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GEORGE COLLINS Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for GEORGE COLLINS
Amelia Gordon
March 14, 2011
I was deeply saddened to hear of Al Collins passing. He was a friend and colleague of my father's, Bob Gordon, who left this mortal coil on September 25, 2009. I wish that I knew more about the world that these two men rocked and rolled in, on the leading edges of an industry that has completely transformed our daily lives. If you have stories or photos of the early days, I would love to have them. The world is a darker place without these men of great humor, intelligence, curiosity, purpose and perspective.
Ross Macfarlane
October 9, 2010
I have great memories of Al, and it is wonderful how vividly this collective portrait and Karl's great eulogy brings to life his passion, humor, curiosity and friendship. Following college, I was fortunate to spend 8 months in San Diego as a guest of Dene and Al's, working for one of Al's friends in the emerging PC business. They were perfect hosts, and the dinner stories were always fascinating, ranging from repelling pirates with machine guns while on a day sail in the Solomons to his departure from IBM's white-shirted "religion". A great family and a great life.
Dan James
October 7, 2010
In a more or less sepia world, one vividly colorful family -- the Collins clan. And in the middle of them the luminous, curious, and sometimes provoking Al. There will be never be a problem remembering him by anyone who ever knew him. No doubt he is off dismantling chunks of the afterlife to see how they work. And bringing a bit of cheer too to all that pious mist. If it is boring, he won't like it.
John Kilby
October 6, 2010
I had business relations with al for many years assisting his clients with our range of stable isotope labeled gases and compounds. Al always delighted to call me and relate the weather in Sand Diego especially during the winter months back east.
I had the pleasure of visiting Al one time when he tried to impress on me the flash of the sun-set in San Diego.
I enjoyed his friendship and the US-British rivelry
John Kilby @ Icon (Isotope) Services Inc
Barry Luther-Davies
October 4, 2010
It was always a pleaseure ot see Al in Canberra and enjoy his yarns. We of course also very much appreciated his help with purchasing. A great character and one it was a pleasure to have known a little.
Stefan G Sarre
October 2, 2010
Dear Dene and family!My prayers for you and for Al's soul.His passing leaves me with nice but ordinary and good people.Al was a unique character - he would phone me these last several years about every three months and we would talk for one to two hours about numerous topics - history, medicine, music, geography, languages, philosophy, physics, food, etc. We both seemed to have ignored sports.I have never known anyone else with such a wide range of interests. We stopped talking because of fatigue and not because of lack of ideas.
We just got back today from visiting our family in Pflugerville,TX, and thus did not learn of his passing till now. He was one of my daily rosary's intentions during the trip.
Stefan(Steve)Sarre,El Paso TX
Peter Conroy
September 30, 2010
We will miss you Al. Always and ever cheerful an helpful to us all at the Australian National University.
Bob and Judy Landford
September 29, 2010
Al first came into our lives in the early 1980's when Bob was the Director of Computer Services at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia. As a number of other organizations in Australia have done, the ANU's Computer Services chose to source some items of computing equipment directly from the USA via Al. This business relationship, while successful for both parties, lasted for only a few years but my personal relationship with Al and Dene has endured. We feel privileged to have known Al who never failed to greet us in his own inimitable fashion - a loud "g'day mate", which caused local bystanders (be they in America or Australia) to stare in astonishment, followed by a hearty handshake and a cloud of pipe smoke. But this was Al - and, once we had come to know him well, we would not have wanted it any other way. We were fortunate to be in San Diego in June of this year and experienced one of his typical welcomes. He also joined us for a cup of coffee in one of his favourite coffee houses where we talked animatedly and loudly for a couple of hours on a range of topics. On a previous visit, he had taken us to see the paintings, attributed to people of Mexican descent, on the supporting pillars of the Coronado Bridge and he insisted that we go again. These paintings meant so much to him. He also rewarded us with a personal guided tour of Point Loma Nazarene University, with a special visit to the Music Department. His enthusiasm and respect for this department shone through. His passing within three months of our visit, when he was his usual enthusiastic and exuberant self, is hard to comprehend. We have lost a true friend who was definitely "one of a kind".
Robert Crompton
September 27, 2010
Farewell Al! I and very many others have benefitted from your visits. We'll miss seeing you putting your head round the door to say Hullo,and to have a chat. I wish I were closer to be able attend your farewell and to pay my respects, but I'm sure there will be a great many more there to do just that.
Charles Brenner
September 24, 2010
Al ran the Stanford Computation Center at it's conception in the early 60's, so he was about 30 and I was a high school and undergraduate student learning computers. We did not keep in touch after that but just this year our mutual friend Larry Tesler considerately included us both in a message. As an upshot Al and I exchanged emails and had an enjoyable phone conversation glossing over our mutual decades of growing up sort of. Regrets are less because that happened, and I'm grateful to his family for thinking to send the news of his death to those in his email list.
Al was a regular at the SPIE meetings in San Diego, here in 2006
Jan Burke
September 23, 2010
Al, mate, I know you've had a good time but it still feels kinda early! You were a man of stories, thoughts, and information - you knew where to get a burnt-in and calibrated oscilloscope, and where to find a real Mexican restaurant in Sydney - and you'd never let anyone do the thinking for you. I haven't met many other people as inspiring as you - glad we took the time to meet in San Diego in June. Bye-bye now - it has been a pleasure to know you.
Al Davis
September 23, 2010
The world was a better place with Al around. I've seen many slide shows in my life, but none as entertaining as the ones that were hosted by Al and Dene at their San Diego house in the early 1970's. The format was simple: one huge cardboard box filled with individual slides (not sorted in any fashion) and a single slide projector. Al was always the MC, and he would dig into the box, randomly select a slide, put it in the projector and then he and Dene would spend the next few minutes discussing what we were seeing. The best part of this discussion was that the two opinions were completely different most of the time. I will always remember the Al Collin's slide show hangover, namely sore stomach muscles from laughing too hard and too long the night before.
Karl's obituary was spot on and Al's organizational skills may have not been well tuned for some activities but come slide show night they were exactly what was needed for all to have a grand and hilarious time.
Ann Desmond
September 23, 2010
For many years now we have looked forward to Sunday mornings and breakfast following Mass with Al and Dene. The food was always incidental to the enlightening conversation! Though often I didn't get a word in… I learned SO much! Sunday mornings will never be the same. Al will be greatly missed!!!
Larry Tesler
September 23, 2010
Today, there must be tens of thousands of computers at Stanford University. In 1961, there were maybe five. The Computer Center in the basement of Encina Hall housed the machine that most campus users shared, a Burroughs 220. The chief operator was Julie Hwang. Her boss was the Center's manager, a cheerful character named Al Collins. Al's breezy personality masked a leadership talent that kept the Center running with minimal staff and budget but maximal service and efficiency.
Days after my 1961 arrival at Stanford as a young freshman, I negotiated free computer time on the 220 and became a regular hanger-on at the Center. Within a few months, Al hired me as a part-time operator. Although we never spent much time together outside work, I sought his assistance three years later when I was buying my first car. Al accompanied me to the car dealer and attempted to coach me in negotiation. I turned out to be a hopeless cause, but Al was patient and gracious. He helped me to cancel the contract and start again at a different dealership. This time, I did better. Al became an important role model as I launched my career. He even became one of the largest investors in my first consulting business, IPC.
In 2002, when we finally reconnected, Al told me that he still had his IPC stock certificate. I had to give him the unfortunate news that I had shut the company down in 1968 and that his entire $100 investment was a loss. We shared a laugh. Then, in April of this year, we shared a tear and many memories at the news that Julie had passed. He jokingly wondered what stories might go into his own eulogy. I'm sure he would be pleased with what Karl included.
Ian L
September 23, 2010
I was sad to hear of Al’s passing. Over the years Al helped supply us with all sorts of gizmos that we needed in Australia to do our work. No sooner had we sent an email, than Al would be on the end of the phone, with his big friendly voice, to have a chat. Everybody in Australian Science knew Al. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm and uniquely engaging style. He will be missed.
Edward Preston
September 22, 2010
In an age when business dealings can be so impersonal Al shone like a bright light. Always a pleasure to talk with on the phone and so enthusiastic about our work here during his visits to Oz. We will all miss him. My sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Peter Fazey
September 22, 2010
Our condolences to all Family and friends of Al
Al was a regular visitor to AOFR Pty Limited in Australia, he first visited in about 1998 and the jovial attitude was refreshing. He generally visited each year. Over many years Al assisted us greatly in assisting to solve some problems and providing many of the parts and components we needed to aid in our manufacturing and development of Fused Bi-Conic Couplers.
Al breezed into AOFR again in March this year and as normal updated us on his latest experiences and worldly knowledge.
We will miss him.
Peter Fazey, David Moser, Tony Galla, Anthony McWilliams, Leigh Dahl and the rest of the team at AOFR in Canberra, Australia.
Gabe Bloxham
September 22, 2010
My sympathies to Al's family, and to all his extended family throughout the world.
It has been my great pleasure to have known Al, as a friend and a colleague, for so many years. Al was always there for me, to find, source and deliver, any weird bit of equipment or part we needed. And he did it with great skill and enjoyment! His many trips to Australia to visit over the years were great highlights. Much will be missed with Al's passing.
Eve Wildi Hawkins
September 22, 2010
Al was a card carrying member of the "Strange Brains and Geniuses" club. He and my Pop were equally obnoxious at times, and now I are one too.
Laurie Oliver
September 22, 2010
Al was often one of the last people to leave the building after a music performance at Point Loma. One night a student and I released the magnetic holds on some of the doors and almost took Al's nose off as he walked through them. He always stopped by the office and teased Betsy; always appeared at Paul Kenyon's concerts and always made us feel good about what we were doing. I will miss him and his good cheer.
Betsy Northam
September 22, 2010
I loved Al's laugh and his smile! When he would come pick up tickts from me for the music events here at Point Loma Nazarene University, he always brought me a piece of hard candy. He will be greatly missed!
Al Collins - our favorite basso buffo!
Juliette Singler
September 22, 2010
Juliette Singler
September 22, 2010
What a great friend Al has been to me and to our students here at PLNU. He was always right there to help me, whether it be building sets for opera or appearing onstage. Al, you are my favorite buffo bass!
Stephen Hubbard
September 22, 2010
I met Al and Dene in the early 70's singing at St Brigid Church. Over the years we became friends and I always enjoyed his inquisitive and quirky and oh so intelligent mind and their friendship. We will all miss him.
Elizabeth Cutino
September 22, 2010
I am very saddened to hear of Al's passing. I work at MDC Vacuum and would be the lucky beneficiary of Al's singing and sense of humor when he would call to discuss business. I will truly miss his musical calls. My sympathies go out to his wife and family.
David Simpson
September 22, 2010
My sympathies to his family! After reading about Al's life I believe we were all blessed to know Al! I only new him on a professional level but always knew he had a great appreciation for life and love for his family.
Helen McKinnon
September 21, 2010
We're really saddened here in New Zealand to hear of Al's passing away.
For over 20 years it has been our pleasure to have worked with Al. He was always cheerful and a delight to deal with.
We have enjoyed many interesting conversations and appreciated the interest he took in our part of the world especially the yachting.
All our thoughts are with his family and friends.
From Al's New Zealand friends at the Carbon Dating Laboratory, University of Waikato
Norm Schram
September 21, 2010
It was impossible to know Al 'just professionally'. The conversation and interest ranged well beyond the technical, and one soon found out about Al's varied interests and passions, as he did yours.
A great guy, who will be sorely missed...
Peter Otten
September 21, 2010
My partner Peter Otten first met Al in the early 1970's through business and I had the privilege of being introduced to Al through Peter. I got to know Al mainly through emails but also through many phone calls as he sourced many products for our company in Australia. Al found a place in my heart and everyone that worked with him from our company! He was such a wonderful man and we will always remember his big 'drawling american accent' "Hi Lynn, It's Al Collins from San Diego, how can I help you?". He never let us down with delivery of products or materials we needed sourced from the US. I often said to Al that we would meet up one day. I guess we will wait just a little longer for that wonderful hand shake, where I can say "Al, it was an absolute pleasure doing business with you". To Al's family - We are so sorry for your loss and thank you for your allowing us to know your father more with his beautifully written orbituary. Love Peter and Lynn from Sydney, Australia.
Terry kinder
September 21, 2010
Thanks Al for all your help over the years, you were a true professional and gentlman.
Terry Kinder CSIRO, Australia.
Jean Harlen
September 21, 2010
I knew Al from work here at ASI in Australia. We talked on the phone and via e-mail and often he sent me e-cards (we shared a love of music and cats). Sometimes he sang snatches of opera and I loved that. He always came to visit us when he came to Australia and was so warm and friendly and had a great sense of humour. We will really miss him - it seems like the end of an era somehow. To his family - I hope the many happy memories you have will support you in this sad time. Love Jean
Babs Fairchild
September 21, 2010
Al was an amazing person to know: always friendly, always helpful and ready with a laugh to share.
Professionally he was a rock: able to find impossible things, supply connections I couldn't believe and deliver them faster & cheaper than our local suppliers.
To his family: I can share only a shadow of your sadness, he was a great man and I know he is a loss to us all. May you have the strength to face each new day with the joy and adventure he had in his soul.
Yours sincerely
Babs Fairchild
Bruce Coggins
September 21, 2010
Al was a unique gentleman who I liked and admired. I will dearly miss the aviation talk and coffee after the 0830 Masses.
Anzonette & Joe Isaac
September 21, 2010
Memories become our treasures.
bob bedore
September 21, 2010
Al has been a good friend and shared many conversations with my wife and I. I was and am impressed with the wide range of his interests and knowledge. He wanted to know how everything worked and to think about how it could be improved. He was generous in his thoughts about others and rarely had anything negative to say about anybody. A life well lived.
Kathleen Vaden
September 21, 2010
Al was a fine man who lived life to the fullest. He will be missed by the many lives that he has touched.
RIP
Kathleen Collins Vaden
Rhaylene Montgomery
September 21, 2010
Al was a true original and he will be greatly missed. They just don't make them like him anymore. I loved his love of music, wine and good conversation. He has a truly great family who took great care of him and loved him. I take comfort knowing he is with the Lord and my prayers are with his family.
Victor Mosso
September 21, 2010
Al will be greatly missed. He was the first client of my CPA firm.He was an interesting friend and client for many years. I will miss the time spent together sharing a meal, wine and great conversation.
September 21, 2010
A great man who looked like he had a great time!
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