Peter M. Collins

Peter was a dear friend, mentor and took the bold step to hire a young professional Boy Scout Executive from suburban Philadelphia to head the Elmira BSA Council field office encompassing Chemung and Schuler counties where he served with distinction as Council President. I enjoyed our scouting work together and political and other wonderful conversations we had during my tenure in the Southern Tier. I also recall fondly being welcomed to my new assignment by Peter's wonderful wife Susie who...

Susie, You are often on my mind and in my heart these days. I am comforted by great memories of happier days long gone by -- I am sure you are, too. God bless you and Cam and Alex......... love, Kathleen

May the great master of all Scouts be with us till we meet again. Be prepared

Dear Susan:

Stephen Nagle contacted me with the sad news about Peter. You both remain in my thoughts and prayers. I offered a Mass and said a Rosary for Peter this past Sunday.

I had the honor of addressing a group of National Boy Scout Executives Monday evening the 29th at the BSA National High Adventure Sea Base in the Florida Keys. After my remarks, one of the National Staff members came up to me and I knew him from my Scouting days in Elmira. He served in the new council...

Alex, Mrs. Collins and Cameron and Jamie,

I was quite saddened to hear that Mr. Collins had passed away. I remember him and you, Mrs Collins, cooking at Alex's and my graduation at the little house on Wadsworth. I will keep you all in my thoughts.

As a friend and mentor, Peter was without peer in my life. Peter helped to shape and encourage so many boys lives as a scout master. But most important he was an adult friend to a young men. There is a special table prepared for Peter in heaven, let the feast begin. Susy, I am sorry to not be there to pay my last respects. I love your whole family so much-Joey

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, friends and family. Peter was an influence, a force, a presence in Scouting and the lives of many boys who had the good fortune to have him as Scoutmaster. On a wall in our house hangs a commemorative painting of "The Scoutmaster" by Norman Rockwell.

Peter gave it to me many years ago, and I see in it many memories of Peter and Scouting, to which organization he re-introduced me in 1968. We have our memories.

A brother in Scouting,

Dear Susan,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peter's participation in boy scout activities was an inspiration to many youth and adults alike. My son Mark was in Troop 101. Take care. Chris

It is with great sadness that I sign this guest book. I have too many great memories of Mr. Collins to begin to express.
Whenever I am in the woods eating a rabbit stew I will always be on the look out for Thumper seeking revenge, just like Mr. Collins warned me would happen.