Gary B. COLLINS

Gary and I became friends in the mid-seventies when he asked for design proposals for a device to suspend glass slides under water to collect algae. That spawned the “famous” Periphytometer! We became good friends because of that experience and because we were both pilots. We flew with our wives and my then infant daughter to the Taylorcraft fly-inn at Alliance airport in 1974, and drove to Oshkosh in about 1976, meeting my father and his barnstormer friend for a great couple of days. I...

Tammy & Family,

I learned about your loss today. I'm so sadded and offer my deepest sympathy. You were the light of each other and I saw that in you the first time you spoke of Gary. May favorite memories of good times carry you through these difficult times. Feel free to call on me. I'm here for support any time you need a friend. Sincerely, Katherine

My heart goes out to the family of Dr. Gary Collins. I worked with Gary for many years at the EPA and he was a very kind, interesting and dedicated man. He was a good friend and loved his family. I pray for your solace and encourage you to remember all the good things. Even though he can't be with you in this physical world, know that he is like a guardian angel looking after all those he loved and cared for. Peace, love and God's blessings,

Angie Moore

Dear Jennifer & April, I'm so so sorry to learn about your father. Being notified by colleagues while doing research here in Northern California is a testimony indicating how far Gary's friends are reaching out. Your dad & I shared many occasions of laughs and diatom chatter while sharing an office in graduate school at Iowa State. Gary was one of my most thoughtful friends. He left his positive mark on my life and on aquatic science. I know you will alway be proud and grateful for a...

Dear Jennifer and April, The memories we shared will always be precious to me--two families together. One of my favorite memories with your Dad is when I went with him to deliver his honey to friends at Christmas time in his plane. Your daddy will be missed by many...with treasured memories in their hearts. Gail Wick

I will be there in spirit, April. I'm so sorry for your loss.
“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.” – Charles Spurgeon

April and family... May God wrap you in his arms and guide you through this very difficult time. Rest in peace Mr. Collins

June 28, 2013

Dear Tammy, Gary's Family, and Friends,

I was a friend and colleague of Gary's at EPA. Needless to say, I'm greatly saddened by his death. In addition to our work together at EPA, we shared a love of aviation. In 1994 Gary, Howard Wells and I flew from Oshkosh, Wisconsin to Fairbanks, Alaska. I'm not sure if Gary ever shared the “Alaska Video” with you. We used to joke that there were only three people who had the patience to sit through all 2 and a...