COLLINS

Gary B., father of Jennifer Brumbaugh (Jeremy) and April Stammen (Chris), former husband of Bonnie Collins, significant other of Tammy Goyke, grandfather of Soleil (11 yr.) and Charlie (8 yr.) Stammen, Elsa (3 yr.) and Lucy (9 mo.) Brumbaugh. Also survived by other cousins and relatives across the United States. Gary was raised in Harrison, Michigan. After graduating from Iowa State University with a PhD in botany, Gary began his career in 1968 as a professor in the Botany Department at Ohio State University. In 1972 he and his family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Gary was employed at the Environmental Protection Agency as a research fresh water biologist for 31 years before his retirement. He was an avid sport pilot since college, an environmentalist, nature lover, humanitarian whom was involved with 2 local Experimental Aircraft Association Chapters since 1977 recently as Technical Advisor. He also was considered one of America's fresh water diatom/algae experts. He passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at age 72. Memorial gathering, E.C. Nurre Funeral Home, 177 W. Main Street, (St. Rt. 125) Amelia on Monday, July 1st, from 1:00pm until time for his Celebration of Life at 2:00PM. Condolences may be made at www.ecnurre.com

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Published by The Cincinnati Enquirer from Jun. 29 to Jun. 30, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary COLLINS

Sponsored by Bob Doernberg-flying buddy.

8 Entries

Bob Doernberg

May 12, 2014

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 moved away from Cincinnati in 1979 and, unfortunately lost track of my friend.
Two days ago I went to an EAA meeting in New Philadelphia Ohio and saw that they are rebuilding a Taylorcraft, so I decided to look my old friend up on the internet, only to be faced with his obituary. I am so sorry for his family's loss, and so glad that I renewed his guest page because it gave me access to Bob Shepanek's Alaskan Adventure video and I was able to see, and vicariously join my old friend in that great adventure.
This has taught me a difficult friendship lesson. Stay in contact with those you love and admire. Gary certainly qualified, and I am saddened that I did not learn that lesson much earlier in life.

Katherine Loizos

July 3, 2013

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

Angela Moore

July 2, 2013

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

Rex Lowe

July 1, 2013

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 father like Gary.

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July 1, 2013

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

Tricia Garrett

June 29, 2013

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

Tony Vaccariello

June 29, 2013

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

Robert Shepanek

June 28, 2013

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 half hours of it. The video was shot and edited on VHS tape. Because of Gary's death my nephew and I decided to digitize it and make a 19 minute edited version. Copy and paste the following link: https://vimeo.com/69349670
into your browser to access the short version. I thought that for you, as for me, seeing Gary engaged in something he loved to do would be uplifting and a comfort in this time of sorrow.

Sincerely,
Bob Shepanek

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