Dennis T. Collins

Dennis Collins Obituary

Dennis T. Collins, 60, general manager of Treana Winery in Paso Robles and 35-year veteran of the California wine industry died of complications from multiple-myeloma.

Collins had served as general manager at Treana Winery since 2002, overseeing daily operations of the 300,000 case winery.

Collins was born in 1948 in Modesto in California's San Joaquin Valley.

Known as a strong leader and vigorous advocate for California wines, Collins began with Gallo in the early 1970s and worked in quality control. To get that job, "I sat outside their door everyday until they agreed to interview me," Collins liked to joke.

In the early 80s he established Vintner Supply Co., an international winery equipment business. One of his first clients was the Bronco Wine Co.. Through the course of this association Vintner Supply Co. became a sub-business of Bronco, and Collins' post gradually evolved into head of international wine sales.

He directed the export program for Bronco wines and oversaw the Ambassador Wine Program selling primarily California wines to embassies around the world. He opened their international export office in Denmark and moved his family to Copenhagen.

In 1996, while working for the wine brokerage firm, Joseph Ciatti Co., Dennis and his wife, Kathy, and their children moved to Paso Robles to establish Big Red Vineyard, a family run vineyard operation.

Collins was a board member of the California Wine Institute in San Francisco and a former board member of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. In 2005, he was recognized by peers as the Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year, which honored his outstanding dedication, leadership and passion for the industry.

Locally, he was an active leader with the Boy Scouts of America. In January Collins received the Silver Beaver Award '" the highest honor awarded to Scouting volunteers for their leadership, guidance and inspiration.

Collins died on a sunny afternoon Thursday, March 27, 2008, at his home ranch.

He is survived by his wife Kathy; sons Tennyson and Carter; daughter, Amanda; father, Roy; brother, Mike; and sister, Deborah Gonsalves.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Collins.

A celebration of Dennis's life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2008, at Treana Winery, 4280 Secondwind Way in Paso Robles.

Donations may be made in memory of Dennis to the Collins/Salisbury Eagle Scout Scholarship c/o Boy Scout Troop 60, P.O. Box 940, Paso Robles, CA 93447.

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

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Mar. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Collins

10 Entries

Terri Cannella

April 9, 2008

Dear Kathy and family and Uncle Roy,

My heart goes out to all of you for the loss of a most wonderful person, Dennis has brought me many of years full of laughter growing up, he had a one of a kind of humor that I will never forget. My prayers go with you.

Always Cousin Terri Cannella (Madden)

Barry & Kim Bedwell

April 5, 2008

Dear Kathy and family,

During the three years I had working with Dennis my respect and admiration constantly grew. He was a great example of not only a fair and professional business person who always cared about others, he was in addition a wonderful family man who was so proud of you and the children. He lived his life with honor and dignity and set an exemplary standard for others to follow. The wine community in California as well as the Boy Scouts were so lucky that he was a part of them and he will surely be missed. Our sincere condolences on his passing. May God comfort you during this difficult time.

Mark Williams

April 4, 2008

I spent little time with Dennis, I watched allot of Mossion Prep basketball games with him. His son Carter didn't play much but Dennis always supported him and the rest of the team. I'll always remember Dennis as the ultimate team player and we will all miss his friendship.

carol blumenstein

April 4, 2008

We've known Dennis nearly our whole lives and smile thinking of him. For the last 26 years he and his family have spent Christmas Eve at our home in Turlock always exchanging very unique gifts(a padded toilet seat with ducks, aprons with body parts). We will miss him dearly and his pranks.

Terry Fitzgerald

April 2, 2008

GREAT guy! Truly a pleasure to have met him. Know his spirit will live on in a special way, like him. Terry and Jacqui

Melanie Munns

March 31, 2008

Kathy, Carter and family,
Dennis will be forever in our memories as a kind and gentle man and an incredible Scout Master. His leadership led David to Eagle Scout along with several other Scouts. He will be greatly missed. May you be comforted in seeing how many lives he touched.
Mike, Melanie, David & Kelly Munns

Denise Davis

March 31, 2008

The loss of a great, and kind man. He was a mentor to my son and to so many others. He will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched.

David Zepp

March 31, 2008

As the Scout Master for Troop 60 Dennis was influential and an inspiration to many young men. He left a significant mark on the community through his dedication to scouting.

craig wallis

March 30, 2008

Collins Family,

I was deeply saddened when i read about Mr.C. I will forever remember all the good things he did for me when I was young.He was and still is a huge influence in my life. He will always have a special place in my heart. Kathy,"T",Amanda, and Carter if there is anything I can do to help please let me know. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kevin Chuman Family

March 30, 2008

Dennis and I worked at Bronco Wine Company. He was always very nice and respectful to me. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Our deepest sympanthy to his entire family.

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