Name: Celebration of Life for Dr. Kenneth Michael Collins
Start: 2024-02-03T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Thies Auditorium at Charlotte Latin School

Dr. Kenneth Michael Collins

April 29, 1944 - January 6, 2024

Charlotte, North Carolina - Ken Collins died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, January 6, 2024. He is remembered for his love of teaching, his care for people, and his unique sense of humor. Ken enjoyed travel, going to the movies, and playing chess, especially with his oldest grandson. A passionate swimmer himself, he coached the sport at Charlotte Latin for many years.

Born in the Bronx to Eugene and Helen Collins in 1944, he graduated from Stuyvesant High School and received bachelor's and master's degrees from Brooklyn Polytech. He earned a PhD in Math Education at Purdue and loved his 50-year career at Charlotte Latin School. Each summer, he spent time with his math teacher tribe at Phillips Exeter Academy.

His family includes Mary Beth Collins, their children Erin Fleischauer (Jason) and Eli Collins (Alison Wong), grandsons Leo, Elliot, and Arthur, as well as his sister Marilyn and her husband Joe Russo and their son Jacob.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 3, 2024, in Thies Auditorium at Charlotte Latin School, 9502 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC.

Memorials may be made to The Collins Lower School Scholarship Fund at Charlotte Latin School or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Jan. 14, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Collins

19 Entries

Linsey and Don Pilon, Saco Maine

March 9, 2024

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.

B Moore

February 3, 2024

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 parting. Dr. Collins left this world a better place, and undoubtedly, he will do the same in the realms that follow.

Donna Nicholson

February 3, 2024

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. Collins. Donna Hubbard (`75) and Nick (`06) Nicholson

Joe Kenny '83

February 2, 2024

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 truly be missed.

Sheila McGrail

January 29, 2024

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 host of a book club I have now been in for over ten years, and we have become friends. I would often see Ken after the meeting, usually grading papers at the kitchen table. I enjoyed catching up with him. It has been a pleasure that our spouses have also become well acquainted.

Perhaps fitting his humble persona, Ken`s obituary gives only a small glimpse of his life. It does not mention that he was recruited in 1971 to start the Charlotte Latin School math department, the beginning of a connection that permeates generations. His blend of wisdom, kindness and compassion with thousands of students (including young ones he tutored and college students he taught) has decreased the potential anxiety and struggle of those for whom math did not come easily. His encouragement of higher mathematics (including his involvement with the AP Calculus program) has influenced through his students the field and application of mathematics in many realms. His involvement with math conferences advanced the knowledge and professional development of teachers. He was a comfortable and interesting conversationalist because of his broad interests, including movies, swimming, chess, travel and books. He enjoyed groups as well as quiet moments, especially with his family. His and his wife Mary Beth's generosity will benefit many yet to come.

May Ken´s whole family find comfort in happy memories and Ken´s incredible legacy.

Ken´s humor allows us to picture him with a grin and a chuckle. Thank you, Ken.

Jean Webb

January 18, 2024

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.

Marilyn, Joe & Jacob Russo

January 17, 2024

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

Drs Jasleen and Harmohan Singh

Planted Trees

Hank Ashbaugh

January 16, 2024

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 question, the most influential teacher I had at CLS (like many other students I know). Of course I don't think I ever called him Ken to his face, it was always Dr. Collins even after I got that honorific myself. I think of him all the time - especially his ability to draw a circle if any of you remember. He would swing by our class reunions and was always was interested in what we were up to. I owe Ken my love for math (something I use in my career everyday), his kindness, and his inspiration.

Thank you so much for everything you did for me and everyone else you inspired Ken. It made a true and real difference.

Hank Ashbaugh, CLS '87

Richard Smith

January 14, 2024

Ken and I were classmates at JHS 104 (Manhattan) and at Stuyvesant High School (Class of 1961). We both grew up in Stuyvesant Town and were friends there. The first photo below shows us during our friend Steve Schecter's 13th birthday party in 1956. I am the little kid on the left, Ken is on the right. The second photo shows us in 2011 at the 50-year reunion of the Stuyvesant HS class of 1961in the same line order. I will miss Ken a great deal.

Erin and Henry Phillips

January 14, 2024

Dr. Ken Collins was an incredible man. He went above and beyond to help his students perform to their highest potential. He will always be remembered so fondly by our family and we appreciate his dedication to teaching and the wellbeing of his students. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Cashion Smith

January 14, 2024

Though I wasn´t nearly a good enough student to take one of Dr. Collins´ classes, I did enjoy his tutelage on the pool deck. Sending love to my friend Eli and the entire family.
Cashion Smith `97

Tonia Fuller

January 14, 2024

Ken was such an inspiration to us as teachers. He loved what he was doing , but , he most of all, loved who he taught. He was "Mr. Latin" even to those in Lower School. What more can we say but that we loved him, and he was loved. Heart felt sympathy to Mary Beth, Erin, whom I taught, and Eli. Tonia Fuller

Miles Gardner

January 13, 2024

So sorry to learn of Ken´s passing.

Ron Lancaster

January 13, 2024

I met Ken 35 years ago at the week-long Anja S. Greer Conference on Mathematics and Technology held at Phillips Exeter Academy. Except for two years during Covid, we saw each other every year at this conference. In the beginning we taught our own courses, but in later years we joined forces and taught courses together. Ken and I also did a number of live webinars for Texas Instruments that were watched by teachers around the world. We shared a love for teaching, mathematics and puns and it was a pleasure working with him.

Even though Ken and I would see each other once or twice a year, every time we met it was like we had just seen each other a week ago. We would pick up where we left off and carry on. I always enjoyed hearing about how he and his family were doing, the trips they had taken and how school was going for him.

I learned a great deal from Ken about teaching, being generous, gentle and kind to others.

I will be at the Exeter Conference next June and I plan on having dinner at Orweed Restaurant in Perkins Cove, Maine. Ken and I enjoyed many dinners there surrounded by other teachers. This year Ken will not be with us, but we will toast him and share memories of a life well lived.

To the entire Collins family - I am sorry for your loss.

Lukas and Anna Elise Sizemore and Michaela Arndt

January 12, 2024

Mary Beth, our deepest condolences. Ken enriched the lives of so many students, and we will always be grateful to have had the honor to know him and have him share his mathematical genius with Lukas and Anna Elise.

Sandy & Tom Dubick

January 12, 2024

Our sincere condoléances to Mary Beth and family . We were shocked to learn of the passing of Ken . He has greatly impacted our family and we cherish wonderful memories . Your family is in our thoughts and prayers .
Sandy & Tom Dubick , & family

Penni Powell

January 12, 2024

Ken was adored by many Charlotte Latin students.
Even as recently as six months ago a former student, now in his forties, asked to be connected with Ken, and much to the student's delight and not surprisingly to me Ken was pleased to reconnect with the student.

Margaret Mitchell '77

January 12, 2024

There will never be a more notable or enduring presence to the lives of everyone associated with Charlotte Latin School. I have remembered Ken on innumerable occasions in my life and all the more lately. I, along with a million others, will miss him greatly. Praying for his family to find peace in the outpouring of love you are certain to receive. Love and prayers.

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