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Larry Collins Obituary
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 2, at 2:00 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home conducted by Sammy Campbell.
Inurnment will be private. A reception will be held immediately following the service at the American Legion in Front Royal.
Larry was born in Takoma Park, MD to S.R. and N.R. Collins. He was a 1960 graduate of Randolph Macon Academy. He graduated with a B.A. in Biology from Columbia Union College and a M.S. in Zoology from the University of Maryland.
He was a certified teacher in the state of Maryland and taught science in the Montgomery County Public School System. Later he became a wildlife biologist with the Smithsonian Institution, first working at the National Zoo in D.C. and then transferring to the Smithsonian Conservation Center in Front Royal, VA , where he retired after 30 years of total service. Following retirement he was employed by Rappahannock Public School System for several years as a substitute teacher.
His hobbies included orchid culture, gardening, fly fishing, and hunting with a flintlock rifle. Larry was a volunteer firefighter for 36 years. He received advanced training from the University of Maryland School of Fire Programs and was certified at the Instructor III level with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
Larry is survived by his wife of 37 years Charlene C. Collins; his daughter Michelle E. Duncan; and two grandchildren Andrew C. Duncan and Kayla M. Duncan all of Huntly, VA.
In lieu of flowers, Larry's wishes were to have memorial contributions made to RappCats, PO Box 307, Washington, VA 22472 or to Rappahannock Animal Welfare League, PO Box 396, Amissville, VA 20106.
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Memories and Condolences
for Larry Collins
Terry Phillips
February 20, 2024
Dear Larry,
What a great teacher and a wonderful source of all things zoological.
Hilda Mauck
February 20, 2021
Larry you are still thought about today we still talk about you and your work.
You will
Always be missed.
Judie Steenberg
February 21, 2020
Although Larry is gone he will never be forgotten. To this day tree kangaroos both in-situ and ex-situ, are still benefiting from the years of research Larry put in learning and teaching us how best to manage and reproduce these remarkable marsupials. Truly, Larry's early work was the foundation of all we've accomplished over the last three decades. Charlene, Michelle and family I hope kind words and happy memories have consoled you over these past six years. Larry's legacy lives on.
Sincerely, Rick and Judie Steenberg
Lisa Dabek
February 20, 2020
Thinking of Larry Collins and all he contributed to the world. He will not be forgotten. All of us involved in tree kangaroos and conservation are forever grateful for his passion and support. Thinking of his family.
March 13, 2014
It is sad to hear about Zeke". That is the name he used at RMA. We spent two years together on the hill. Zeke was a very likeable guy. Another good person gone too soon to cancer. George Rife, RMA '60.
Bill English
March 13, 2014
"Zeke" as we called him at RMA. A privilege to have been your friend and housemate in Edgewood. Your legacy lives on! My thanks to you and Charlene for my daughter's biology teaching career. Love to your family.
Alfred Gardner
March 12, 2014
Larry, old friend, you are sorely missed.
Penny Gill
March 11, 2014
"Mr Collins" was my science teacher at E. Brooke Lee Jr High in Silver Spring, MD in the late 1960s. All the girls had a crush on him - he was so cool in his Corvette and his Playboy ingignia tie tack! He was a fantastic teacher as well, of course. So sorry to learn of his passing. From all the entries, his was a life well-lived and he was well-loved. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
March 4, 2014
Charlene, Michelle & Family, We are so very sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He was such a nice person and as my dad always called him "A Fine Chap" Bill & Joan McDaniel Curl
March 4, 2014
Charlene, Michelle & Family:
tp
Sherry Fletcher
March 4, 2014
Thinking of you and your family during this time.
Erica Ross
March 4, 2014
Charlene,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband! Big HUGS for you and your family!
Debbie Beatty Goisse
March 2, 2014
Rest in peace, my friend.
Charlene and family, my heart is broken for each of you. Hold your memories close, they will help to ease the pain of your loss.
March 1, 2014
Dear Charlene, Michele and family,
Although you do not know me, I was a friend of Larry's at Front Royal, when I was working on the immunology of Tree Roos. He taught me an enormous amount about Tree Roos and other marsupials. Larry was a great teacher and a fantastic biologist. I proudly own his monograph, which has always taken a priority position on my bookcase. Please accept my condolences on your loss, which is also a great loss to the whole of marsupial biology.
My deepest sympathies
Terry Phillips
Wayne & Joan Brooks
March 1, 2014
Mrs. Collins and family, we are deeply sorry for the lost of your husband Larry. We are grateful and humbled by knowing the both of you. You allowed us (Wayne & Joan Brooks and Family) to come over and fish in your pond, and you shared your love with us in the form of conversation,pictures of your dogs(bears) and the beautiful butterfly bush. May God,friends and family confort you and Michelle and family at this time of saddness. He will be missed. With Love and Sympathy. Wayne & Joan Brooks
March 1, 2014
Dear Charlene, Michelle,kids:
I have known Larry for so long 'old friend' doesn't quite get it. Calculating our friendship through John Eisenberg gets us into the ballpark of influence, respect, mutual appreciation. We ALWAYS warmed up with 'John stories' and went on from there!
My deepest sympathies,
ted
Wild tree kangaroo in Papua New Guinea
Lisa Dabek
February 28, 2014
Dear Charlene, Michelle, and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Larry was an incredibly special person and so important to so many of us in the animal conservation world. In particular he was a mentor to me when I came to Front Royal CRC to study tree kangaroos. I loved his stories and his dedication to the animals. He was the one that said I would go to Papua New Guinea to help the wild tree kangaroos and I have always remembered that in the 20 years of work there. Thank you Larry for all you did for the animals and for teaching the next generation.
May you find peace and comfort in the memories of Larry.
With sadness and deepest sympathy,
Lisa
Paleface - born at Front Royal
Judie and Rick Steenberg
February 28, 2014
Dear Charlene, Michelle and family,
Our sincere sympanth to all of you. May your sadness in losing Larry be lessened by memories of a truly wonderful man. He was a mentor to so many of us in the zoo field, especially with his years of research and passion for Matschie's tree kangaroos. He was always encouraging when we needed it and never let us give up in trying to do better for the animals.
Bobby & Melissa Rodden
February 28, 2014
Charlene, Michele and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Larry had a wonderful sense of humor and was such a gifted storyteller. He was the Dr. Doolittle of Huntly and we will miss him greatly.
Kitty Blanco
February 28, 2014
There are tears in the eyes of little creatures in the hills and valleys throughout the world who are mourning the passing of a great friend. All creatures great and small shall miss him.
Linda & Mike Wenkel
February 27, 2014
Charlene, Michelle, Drew & Kayla, You have our deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband, Dad, and Grandpa. Larry was one of the most interesting people I've ever known, and I am proud to call him a cousin. This is a huge loss for our family. Love all of you!
John & Angie
February 27, 2014
Larry was a good man. A gifted raconteur with a great sense of humor, he was also a caring boss. We'll miss him. Marsupials as well as humans are the poorer for his passing. Our condolences to Charlene and Michelle.
Margie Miller
February 27, 2014
So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful life he had on this earth, living his dream. Always remember the best. Margie Miller from zoo days of old.
Katie Pomeroy
February 27, 2014
My sympathy.
Louise Clark
February 27, 2014
Charlene and family ----my deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your loved one. May all your memories bring you comfort.
February 27, 2014
With my love & sympathy to Charlene & Michelle on the loss of Larry. He was a great guy who will be deeply missed.
Love to you both,,,Cheryl Cooke
Lisa (Passaro) Schneider
February 26, 2014
Dear Charlene and Michelle - My deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband and father - a wonderful human being who cared so much for everyone and everything around him. He was a mentor to me when I first started out in my career working with animals and he supported and encouraged me to follow my passion for the rest of my life. Sending my love and sincere condolences for your loss. Larry was a very special person who will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
Bill Xanten
February 26, 2014
A terrible shame. I will always have fond memories of Larry both professionally and personally. Larry was always upbeat during his illness and I will always cherish the times we spent together during the nearly 50 years of our friendship.
Sue & David McIntosh
February 26, 2014
Charlene and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cynthia Rudacille
February 26, 2014
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I will never forget the name that Larry dubbed me with. Cynthia & Lovell
Chris Wemmer
February 26, 2014
Our heartfelt condolences to Charlene and Michelle. We have all lost a great man and friend who had a pragmatic philosophy of life and a wonderful sense of humor. May his kindness to animals and spirit live on in his descendants and extended family. We will cherish our memories of him.
February 26, 2014
Charlene and Michelle, We were sorry to hear about your loss. We're praying for your comfort and strength during this time of sorrow. Doug and Mary Jones
Jane Cooke Studley
February 26, 2014
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. My prayers and thoughts are with you and Michelle
Rosa Henry
February 26, 2014
Charlene and family, You are in my prayers.
Pam Kidwell
February 26, 2014
Charlene and Michele I'm so sorry for your loss, may the comfort of family, friends and the love of God help you through this difficult time
Hilda Mauck
February 26, 2014
Words cannot express at this time how you are feeling, but know that you will be comforted and may you have peace and love from family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss.
Evelyn Partlow
February 26, 2014
I'm really sorry for your loss. May the love of friends and family help to carry you through your grief and may God comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Don Muddiman
February 25, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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