Dr Keith Andrew Collins

Dr. Keith Andrew Collins passed away in his home, surrounded by his family after a short battle with Cholangiocarcinoma at the young age of 45. His death is mourned by so many but especially his wife of 22 years, Jennifer (Babin) and his six beloved children, Caroline, Keith "Andrew," Julianne, Analiese, Christian and Kyle. He is also survived by his siblings Hank (Kim), Kathy Morse (Mike), Peggy, Kevin (Beth), Kelly Savage (David), Rosana Preau (Dennis) and Tommy Collins; his in-laws Judy and Barry Babin; his brother-in-law Michael (Stephanie); and many beloved nieces, nephews and other family members who will miss him dearly. He is welcomed into his heavenly home by his parents, Harry and Alfie Collins, and his brother Eddie. The youngest of nine children, Keith attended St. Philip Neri, as did all of his siblings. He graduated from De La Salle High School, where he was valedictorian, and Boston University, where he was a Trustee's Scholar and earned a degree in Biomedical Engineering. After five years working as a computer programmer for TechniCAL Inc., he returned to school and received his MD from the LSUHSC in 2000. There he was awarded the school's highest honor, the Chancellor's Award for Integrity, Character and Service. He completed his residency in Pediatrics at LSU and Children's Hospital in 2003 and began practicing with Sunrise Pediatrics the same year. In 2005, Keith and his wife, Jennifer, founded Collins Pediatrics on Metairie Road. His pediatric practice brought him great joy and word of his professionalism and his charming, compassionate personality with his patients and their families spread. The practice expanded over the years to include four additional doctors, a nurse practitioner and a second office in Lakeview. He loved his doctors, nurses, staff and patients as if they were an extension of his own family and that legacy of Collins Pediatrics will live on for years to come. Keith was voted the Best Pediatrician by NOLA Baby and Family multiple times, including this year, and was listed as a Top Doctor in New Orleans Magazine several times. Keith had a passion for community service as well. He was a member of the Board of Directors at East Jefferson General Hospital from 2008 until his death. He was an active member of the St. Catherine of Siena Men's Club serving as President in 2012-13. Being involved in the Men's Club was truly one of the highlights of his life. He was an active member of Metairie Country Club, the Hermes organization, the Krewe of Baronne and a passionate lover of all things Mardi Gras. He was, of course, an avid Saints and LSU fan, and loved traveling and celebrating with his family and friends, especially the night "before" a holiday, more than anything. Keith was also passionate about Catholic education as he felt a great debt to the schools he attended and the schools his children attended. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to his favorite Catholic schools: St. Mary's Dominican High School (STREAM campaign), De La Salle High School, Christian Brothers School and St. Catherine of Siena School. The Collins family would like to thank the many outstanding doctors and nurses at East Jefferson General Hospital who comforted him along this short journey, including but not limited to Drs. Brenner, Catinis, Marino, St. Germain, Peters and Veith. Keith was especially blessed to be comforted by the care and companionship of his life-long friend and physician, David Myers, MD. The outpouring of love and kindnesses shown to his family this summer by relatives, friends, patients and colleagues has been an amazing testament to how many people love Keith. For this there are no words to adequately express gratitude. He will be deeply missed by his thousands of patients and his dear friends and family, but his legacy of love and joyful service to others will live on far beyond his lifetime. A wake service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, September 3, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd. in Metairie, followed by visitation until 9 p.m. Visitation resumes Friday, September 4, from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon. Interment will take place at Metairie Cemetery. To view and sign the Family Guest Book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.