Thomas Anderson Collins

Mr. Thomas A. Collins of Portage, MI and Colorado Springs, CO, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at his home in Portage. He was born September 4, 1945 in Stockbridge, MI, the son of Arthur and Isabel (Good) Collins. Tom was a 1963 Stockbridge High grad, going on to obtain his Bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1972, and his Master's from Michigan State in 1975. Tom was a teacher in the Gull Lake Public Schools for over 25 years, instructing in drafting, woodworking, journalism, technology education, algebra, and freshman orientation. He coached middle school basketball and varsity men's and women's golf. His co-workers, students, and players will remember him for his sense of humor, good sportsmanship, and his genuine interest in them and their success. Earlier in his teaching career, he was a leader in curriculum development and taught building trades at the Van Buren Skills Center. He also taught and coached in Leslie, MI. Tom's Gull Lake men's golf teams won first place in the Woverine Conference seven times, and twice he was recognized as Conference golf Coach of the Year. He twice was named Regional Coach of the Year by the Michigan Interscholastic Association, and he was inducted into the Michigan Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2012. During summer recess and in retirement, Tom worked at the Gull Lake View Golf Resort. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife, Rowena (Wotring) Collins; children Shannon Tijan, Morgan Collins-Reed, and Christina (Scott) Haller; grandchildren Tori and Sydney Tijan and Ronin and Eason Haller; brothers John (Becca) Collins and Bill (Julia) Collins; sister-in-law Carolyn Collins, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 2PM at the Gull Lake View Golf Resort, 7417 N. 38th Street in Augusta, MI. Mr. Warren Petoskey, author of "Dancing My Dream," will offer spiritual meditation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation-Tom Collins Scholarship Fund, 11775 East D Ave., Richland, MI 49083. Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-343-6156. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net