Melinda Mack Collins

Pete, My family and myself are very sorry for your loss...our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...I hope i could be there,my friend,but receive our condolences from Guadalajara.
Your friend Ruben Zuno

Dear Peter, Sorry to hear about your loss. Preston & Barbara King

Dear Pete, Audrey and I are saddened by your loss, what a MOM, WIFE, FRIEND AND 110% FEDEX EMPLOYEE. She always had a smile and was ready to have fun, all the time!! Remember we put the motor in the boat?? and then had THE BIGGEST CRAWFISH BOIL, WITH MAINE LOBSTERS!! We'll always keep those memories of her and you close to our heart.. Your girls are beatiful and I know they will be just like their mom, Friendly, Fun and Loving!! Again, our prayers go out to all of you and the rest of your families. Please, if you ever get back to N'AWLINS, call we all would love to see you and of course if you bring the girls we'd love to meet them..
FEDEX FRIENDS, MIKE & AUZ MAYRONNE

Dear Pete and Family,

Please accept our sincere sorrow for Melinda's passing. From the time we first met you and Melinda at Camp Lejeune in the 1980's, it was clear that Melinda had a unique ability to light up a room with her warmth, her humor, and her genuine love of people. She touched so many lives in countless positive ways. Please know that you and the girls have all of our support, to include our thoughts and prayers.

Kevin and Rebecca Winters

Dear Pete, Macgregor & Keely,
We are so saddened by Melinda's passing. She had a wonderful sense of humor and such a generous heart that we will always cherish. We are looking forward to heading to DC very soon and spending time with all of you, while missing Melinda very much. When we think of her we just smile though...I'm sure she would want that too.

Love,
Lisa & Duffy Dyer

Dear Pete, Macgregor & Keely,
Warren and I just found out about Melinda passing on April 2nd. We will truly miss her. Our prayers are with you and all of the family during this sad time.

Dear Collins Family,

I am a classmate of Melinda's from the Stony Brook School and am deeply saddened to hear of Melinda's passing. She was a very special person and will be missed by everyone at SBS.

Extending my heartfelt condolences in during this difficult time.

Kimberley Acker De Angelis
Class of 1978, Stony Brook School

April 17, 2010.

Dear Peter,Macgregor & Keely,
We found out yesterday about Melinda passing away It's so sad and words cannot express how we feel, she always be in our hearts as well in our prayers. Melinda was a true friend to us, we like her a lot, her funny comments, her support, kindess. Knowing Melinda and you guys it's a bleasing. Our God bless you during this difficult and hard times and bring peace to your hearts.

With all our love,

Jose(Tato), Monica & Natalia Lopez-Yanez.
Hinsdale, Illinois.

Dear Pete, Macgregor & Keely,
You are in our prayers and thoughts, we were shocked to hear of Melinda's passing. Melinda was a special person and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Pete, Marilyn & I can't say thanks enough for how you both reached out to Amanda recently.

Pete,
There is not a day that goes by that Dixie and I don't think, talk, or pray for you and you and Melinda's girls. You and Melinda got me and Dixie through some rought first years in Memphis. I don't know if Ms. Countryman or Ms. Ginn (gin) will ever be the same where ever they are, but we sure kept them and Dr. Frank on their toes. We loved Melinda like our family, and our memories are strong and alive. Pete we love you...you are our brother.
(Mike and Dixie...Memphis, TN)

Pete: Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you and your families. I enjoyed every minute I spent with you guys and my life is surely richer for it. I will never forget any of our times together. I do not know what to say, Glen

Sir,
Terri, the kids, and I send our heartfelt condolences. We just received word of Melinda's passing and will keep you and the girls in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Melinda was an amazing person and she is part of many great memories from our time in Japan. She will truly be missed.

Dear Pete, Macgregor & Keely.....After reading all your messages, it's a joy to see the impact Melinda made on so many people's lives, especially mine. Our Thanksgiving with you and your family was already a favorite memory of mine, but is quite special now. Melinda & I always laughed so hard we would cry. She got my jokes and thought they were funny....that's what friends are for. I am grateful I knew Melinda. She always made me smile. I will be here anytime I can do anything to help or ease your pain! Kelly Flock

One of my fondest memories was when cousin Melinda joined our Sports Illustrated team in Barcelona for the '92 Summer Olympics. Melinda desperately missed Pete especially because, as I recall, it was their wedding anniversary and they couldn't be together. I asked the head chef from the Vistafjord (Cunard Lines) to make her a special cake as a surprise. Well... it's hard to describe this cake, but Melinda loved it! It was a very special moment.

Dear Pete, Macgregor and Keely, We just heard about Melinda's passing and we are heartbroken. Melinda was my babysitter 30 some years ago. My family and I have many wonderful memories of her and her vibrant personality. Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are for your loss.
Love, Kelly, Jon, Alex and Anna Egnotovich and Marianne and Bill Kuzneski

Pete,Mcgregor,Keely and family
I had the good fortune to meet Melinda, and you Pete,through my lifetime friend Karen Gauthier in New Orleans during the 90's. Melinda was then as she is now: unforgetable.
please know that you have my sincerest sympathies.

Dear Pete, Macgregor and Keely,
Melinda brought beauty and acceptance to the world in so many ways. She truly had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed and special, even if you were on her "list". All of our memories of Melinda bring joy and laughter. She is a person you can meet once and never forget as every encounter with her was an experience to remember. We are blessed to have her in our lives and will miss her dearly. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers always. God Bless.
Dave & Trish Morzenti

Pete, Mcgregor and Keely, on behalf of all your friends at Fedex in and around the New Orleans area, we are so grateful to have known Melinda. I was even fortunate enough to play a round of golf with Pete who somehow beat me by one stroke. We all had so much fun working and playing with Melinda. Please call or email every year before Mardi Gras to remind me to send your family a few Mardi Gras King Cakes to enjoy and share with your friends. All your friends from down here are sending so much love and prayers your way. My wife Valerie, son John Brian and Daughter Angela were fortunate enough to talk and laugh on the phone with Melinda less than a year ago. She was truly one of a kind.

Pete,

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I hope that knowing that people around the world are thinking of you and your family will bring a small comfort.

Mike Wolter
Major
Canadian Air Force
Class of 77

Magregor, Keely, and Uncle Pete i think that you held up very well and i am so sorry for your lose i know you guys loved her alot and will always love her.

Pete and the girls,
William and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Melinda. She was the Chairwoman of the Marine Gift Shop Board when I was the Operations Manager so I am sure you remember all of the times I called your house so Melinda and I could brainstorm through the problems! She was always there for me and we became really good friends. I will never forget how she always had a party spirit and everyone who met her will never forget who she was and the impact she had on our lives. May God give you and the girls the strength you need during this time, but also may the memories of Melinda shine in your lives each day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless!

Dear Peter,
I just heard the news of Melinda's passing. I am so so sorry for your loss. She was such a dear friend to me while in Iwakuni. I will never forget her kindness and sincere generosity. Please know that you and the girls and your entire family will be in my prayers. Much love. Catherine Gigliotti

Pete

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Pete, My wife and I and son were once in your home and you and your wife welcomed us with our son Alex before he entered into the Marine Corp. Our son worked at Villa Bella and your wife was kind enough to invite us over. There are only two things that we can say to you. That you allow that this is G-D's will and accept it, and that we are very sorry for your loss. She was a Great person with a great heart.

Sincerely,
Marco Castiglia Vicini and family

Dear Pete, Macgregor and Keely,
I was so sad to hear the news about Melinda's illness and my heart is broken at your loss this past week. I was so blessed to have had the opportunity to become friends with Melinda while in Okinawa 2003-2006. What a talented, funny, full of life person she was. Whether selling carpets together, working at the Marine Gift Shop, enjoying Girls time on MOSC trips the laughs were endless. I will always remember her smile because it always brought life to a room of people. May God Bless you during this difficult time and bring peace to your hearts. We returned to Okinawa last summer and I so miss having her here. You remain in our thought and prayers.

I have fond memories of Melinda during our early years in Indiana PA. She was fun and a light hearted person. God bless the family and may God comfort you in your loss.
Lori Atkinson Porter

We are grieving for you in your loss. Mel will continue to live on in countles hearts and our memories of her, that we cherish and pass onto others, will always honor what she gave to each of us through her love. Pete, Keely, and Macgregor and the rest of your family remain in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us kow if there is anything that we can do.

Peter, Chiharu and Christianna Dale, Tokyo, Japan

Dear Colonel Collins, Macgregor, and Keely,

We are terribly saddened by Melinda's death. She always lived life to the fullest, whether it was as serving as an auctioneer for the OSC, giving you a hard time, or caring after the girls. Anything was fun as long as you were with Melinda. We will miss her.

Pete and Family, we are truly saddened to hear of Melinda's passing. Many of her friends share your grief, and we know she will always remain very much alive in the memories of all of us who loved, respected, and treasured her. May the lord give you strength and peace during this difficulty time. Blessings....

Dear Pete, Macgregor and Keely, We are so sad hearing the news of Melinda passing. We extend our love and condolences to you and your family, and pray that peace be with you all. Melinda's warm spirit and joy will continue to touch our hearts as it did the very first time we met her...she was a very special lady and mother. We wish you well. Love, Bill, Christy, and the Hargraves Family

Pete, Macgregor and Keely....."One of a kind" does not begin to cover it. Melinda brought sunshine and energy wherever she went, and I will never forget our Tuesday after work wine dates while you were in Dade City. We solved most of the world's problems at least once, but nobody would listen. She loved the banter and verbal sparring as much or more than I did, and of course, was much more accomplished at it. She will be greatly missed, and you all will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Len Johnson

Dearest Col Collins, Macgregor and Keely, We are so saddened by this news, your wife/mom added such life to the world. We continue to pray for peace for you all during this difficult time and please feel our hugs around you all. Much love, Nora, Bryan and the rest of the Tyer-Witeks.

Dear Pete, Macgregor and Keely,
I have had you in my thoughts every day since I learned of Melinda's illness and share deeply in your sorrow at this time. Macgregor and Keely, I have heard from your Grandma Barbara that you have been such a help to your dad while your mom was ill. She would be so proud of you and I know your dad is too.
My heart is with each one of you.
Love, Aunt Cathy

Pete, Macgregor and Keely, We were surprised, shocked and saddened to learn of Melinda's passing. We continue to remember Melinda's quick wit, her always welcome and refreshing "tell it like it is approach" and great laugh. We appreciated Sue's call to us; we know it was a burden on her. You and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Pete, Macgregor and Keely,
I received an e-mail from John Spencely which was forwarded from Gil Bundy informing me and the rest of your Culver Friends of the passing of your wife Melinda. I can not tell you how sorry I am to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your daughters are in my thoughts and prayers in this very difficult time.
Your friend, David Owen (AKA "Saudi").

Colonel Pete, Macgregor, and Keely,
I am praying the Holy Spirit will manifest Himself to you all as the Comforter during this time of loss. The Lord bless you all and keep you always faithful.
Pastor Keith Kurber II
CMA, 1977

Dear Pete, Macgregor & Keely, I was so sorry to hear of Melinda's passing. Dad had kept me informed during her battle with cancer, and I am sure she fought it hard like only Melinda could. I have such wonderful memories of us all around the pool in Dad's back yard. You all were like family to us. I wish with all my heart I could be there for her funeral. I will keep you all in my prayers and always know I will do anything to help, just ask. Love, Terri Baer (Klinefelter)

Colonel Collins, Macgregor and Keely, Although I only met Melinda a few times, it was always readily apparent that she loved all that life offered, cherished her family dearly, and had an enduring impact on all who had the chance to know her. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless

Dear Pete and Girls: I am so sorry for your loss.
Melinda was kind, interesting and so Much fun.
We have such Happy Memories from the time you lived in Norfolk.
A great girl that enriched my life the short time that I was lucky enough
to call her my friend.
You are in my thoughts.
love
Gail Rigney.

Pete,girls and Mack family,

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Melinda. Kim (Pendrey) Mocek told me over the week-end. Melinda was truely a wonderful person.I have great memories of growing up with her in Indiana Pa. She had a wonderful smile and personality. In my thoughts and prayers.

Col. Collins and Macgregor and Keely, Although we never met I knew Melinda from Indiana. We grew up together and lived a short distance away (I lived in Sunset Acres). The picture to the right as a young girl is exactly how I remember her and the other photo with you Col. Collins is another memory. I was very sad when I was notified of her illness and "the kids" she knew as a child kept emails going of her progress. We were all hoping...After reading many of the guest book enteries it appears she never lost her sense of humor and good nature. I am sure she has made many friends and will be missed tremendously.
Mr. and Mrs. Mack I also remember the St. Bernard dog she used to bring over to the neighborhood. My first meeting of a St. Bernard.
God Bless,

Colonel Collins and Family,
Words can not express my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I remember Mrs. Collins as a wonderful woman full of life! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during your time of need.

Pete, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I learned of Melinda's passing from our former Marine colleague, Mitch Gliner. I have fond memories of visiting you and Melinda at the townhouse you rented while at TBS. I remember her being full of life and fun. I am very sorry for your loss.
Allan Costa, Plymouth, MA

Dear Pete and Girls: We are so sorry for your loss. Arthur and I enjoyed meeting and getting to know Melinda while we were visiting Japan with Dave and Kristi. Arthur & Audrey Moore

I met Melinda while she was in Emerald Isle and she became a much needed friend to me. Pete, I pray for you, Macgregor & Keely.

- BethAnn Silvear Newton
Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Dear Pete, Macgregor, Keely, Barb, Joe, and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is filled with saddness. Somehow, through the many tears, I have laughed thinking of the memories that will last a lifetime. I know that I am blessed to have had Melinda as a friend. Anyone who met her knew she was special.
Know that you are surrounded by love and prayers. I am so very sorry.
With love,
Karen

Dear Col Collins,

I was saddened to hear of your loss. I remember when we were stationed at Camp Lejeune and Melinda worked for UPS. We had some great times together and my prayers are with you and your family.

LtCol Elizabeth Crowder

Pete,
I am so sorry to hear about Melinda's death and my condolences go out to you. I know you and she were an exceptionally close couple who shared a connection few others enjoy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Keith

Pete, McGregor and Keely,
I am so deeply sorry to hear of Melinda's passing,she was such a warm and giving person.I got to know Melinda because she shopped at the Safeway in Burke were I work. She always had a smile and a thoughtful word. My prayers are with you and all of your family.

Dear Pete, Macgregor and Keely: We are so very sorry to hear about Melinda's passing. She was an exceptional person and we were lucky to consider her a friend. We are so disappointed that we cannot make it to Virginia for the memorial. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

She was a personality and person to be missed. She was fun, energetic, a delight to be with and have as a friend. She will be missed by many.

All our love, Marcie & Al

Dear Pete,

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. My sympathies to you and your family through this difficult time. It's been 33 years since we parted on that commencement day, but old and fond memories last a lifetime. You take care.

Sending love to comfort you.
Leslie Fears (Olympia, WA)

To the Collins and Mack families: I had the pleasure of meeting Melinda when she came for a visit to Washington. I remember her bubbly personality and lovely smile. My deepest sympathies to all of you.

Pete, Macgregor and Keely, We were so surprised, shocked and saddened to learn of Melinda's passing. We continue to have great memories of Melinda's quick wit and great laugh. You and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers. Michael and Lisa Lanphere (Irvine, CA)

COL,

Though I had not had the honor of knowing your wife, Melinda, in life, I have come to know her as a wonderful, vivacious, person. The thoughts and prayers expressed by your loved ones are clear. She is truly loved.

My family and church continue to pray for you and your children. The psalmist looked to the Lord and claimed "My comfort in my sorrow is this; Your promise preserves my life." Remember God's promises to you and your children. He will never leave you nor foresake you. He will comfort you. And we, His people, will lift you up.

God Bless you and your family.

Pete,
I learned of your beloved wife's passing from our mutual Ole Miss Rebel friend, Patti Cates Anderson. Am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time in your life.
Your Ole Miss Rebel friend from way back,
Suzanne Avery Croft

My sympathy and heart-felt love to you, Pete, Macgregor and Keely. After all these years apart, I see Melinda clearly, and mourn that she was taken from us so suddenly. I grieve with you in your great loss. Adele Mack

Dear Pete and the Girls,

The Colonel and I were so saddened to hear about Melinda's passing. She was a remarkable person, mother and wife. She is in a better place now, and without pain. In fact, she probably is planning another wonderful party for everyone up there. May this give you all peace in this time.

Colonel Barnett and Jan

Dear Pete, Macgregor, Keely and the entire Mack and Collins families,

On behalf of the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps, we extend our heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. We have known Melinda as a friend, and most recently as a courageous fighter, and we will miss her very much. As you go forward, please know we stand behind you and you will remain in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you all. Most sincerely, Jim Houck, VADM, JAGC, US Navy, the Judge Advocate General of the Navy; Nan DeRenzi, RADM, JAGC, US Navy, the Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy

Pete, Keely, and Macgregor,
We are so very sorry for the loss of Melinda. She was a truly spectacular woman and you were the joys of her life. She will be remembered and missed by everyone who knew her. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Brenda and John Forti

Dear Pete and family,

I am deeply saddened by the news of Mel’s passing and can not imagine the pain you all must feel. Please accept my heart felt condolences and be assured I will be praying for the Lord to heal your broken hearts.

We are all grateful for the promise of eternal life in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the joy that is to be reunited with Mel one day in heaven.

With deepest love and respect for you all.

Colonel:

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob and Lynn Troidl

Pete, We are so sorry to learn of your loss! Melinda was an amazing woman with such a zest for life!!! We will miss her so much, but feel so fortunate to have been able to have had her in our lives!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girl!!
Scott and Roseanne Campbell (Okinawa 2003-2006)

Col. Collins and family, Joe, Barb, Paul, Jon and Bethel - I am very sorry to hear about Melinda's death. Losing someone so young is difficult and I extend my deepest sympathies to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Pete,
Melinda has touch so many in such beautiful, loving ways. Every person she touched in life is richer for the experience. Even the little touches made a big impact... her touch so warm, sincere, gracious, genuine. Melinda exuded spirit, cheer and often silliness that brought joy and smiles to all. I can say this because I was given the gift of knowing her. I will miss her dearly. I know it is a sad time and the pain of loss intense. May God guide you and provide you strength and courage. My thoughts and prayers are with you, McGregor and Keely, Joe, Barb and siblings. God Bless.

Pete, Mack and Collins family and girls. We are so sorry for the news of Melinda's death. We were praying, like everyone else, for a miracle. Please remember that you, the girls and both families will continue to remain in our prayers.

Although we are so sad that Melinda is gone, we think of her and smile. She brought so much crazy happiness and laughter to our family and was like a 2nd mom to Courtney. Thank you so much for sharing her with us. We love you guys.

Col. Collins, and family, Joe, Barb, Jon, Paul and Bethel We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Melinda and so very sorry for your loss. We were neighbors while growing up and our familes were the best of friends. I have not seen Melinda for many years but have very many fond memories of our younger days You are in our prayers Randy and Karen Johnson

Pete, McGregor and Keely,
Melinda was one of the most special people we have ever known... one of a kind! We feel so blessed to have kown her. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. God Bless, The Pescatore Family

Sir,
Your loss of Melinda is genuinely felt. Keiko, the boys and me all share your pain and grief. God Grant you many years. Psalms 40:1-4; I Corinthians 15:51-52 Me Agape Xpistou,
MSgt Dionisios H. Nicholas USMC (Ret.)

Pete, Macgregor and Keely. How sad are we that we have lost Melinda. You know how we felt about her. But also remember that all of you have been a big part of our lives for many years. We wish that we could be there with you in your time of sorrow.
Norma and I loved Melinda and we also love you.

I am part of the Stony Brook class of 78 and although I did not know your wife and mother and dauther and sister all that well, I know she was a person who left her mark on our class and school. She undoubtly led a life to be recalled with admiration and conviction. Although briefly on this earth, forever in God's grace. - Lorraine Marie Packett

Pete and girls we are so saddened by the news of Melinda. We loved and cared about her. We were blessed to have her as a friend. She will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Please count on us if you need anything. Love, Sandy and Chris

Pete, Macgregor & Keely-
My prayers and support are with you always. Melinda was one of a kind and she always said what we were all thinking but afraid to say! You are always welcome here in SF.
Jefferson Mack

To the Collins and Mack families: I am saddened to hear of your loss. I never had the privilege to meet Melinda. But based on the way Colonel Collins speaks of her, and from what I have read and seen on this website, I wish I had met her. John 14:1-4

My husband and I are both saddened to hear of the death of Melinda. Many years ago, as a teenager, Melinda was our children's babysitter. At that time we lived across from her parents and it was so convenient! She made a memorable impact on their lives, as both Julie and Jeff remembered her. Our deepest sympathy to her family.

Dear Peter

Betty & I are are so very very sorry for the sudden loss of Melinda, who we only knew for a short while but a personality that has left a life-long impression. Our Prayers are with you and the Girls and we will seek God's Blessings for you all in Her name.

Vince & Betty Ciccone

Pete and Family, Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Melinda will be long remembered and missed by those who knew and loved her.

Dear Pete,

We are so saddened by the news of Melinda's death. She was an exceptional person and will be missed by so many.

Please know that you and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that your grief will be eased by the wonderful memories you have.

Pete, Macgregor, and Keely,
We are so sorry for your loss of a wonderful wife, brilliant mother and the life of the party! There is no doubt that she lived every single day to its fullest and was completely confident and unabashed about where she stood in our world. Michael, Jules and I send our love and support to you all in this very difficult of times. Abigail Mack Cook

Pete and Family,

Words cannot express how sad I feel for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hank Molinengo