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BORN

1955

DIED

2022

Jeffrey Collins Obituary

Collins
Jeffrey Collins
April 19, 1955
September 4, 2022

Loving husband, patient father, gentle grandfather, friend of many and giant of love passed away surrounded by family at the age of 67. And our world forever changed.
As the 3rd of 3 children, he became an individual who was smart, clever, a risk taker, and embraced life to the fullest.
He graduated from University of Utah with a degree in mechanical engineering and then moved to Chicago for a law degree. Andrea and Jeff found one another at the early age of 21. What started as a blind date turned into a lifetime of love, adventure, and exploration.
Jeff convinced Andrea to move across the country and back to the mountains of Salt Lake City, where they had a small community of friends. They camped, road biked, and skied. Their first child, Amy, born in 1983 didn't stop their adventures, she came along. In 1985, the 3 moved to Colorado Springs and Emily, their second child, was born a year later. She was also roped into the fun.
Whitewater kayaking became the focus for Andrea and Jeff. For 20 years, they paddled in Colorado and Idaho, the Grand Canyon being their wildest adventure. Loving to explore, Jeff was always the first one to come up with travel itineraries and new places to visit. He even came up with a 7 day self supported bicycle trip through the northern part of Slovenia. Whether it was skiing in Canada, sea kayaking in the Apostle Islands, or visiting Southeast Asia (where Amy resided), Andrea was always by his side.
Upon retirement, he took up his dream of becoming a fly fishing guide. His patience and intelligence made him a natural teacher. David, his son in law, was his favorite fishing buddy. Grandson Sonny (2.22.22) fit in perfectly and Jeff would have been his favorite person.
Jeff lived with a vivid appreciation for how brief and precious life was. And in the great cosmos of chance, we were fortunate to be his family. We will miss him every single day.
If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of him fly fishing for Finley in the Rio Grande or laying down fresh tracks off of Wolf Creek Pass.
The family wishes to thank the incredible staff and nurses at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Colorado Water Trust.

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

Published by The Gazette on Sep. 20, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Collins

Not sure what to say?





Bill Shulha

September 15, 2024

Jeff was a giant of a man and a heart of a teddy bear. But he was also the best storyteller and fly fisherman I´ve ever known. We had a number of great fishing trips to Spinney Mountain. Can´t believe he has left us two years ago. All the best to Andrea and the girls.

Greg Meiris

September 14, 2023

Greg Meiris

September 14, 2023

Greg Meiris

September 14, 2023

Greg Meiris

September 14, 2023

Greg Meiris

September 14, 2023

Greg Meiris

September 14, 2023

Jeff was the definition of a gentle giant. A true Icon in my life.

William Shulha

September 14, 2023

Jeff was a consummate outdoorsman. He s was so fun to be around. We had a bunch of great memories. The kids still talk about Billy and Valadimir. What a great story teller and all around great guy. Never forget.

William R. Smith

September 9, 2023

Please advise, is this the same Jeff Collins who transferred to Univ. of Utah from Georgia Tech sometime around Spring of 1975? Just curious. Thanks.

Single Memorial Tree

The Buccellato's

Planted Trees

Lisa Davis

October 16, 2022

What an amazing human being...thinking of all of you, Andrea, Amy, Emily and sending my condolences and love. I remember those parent-teacher conferences which you attended - it was so apparent that you were a very loving, adventuresome family, Amy and Emily, being exceptional young women. Sending comfort, peace, and many many wonderful memories. xo Lisa Davis ( "Madame :) ")

Greg Pace

September 25, 2022

There were three buddies in high school a few decades ago. Greg, Andy and Jeff. We did a lot together. Saw one another grow up and have families. Though time separated us, we were friends indeed. Best ever weekend was Andy was a top five high jumper in the state, Jeff and Greg led the golf team to a state top 3. And Andy´s little brother was in the golf matches too! Jeff and I practiced chipping into the bathtub in the hotel at state that weekend. Grotius memories. We will miss you, our Jeff, from so long ago.

Scott Magill

September 22, 2022

All the Magills will miss Jeff tremendously! Fishing, skiing and just spending time together with the Collins family. Our condolences to all of the Collins.

Ginny Bullen

September 21, 2022

What wonderful times our families had together as our kids were growing up. We felt like we were "family" as we spent many fun filled holidays together. Playing games like "dictionary" and laughing so hard, bringing tears to my eyes! Jeff had such a great sense of humor, besides being one of nicest men I´ve ever known. Sending all my love and deepest sympathy to you all,
Ginny

jane mapson

September 21, 2022

Andrea, Amy and Emily, I loved reading this tribute to Jeff. He always personified an inspiring zest for life. I am so sorry he is physically not with you. I know he is in your hearts always. Such a dear man. My condolences, my dear friends. Jane mapson

Dana Hatlelid

September 21, 2022

On behalf of all of us at Colorado Water Trust - thank you for including us and Colorado's rivers in Jeffrey Collins' memorial. We wish we had known him - what an amazing, river-loving life he led. Please know your donations will directly support our work to boost flows in Colorado's rivers and streams - improving our ecosystems and protecting our rivers for Jeffrey's future generations (especially Grandson Sonny). We thank you. Rest in love and peace, Jeffrey.

William Shulha

September 21, 2022

We had some great times together my friend. Fishing, golfing, and laughing a lot. RIP Jeff.

Valerie Pratt Park Stevens

September 20, 2022

I am heart-broken over this news! I met Jeff in 1983. Andrea and Jeff were having friends over for a Maine lobster dinner in Utah, and I was a new comer to the tribe. I felt love and acceptance the moment in met them. I was deeply sad when they moved to Colorado, but was happy to visit in the early years. Jeff was such an amazing person. He was a skilled athlete, but patient and kind to those less skilled (me). He was the funniest person in the room, but also the kindest. He was the smartest person in the room, but humble. He was an energetic explorer and walked gently on this Earth. He will be greatly missed by many! What a lovely soul!

Brian Ludwick

September 20, 2022

enjoyed golfing with Jeff, he always was kind and just fun to be around...I'll miss him .

Gregory Lowe

September 20, 2022

RIP Tiny Dancer! So many fond memories of our times together. All the hours spent on the golf course, social events and yes, even at the office. Thanks for always being such a gracious host at your cabin. You were a true friend! I'll bet the fishing is even better up there.

Robin Shankman

September 20, 2022

I will always have fond memories of this enthusiastic, yet gentle giant

Lynn Sommers

September 19, 2022

Jeff made a beautiful mark on the world and was loved by so many. His warm hugs, his huge laugh, and his wisdom and love will be forever missed. Holding you all in my heart

Ranae

September 19, 2022

Jeff was loved by and loved everyone he met. Always the man everyone wanted to be around, with that huge smile of his. He definitely made the world a better place.
My heart breaks for you all

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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