David Barrett Collier

1936 - 2020

David Barrett Collier

Stuart - David B. Collier, loving husband, father, grandfather, loyal friend and dedicated public servant, died Wednesday, March 11 following a brief illness. He was 83. In 2006 he retired after 14 years as city manager of Stuart, Florida, where he spearheaded numerous projects that helped fuel some of the most dynamic years in the city's history.

David Collier was born in Quantico, Virginia, on October 26, 1936 to Madelyn Watts Collier and Eugene Francis Collier. David graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. with a degree in Economics, and went on to earn a master's degree in public administration. He dedicated his life to improving local municipalities by serving in various county administrative roles in Maryland, Florida, Kansas and Michigan prior to his tenure in Stuart, Florida. David was a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA). Over the course of his career he served as president of the Maryland City Managers Association, the Florida Association of County Managers and the National Association of County Administrators.

Son of a U.S. Marine Colonel, David spent his early childhood overseas where he developed an appreciation of military service and the importance of community, both of which helped shape his career path. In 1954, he joined the Marine Corps Air Reserve, where he first worked on Corsairs and Skyraiders. David, advanced to ordinance chief of the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron-321, which included FJ-4B Furys and F-8 Crusaders.

During his college years post-military, his appreciation for community service deepened through five years of volunteer service work with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad.

David's combined passions for aviation and community led to involvement in a variety of nonprofits and aviation-related organizations throughout his life, including the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum, FAA Warbirds of America, and a board member of the High on Kalamazoo Air Show and the Stuart Air Show. He was also a longtime volunteer at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin and member of the Warbird Line Crew at Sun'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, as well as life member of the Bethesda- Chevy Chase Rescue Squad.

After retirement from public service, David was appointed senior vice president at Colin Baenziger & Associates, a recruiting firm for public sector executives. He continued to volunteer for several prominent local nonprofit organizations, including Stuart Main Street and Martin County Taxpayers Association.

David will be remembered for his intellect, integrity, wry sense of humor, his fierce commitment to community and deep love of family. He was a powerful advocate for the city and its employees through mentorship and ongoing exchange of knowledge. From public works, education and affordable housing, to historical preservation and arts and culture, his projects will stand for future generations.

David leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years, Cynthia; his daughter, Catherine Collier, her husband Dimitri Kyroulis and their son Alexander Collier Kyroulis all of New York, and brother, Tom Collier of Ann Arbor, Michigan. David was preceded in death by his sister, Tricia Collier Eakle, of Annapolis, Maryland.

A celebration of life will follow at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to The Marine Corps Association Foundation, mca-marines.org/foundation.

Online Guestbook at www.treasurecoastseawinds.com