In honor of Michael Andrew Collins, Robert Cooley W3MV lit a candle.

Happy late Easter, Poppop!

Missing you every day, Poppop...

“A Few Words Concerning Michael Collins” Imagine if you will… In the home of his Grandfather Conner, on the corner of Kent and East Monmouth, Michael Collins entered this world on June 7, 1927. As his mother, Julia, held and rocked him on the side porch, as he was just 6 weeks old, word came to her that her husband, James Collins, his father, had just “fallen dead” while singing in the choir at the Catholic church. That would be the first hurdle to clear in Michael’s life. His uncle, Ryland Conner, stepped up to provide guidance. Anyone who knew Ryland, in this community, understands the example that he set for Michael. Through this tough time, Amon Harmon also played a role in his early development by providing him with a father figure. His mother remarried a local grocery merchant, Chris Grubb, when Michael was about 3 years old. We all know what was happening in 1930. His stepfather had real estate, as well as the store, but the “Depression” took its toll and, over time, those things were lost. Another hurdle to clear! As he grew up and moved to different locations and attended several schools in the Winchester area, the uncertainty and insecurity of that time would come to define him. As a young man, he carried many things on his shoulders—starting a career, a home, a family, and caring for his aging parents. He always met his responsibilities to his mother and stepfather until their passing. Many of us know about his mid-life years—a family man” with his wife of 54 years—61 years in his first and only home. His working years—51 ½ years at the power company. His community service of 63 years as a member of the Shenandoah Valley Amateur Radio Club. The ability to achieve such things with this longevity was a direct result of those times of uncertainty in his youth. His heritage was here. His grandfather, Dennis Collins, came from County Cork, Ireland to Winchester. Michael Collins’ grandfather, father, and three uncles all lived their lives in Winchester, and were laid to rest at the Sacred Heart Cemetery. They call it your “roots”. Michael Collins’ are here in this town. He often wondered about his heritage in County Cork, but he chose not to venture there. If a man is measured by the example he sets, then Michael Collins can rest assured that his strength, his endurance, his honesty, his helpfulness, his thriftiness, and his dedication to his family, work, and community have been an example that is measured highly and will live on through all of those who have known him and witnessed this, especially those who came from him. These principles will be carried forward into the future. In his heart, he was a true “Son of the South”. He left this world a walking distance from his beginnings—still in Winchester, in his beloved Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, a place he always said could not be surpassed anywhere, so why look any further?! The hard candy peppermints are all gone from the candy vase, but there’s no one to re-fill it, so it will stay empty. Rest in peace, Dad! -Your Son

Just a note Mike to thank you for being a friend to my Dad, W4HXB, in his time of need. Dick Rush, Jr.

In honor of Michael Andrew Collins, Sierra Whitney Collins lit a candle.

I will miss you, Poppop. I hope that Mammaw was waiting for you and you are both happily together again. I have so many good memories with you. I was able to relive some of them with Pastor Knick yesterday. I'm sorry that this happened so fast, but I'm glad that I was able to spend a lot of time with you. You have been a part of so many things in your life and you will be remembered for each of them. There WILL be a plaque in your name as a charter member of the club. Your family we see to it. Thank you for being such a wonderful grandfather to Jeremiah, Isaiah, and me. We will never forget how you were there to help us and anyone else with whatever was wanted or needed. I love you! -Sierra (Poopsie #2) P.S. I am keeping the Uno cards that we always played with because I can't let those go, but I will be sending the unopened box with you. I hope you and Mammaw can touch up on your Uno skills before I get there.

In honor of Michael Andrew Collins, Mike Barnett lit a candle.

Mike was a very special friend to our family. We are going to miss our dinners, rides in the country, many, many visits and phone calls. He loved the "short shakes" from Arby's. So long to a special friend. Rose, W3RMC Royce, W3IF

Mike was a friend of over twenty years and a fellow amateur radio operator. He always had a kind word for everyone he met and was quick to help when help was needed. Mike was a mentor to many in the amateur radio community and will be terribly missed by all who knew him. Thank you Mike and 73, Robert Cooley W3MV

What a wonderful man Mike was. Mike would come over to our house on special occasions especially Fourth of July. He became a wonderful friend to my whole family We will miss him alot we are so thankful that he became a big part of our lives. Love and Prayer Paul,Mary and Paula Levesque

What a wonderful man Mike was. Mike would come over to our house on special occasions especially Fourth of July. He became a wonderful friend to my whole family We will miss him alot we are so thankful that he became a big part of our lives. Love and Prayer Paul,Mary and Paula Levesque

Happy late Easter, Poppop!

Missing you every day, Poppop...

“A Few Words Concerning Michael Collins” Imagine if you will… In the home of his Grandfather Conner, on the corner of Kent and East Monmouth, Michael Collins entered this world on June 7, 1927. As his mother, Julia, held and rocked him on the side porch, as he was just 6 weeks old, word came to her that her husband, James Collins, his father, had just “fallen dead” while singing in the choir at the Catholic church. That would be the first hurdle to clear in Michael’s life. His uncle, Ryland Conner, stepped up to provide guidance. Anyone who knew Ryland, in this community, understands the example that he set for Michael. Through this tough time, Amon Harmon also played a role in his early development by providing him with a father figure. His mother remarried a local grocery merchant, Chris Grubb, when Michael was about 3 years old. We all know what was happening in 1930. His stepfather had real estate, as well as the store, but the “Depression” took its toll and, over time, those things were lost. Another hurdle to clear! As he grew up and moved to different locations and attended several schools in the Winchester area, the uncertainty and insecurity of that time would come to define him. As a young man, he carried many things on his shoulders—starting a career, a home, a family, and caring for his aging parents. He always met his responsibilities to his mother and stepfather until their passing. Many of us know about his mid-life years—a family man” with his wife of 54 years—61 years in his first and only home. His working years—51 ½ years at the power company. His community service of 63 years as a member of the Shenandoah Valley Amateur Radio Club. The ability to achieve such things with this longevity was a direct result of those times of uncertainty in his youth. His heritage was here. His grandfather, Dennis Collins, came from County Cork, Ireland to Winchester. Michael Collins’ grandfather, father, and three uncles all lived their lives in Winchester, and were laid to rest at the Sacred Heart Cemetery. They call it your “roots”. Michael Collins’ are here in this town. He often wondered about his heritage in County Cork, but he chose not to venture there. If a man is measured by the example he sets, then Michael Collins can rest assured that his strength, his endurance, his honesty, his helpfulness, his thriftiness, and his dedication to his family, work, and community have been an example that is measured highly and will live on through all of those who have known him and witnessed this, especially those who came from him. These principles will be carried forward into the future. In his heart, he was a true “Son of the South”. He left this world a walking distance from his beginnings—still in Winchester, in his beloved Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, a place he always said could not be surpassed anywhere, so why look any further?! The hard candy peppermints are all gone from the candy vase, but there’s no one to re-fill it, so it will stay empty. Rest in peace, Dad! -Your Son

Just a note Mike to thank you for being a friend to my Dad, W4HXB, in his time of need. Dick Rush, Jr.

I will miss you, Poppop. I hope that Mammaw was waiting for you and you are both happily together again. I have so many good memories with you. I was able to relive some of them with Pastor Knick yesterday. I'm sorry that this happened so fast, but I'm glad that I was able to spend a lot of time with you. You have been a part of so many things in your life and you will be remembered for each of them. There WILL be a plaque in your name as a charter member of the club. Your family we see to it. Thank you for being such a wonderful grandfather to Jeremiah, Isaiah, and me. We will never forget how you were there to help us and anyone else with whatever was wanted or needed. I love you! -Sierra (Poopsie #2) P.S. I am keeping the Uno cards that we always played with because I can't let those go, but I will be sending the unopened box with you. I hope you and Mammaw can touch up on your Uno skills before I get there.

Mike was a very special friend to our family. We are going to miss our dinners, rides in the country, many, many visits and phone calls. He loved the "short shakes" from Arby's. So long to a special friend. Rose, W3RMC Royce, W3IF

Mike was a friend of over twenty years and a fellow amateur radio operator. He always had a kind word for everyone he met and was quick to help when help was needed. Mike was a mentor to many in the amateur radio community and will be terribly missed by all who knew him. Thank you Mike and 73, Robert Cooley W3MV

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.