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Robert K. Collier

About

Windsor High School University of Hartford

FUNERAL HOME

Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center

301 Country Club Road

Avon, Connecticut

Robert Collier Obituary

COLLIER, Robert K. Robert K. Collier, 64, of West Simsbury, died Saturday, (September 1, 2007), at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center. Born in Hartford, son of the late Kenneth and Marjorie (Archer) Collier, he was raised in Windsor and graduated from Windsor High School and the University of Hartford. He served in the CT ANG as a Spec 4 with the Military Police during the Vietnam War and had lived in West Simsbury the past 15 years. Bob retired in 2004 as Director of Fiscal Services for the State of Connecticut at the High Meadow facility in Hamden. Following retirement he became a registered representative with ING where he enjoyed advising friends and co-workers on retirement planning. An avid runner for many years, Bob regularly ran with friends at Reservoir # 6 and completed 16 marathons. In 1996 he ran a leg of the Olympic Torch Run through West Hartford. He also enjoyed spending time in his garden especially growing hot peppers. Bob leaves his loving wife of 30 years Karen (Pavlik) Collier; his daughter and special blessing, Elizabeth Collier at home; a sister, Judy Wallace of East Hartford; and a nephew, Albert Wallace in Massachusetts. Karen and Elizabeth would like to thank Keri Langevin of Interim Health Care for the devoted care she provided to Bob during his illness. Family and friends may gather Wednesday, Sept 5, 9:15 a.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Ann, 289 Arch Road, Avon. Burial will follow in Windsor Veteran's Memorial Cemetery with military honors. His family will receive friends TODAY from 6-8 p.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, Avon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association c/o Elissa Edson, 148 Eastern Blvd. Glastonbury, CT 06033 because of all the assistance they provide ALS patients. For condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com

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Published by The Beaumont Enterprise on Sep. 4, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Collier

26 Entries

Diane Mathis

November 9, 2007

Karen and Elizabeth,

I was so saddened to learn only yesterday of Bob's passing. To a man who always made me smile, I truly wish I could have been there to share in your grief. We worked together at DCF, Payroll from about 1986 - 1992. I worked right outside of his door so I always had the pleasure of seeing him come to work after his run speaking about rays of sunshine even though it might have been a very cloudy day. He went above and beyond just being my employer. He encouraged me to take as many state exams as possible to better myself. That is how I went from a Senior Clerk to Secretary I, then Sec II and now Administrative Asst. Even though he knew it would mean me leaving DCF, he encouraged me to do better. I will never forget him. I will be praying for you both. God Bless.

Diane

Lizza Santiago

September 19, 2007

Dear Family,

I am saddened to hear of Bob's passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless you.

Sandy Scandura

September 10, 2007

I received a note in May from Bob which I will always treasure. He always tried to get his friends together to go out to lunch and keep in touch with each other. He loved to keep us laughing and not take life too seriously. I will truly miss him.

Lee Askern

September 8, 2007

Bob's willingness, even egarness to help others was known to all of us at DCF..I can remember one christmas eve when he was working at High Meadow and an employee on a leave came in to see him..the employee's alcohol blood count was not suitable for driving...Bob drove the nearly two hour trip to Union, Mass so that the employee could get home safely..that's the kind of guy Bob was. I'm sorry he passed away..the world was a better place with him.

Carol LaLiberte

September 5, 2007

I was saddened to hear of Bob's death. I worked with him at DCF over a decade ago and he often stopped by my office to chat about his family or an upcoming road race. He was helpful, positive, and friendly to everyone he met. Bob was just a great guy who brightened the days of lots of people. My prayers and sympathy to his family.

Carol LaLiberte

Art Penna

September 5, 2007

Dear Family,

I'm very sorry about Bob's passing. Over the years at DCYS/DCF, Bob was always so helpful in guiding me in the right direction, and providing the best possible information. More importantly, Bob was truly a wonderful person, who always made you feel welcomed into his office, he always was a gentleman.
My deepest sympathy to Bob's family, he will be missed but never forgotten.

jay nowakowski

September 5, 2007

Bob always took the time to cheerfully answer any questions or give advice no matter how busy he was. He did it in a way that made me feel like i was his number 1 client but i always got the sense that he made a lot of people feel that way! What a gift! He was among the best. My condolences to the family.

Lauri Barber

September 5, 2007

I will remember Bob as a bright light, a cheerful voice and the wonderful person he was and always will be. He was kind, funny and always helpful. I am truly sadden to hear of his passing and I shall miss his wonderful spirit. My deepest sympathies to Karen and Elizabeth who were the center of his heart and he so adored.
He will be missed by all his friends at the Connecticut Children's Place.

Linda Blackmon

September 5, 2007

It was a pleasure to work with Bob at High Meadows. He was a great business resource, a great friend and his focus here was to assure that the kids at High Meadows had what they needed. He believed in fairness and was always smiling as he was one who loved people. My prayers are with his family, who he often spoke of with loving terms of endearment. May we all find comfort in the memories we have of Bob.

Vitrice Oliver

September 5, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Joseph Newman

September 5, 2007

Dear family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Bob at High Meadows for years and enjoyed his company very much. We spoke together about many things, especially music and investments. He always had a great sense of humor. My thoughts are with you.

Ellen Burgess

September 4, 2007

My deepest sympathy. I worked with Bob at Central Office and again at High Meadows...he will be missed.

Gabe Viada

September 4, 2007

I will always remember Bob with great fondness. It was a pleasure and a delight to have worked with him at High Meadows. I am saddened by his early departure. I extend my deep felt sympathy to Karen and to Elizabeth.

Joanne Schneider

September 4, 2007

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My sympathy goes to his family.

My last memories of Bob were of a man who loved life and embraced it daily. Seeing him at work at ING brightened my day and brought a smile to my face. He has been and will continue to be missed.

Gayle Brooks

September 4, 2007

Dear Karen and Elizabeth,
Your Bob has been such a gift to us all. He never failed to greet me with, "Hey, kids! What time is it?" He and I were charter members of the DCF Howdy Doody Fan Club, although he looked a good bit more like ole Howdy than I did. I am so sorry you have lost him, and way too soon, at that. I don't know any husbands and fathers who cherished their families more than he did both of you.

Bob's bright beam of sunshine is gone from us, but the twinkling warmth we feel from it will be with us always. Each time we laugh, go an extra step to be kind, tell a corny joke, or make someone’s day brighter, we will remember Bob.
Warmest regards,

sophie

September 4, 2007

My dearest Karen & Elizabeth,
I just found out and how shocking about that happy, go-lucky Bob. I lost touch with you, Karen, but deep down inside I felt that something was not right. I didn't know how to call to see what was up--but I understand. You and Elizabeth know that I am most sincere with my prayers, love, and sympathy.

Tony Valle-Miletti

September 4, 2007

Didn't know you long, but your memories will be forever ingrained in my heart. You were a good man Bob. I will miss you !

Grant Tonkin

September 4, 2007

Dear Karen,

I'm so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. In my many years at DCF, Bob and I spoke many times. He was always such a gentleman. Without hesitation, I can say he was one of the nicest and most helpful co-worker's I have ever met at the Department.
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

Your neighbor growing up in Bunker Hill,

Judy Rice

September 4, 2007

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My sympathy to his family.

He was such a joy to talk to and so knowledgeable. He always took the time to talk to you and always had a smile.

He will be missed.

Jennifer Spector

September 4, 2007

Dear Family,

I am so very sorry to learn of Bob's passing.

He was a mensch among men. My thoughts are with you all.

Jen Spector

Lorraine Rogala

September 4, 2007

I knew Bob through working in the Business Office at CJTS. He was a delight to know. He will be dearly missed.

Ron Pell

September 4, 2007

Bob was indeed an exceptional human being and a dear friend to everyone who knew him. I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Bob since 1982 when I ran my first marathon with him and the others in our group from Reservoir 6. One could always count on Bob to have the latest race information and to offer wit and wisdom about the local running scene and life in general as well as offering a bad joke or two. Always a bright upbeat personality who never seemed to get down, Bob was one of those special people who could always find a way to cheer you up. Bob, we'll miss you.

M. Miller

September 4, 2007

Bob was such a happy go lucky guy. Always gave a BIG hello and never seemed to worry about anything. He was a kind spirit that will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Rob Keating

September 4, 2007

A nicer person would be hard to find. A consummate professional, Bob was always looking to help. He brought a smile to every encounter and loved to laugh. I remember him like that -- laughing. My sincere condolences to his family.

Martin Spector

September 4, 2007

Bob was one of the nicest prople I have ever met.I worked with him at DCYS Often when things were not going right,a visit to Bob made the day a little brighter. We went to lunch on occasion , and I always looked forward to it.
Bob will be greatly missed by many people.He was just a great guy and an exceptional human being.
Marty and Carole Spector

Lori Tatsapaugh-Uerz

September 4, 2007

My memories of Bob always begin with his positive attitude and huge smile! It has been many years since I worked at DCF but always enjoyed my interactions with Bob as he was a very energetic and helpful co-worker. I am so very sorry for your loss.

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