Steve Collins

You probably don't remember me, I used to do yard work for your family when you lived on Annapolis(?) Avenue. I think John and Louise Mudie recommended me to you. I was just a kid but when I attended MJC later I had a class taught by Steve. I always thought Steve and you were very nice and inspired me to have an open mind which I have to this day. My condolences.

Today I received my copy of the MJC Foundation report and saw the notice about Steve's death.

We were classmates at Downey 1957 and were counselors at Camp Jack Hazard.

It was inspiring to read all of these wonderful comments about him. He certainly lived a full and interesting life of service to others.

Tony Maino

Steve was my mentor/ inspiration when I attended MJC from 1969-1971. He taught me not only self confidence, but also the gift of Communication, in every sense of the word. I won many Speech competition awards for my "oral interpretation" under both his, and Jim Johnson´s guidance. My passion for Speech, coupled with my strong support for children with Special Needs, led me to my career choice: I was a Public School Speech/ Language Specialist for over 40 years. My gratitude to Steve will be...

So sorry, Linda, Alison and the whole Collins family. Steve was a speech legend in Modesto and he easily earned people's respect and affection with his casual, elegant, intelligent manners. As an adult, as you may recall, I had the privilege of meeting Steve, while Alison and I were in the same MJC play. As he was a formidable advocate for the arts and sensible debate, Modesto and California will be poorer in his absence. I will not be able to attend, but hope you will appreciate my good...

Steve was a great friend . I met him while I was with North Modesto Kiwanis club and he will be missed .

Linda and Alison: I am so deeply saddened by this news and can only imagine your grief and sorrow. I was a fledgling dean at MJC in the years when Steve was VPI and Bob Gavreau his sidekick. I learned so much from both of them, but it was Steve who set the standard as a kind and caring leader. The MJC `Dean Team´ was the best I ever worked with. When I was hired as VPAA at SRJC, Steve was the first to call and congratulate me. His example guided my career as an educational leader and I told...

Steve was a wise, kind, and admirable man. I feel fortunate to have known him.

Throughout my 30 years teaching at MJC I got to know Steve in many different capacities, serving on many committees together. Even when we represented opposing sides ( Steve´s as an administrator, me from the union) I never heard him say a negative word about anyone. His wise counsel, calm demeanor, sense of humor and keen ability to solve problems earned him much respect from all his colleagues. It was a true pleasure to have known and worked with Steve.

Bob knew Steve via Camp Jack Hazard summer events, and Pat knew Steve at Downey High because he was my great friend Linda's boyfriend. He touched so many lives during his career. I hope a crowd will attend his memorial service. He deserves it!