. With much love and respect.
The Sheehan family
October 5, 2012
So sorry to hear about Doc. He was always a gentleman, a man of great faith, and true Irishman. Our prayers are with you all.
Bob Frick
October 5, 2012
have very fond memories of Dr. Collins from the years he took care of my parents dalmations. He was a very caring and fine gentleman!! I share your loss - he was an original.
Lisa Thorne
October 4, 2012
Dear Libby and family:
Another great soul has moved on...it's hard to believe he followed my father so soon, and both went so quickly and unexpectedly. Hope they're sharing time together again, "peddling" their way about... Blessings and prayers to you all....
Donna Rotondo
October 4, 2012
To the entire Collins family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow.
Dave &Cathy Weeden
October 4, 2012
Our thoughts are with you and all your family memories always bring laughter of Doc and his wit!!!!
Vera Lecocq
October 4, 2012
Dear Ann, I so remember both of you with great fondness.
My sincere sumpathy to you and your family.
Vera Lecocq
Cathy Hayes
October 4, 2012
Ann & Family-
Please accept my sincere condolences. For those of us who had the pleasure of knowing Bernie, we are truly blessed. I am honored that my parents and you, Ann and Bernie, were acquaintances for so many years, and you extended that to me for the 25 years I lived in Lee. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cliff & Le Ha-Myrtil
October 4, 2012
Dear Lee Ann and Family.
We are so sorry to hear the loss of your father.He was a great man and will be missed.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loving family.
Sincerely .Cliff& Le Ha-Myrtil
October 3, 2012
Ann & Family, so sorry to hear about Bernie. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan
Bobby therrien
October 3, 2012
Dearannand Libby myself and mymom verry sorry about loseing doc he was very happy every day he was a nice guy to talking with every day seeing him when was rideing the BRTA BUS tasha says very sorry about doc.my heart gos out to you ann and Bart.
Joan Wellington
October 3, 2012
Dear Ann, Children and Extended Family
Going to Dr. Bernie's for animal care and repairs was an experience in it's self. Bernie knew laughter was the best medicine. I could go on and on Bernie but there is not enough paper. God Bless you and Thank you for being so great. Also, Thank you from myself and my whole family for saving our family dog Clicquot not once but twice.
Joan Wellington and family
Stan Williams
October 3, 2012
To Ann and Family,
My heart was saddened to learn of the passing of Doc Collins. I have lost a dear friend and will miss him very much. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family.
Jeanne Miller
October 3, 2012
Bern, We will never forget you and you will remain in our hearts forever. How fortunate I am to have had you as a brother for so long. How I will cherish all the great memories of growing up in our family and later with our own families. God keep you and protect you. Love, Jeanne
October 3, 2012
Ann and Family,
I've only known Doc for 2 years since I moved back to the Berkshires, but I feel like I've known him for a lot longer. That was the kind of man he was, and the impressions that he left on me; humor, wit, humility, faith and strong sense of family and friends. I was lucky to be his neighbor and friend up on "the hill" at Bradley Street...we would always share a story and a laugh. I am going to miss him a lot.
Ann, my hope is that his memory and your faith brings strength to you and the family during this tough time.
- Bill Mannix
Sharon and Raymond Shogry
October 3, 2012
To the entire Collins family, We are so saddened to hear of DR. Bernies' passing. He has always remained a special part in the memories we have of our life and times with our doberman,"Daphne". He was THE vet both we and she adored and trusted. We remember many instances when DR. Bernie called us, when he returned home,with special information he had researched from associates for Daphnes' care when he had been away at Vet. conferences through the years. He was the warmest and nicest human being one could ever have the pleasure on knowing and his way with ALL of his patients (animal and human) was the best. We will keep him and all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Sharon and Ray Shogry, Naples, FL.
Joni Vincent
October 3, 2012
Mrs. Collins, Libby and family: I was heartbroken to read the paper this morning. What a tremendous loss of such a compassionate and kind man. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers as you cope with this.
Peter Scaramuzzi
October 3, 2012
To the entire Collins family
Doc was a special man and will be missed. He was always good for a laugh. He, and the entire family, will be in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Stacey Villano
October 3, 2012
Bernie and Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
October 3, 2012
Heartfelt sympathies go out to Bernies wonderful family. We will miss his great personality, wonderful smile and happy go lucky way-he was such a joy to be with and so full of life. He was an inspiration to all. Ann and family you are in our thoughts and prayers-love David and Sue Scarpa
Fr. Chris Malatesta
October 3, 2012
Please be assured of my prayers and best wishes for all of you during this time of loss. I hope the memories of the extraordinary life he led supports you during this time of sorrow. Fr. Chris M.
October 3, 2012
To the entire Collins family,
Doc will be missed by so many. We will never forget his great sense of humor. Surely he arrived at Heaven's Gate on his bike and it swung open to welcome him home.
Love and prayers,
The Flood's
Jim Ross
October 3, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Joanne & John Giordano
October 3, 2012
Dear Ann & Family,
"Doc" was a man whose humanity, charity, and gentleness motivated his life. Bern was someone we loved and respected, someone we were blessed to have as our friend. We can only try to follow his deep humanity in our own lives. We share Ann's sorrow, and that of the entire Collins' family, at their saddest hour. Bern, we will miss those memorable 'postcards'.
October 3, 2012
My thoughts go to the entire Collins crew. Dr. Bernie lead a terrific life and was a friend to all. May he rest in peace. Mike O'Brien
Bernadette Williams
October 3, 2012
To the Family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. As long as I can remember, Dr. Collins was a staple in Lee. He was our vet for some of our pets. He was always cheerful and loving whenever your saw him. Laura and family, I will keep you all in my prayers as you deal with this difficult time.
Mary Beth Bartini Cobbs
October 3, 2012
Thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. May the wonderful memories you had of Doc be of comfort to you during this very sad time. God's Blessings!
Brian Whitman
October 3, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Collins family.
October 3, 2012
We are very sorry to learn of your loss, He was an amazing man! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vinnie & Linda (Whalen) Cardillo
October 3, 2012
Libby and family...farewell to a wonderful man....may he rest in peace! Fondly, Thelma Whitten....Michigan
Jim & Deb Hall
October 3, 2012
Thinking of you at this sad time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Susanne Wickham
October 3, 2012
I was so saddend and shocked to hear of Doc's passing. He was so young of heart and of spirit. I lived next door to him for the past two years. On every encounter he always had a smile on his face and always managed to make me laugh with his quick wit. My only regret it that I did not have the honor of knowing him longer. I will miss him. He was one of a kind.
P.J. and Tom Fitzgerald
October 3, 2012
Our hearts are broken for Ann and all the Collins family. Doc was and will always be an example of the best of the best. A man of incomparable character whose devotion to family, Church and community should be a source of pride to his family - his legacy is admirable by any measure. We will miss him always. Our sincerest sympathy to Ann, the kids and the grandkids.
Peter, Vicki and Zach Sorrentino
October 3, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Sandy Cummings
October 3, 2012
To the Collins family we extend our deepest sympathy on your loss.
"Doc" was truly a man who loved life and lived to the fullest. His nickname "Doc" to me stands for "Disciple of Care-giving". He loved and nurtured all God's creatures big and small.
His smile and sense of humor made him a joy to know.
He now sees the face of God and is embraced for his years of labor and love.
"In giving of ourselves that we receive, and in dying that we're born to eternal life." (Prayer of St. Francis)
Lenox Police Department
October 3, 2012
Please accept our sincere condolences at the passing of Doc. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Ken Kushi
October 3, 2012
So sorry to hear this. My mother used Dr Collins for our Boston Terriers. When the pups were born the kids would take care of them. My wife and I also used Bernie as well..You could not get any better service anywhere.
He was a great man. My wife and I speak of him often as both our families used him.
Our heart goes out to the family.
Ken & Nancy Kushi
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