Dr. Kenneth Michael Collins

We met Ken and Mary Beth on a river cruise in Europe this past summer (2023). Very quickly, we learned to "be sharp" to catch Ken's lightning-fast wit and puns. Both Ken and Mary Beth were warm and shared generously of stories of family and of Ken's love of special chess-time with his grandson. I saw Mary Beth's friend Marianne Russo today and she told me of Ken's passing. Don and I are grateful to have fun memories with the Collins' and send our condolences.

It appears even angels seek the counsel of math teachers. Dr. Collin's enthusiasm for life and knowledge are as unforgettable as his personal uniqueness and other exceptional qualities. He was a true blessing to those fortunate enough to call him 'teacher', for he truly was. What most distinguished him in my mind was his ability to address the developing individual within me, reaching beyond the transient aspects of my youth's persona. I am grateful to have known him and sad to hear of his...

So much to say about Dr Collins and his leadership and mentorship to everyone but none more than those of us who started the year that Latin opened. Our teachers were not much older than we were and we immediately formed a school family. Even 50 years later, Dr Collins knew and greeted me warmly with sincere interest in my life. I was even more fortunate in reliving math with Dr Collins as he also taught my son at CLS. What a treasure of a friend to all who knew him. Thank you Dr....

Since joining the Charlotte Latin community in 1976 as a 6th grader, during my time as a student, alumnus, parent and alumni parent, there has never been a more passionate teacher and student advocate than Dr. Collins. In the classroom, at athletic events, at alumni activities, his love for his students and the school was always evident. I was so fortunate to first have him as my teacher (senior yearbook photo attached), then many years later to have him teach my daughter. Dr. Collins will...

As felt by so many others, the loss of Ken has been quite a shock. He was kind to me, even before I arrived in Charlotte. Our paths had crossed previously at math conferences and a month before my move to North Carolina I saw him at the Exeter Math Conference. He knew that I would be coming to Charlotte Country Day. He told me that some might say that our schools are rivals, but he didn´t see it that way and welcomed me. Ironically, many years later I met his wife Mary Beth as the usual...

I was shocked and greatly saddened to hear of Ken´s death. Take comfort in all of your good memories and in the knowledge that his legacy will continue to impact the lives of so many.

To all of Kenny´s friends and colleagues in Charlotte, I express heartfelt gratitude from his family in New York for the love and support extended to Marybeth, Erin and Eli. My brother is so very missed by us here, but it comforts us to know that he planted strong roots and created relationships that will continue to flower. In loving appreciation, Marilyn, Joe and Jacob

Ken was an inspiration to me in my formative years. I took 4 classes from him over the years at CLS (including 1 summer class) as well as worked with him on math team (along with Rudene Marlowe who passed last year). I would return to visit faculty now and again when I was back in town and always made sure I caught up with Ken. Right before I started my faculty job at Tulane I went back to CLS and talked with him about my excitement getting into the classroom myself. Ken was, without...