"Collins family, We have so many great memories of Dan though from so many years ago when we were all ?growing up?. We now live a few blocks away from your childhood home and I think of you every time I walk by. We hope you all hold your memories of Dan close in your heart. Peace to your entire family. Love, Dan and Gail Nichols "
In loving memory of
Daniel C. Collins
September 14, 1953 - February 24, 2020
Daniel Carroll Collins, age 66, was born in South Bend, Indiana, on September 14, 1953, to Carol (Fitzgibbon) Collins and Cornelius Conklin Collins. Dan entered eternal life on February 24, 2020. He is survived by his siblings Michael (Ann) Collins, Jeffrey (Laura) Collins, Joel (Colleen) Collins, and Julie Collins-DeHaven. He is further survived by nieces and nephews Ben Collins, Sarah Collins, Chelsie Collins, Kiley DeHaven, Connor DeHaven, and Mattie DeHaven, all of whom loved him deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings who died as infants, Margaret (Meg) and Ned Collins. Dan was a kind, passionate man who was loved by many. He worked most recently at the Do-It Tech Store on the UW campus before retiring in 2017. He was an avid sports fan and an athlete in his own right; he was an All City tennis and hockey player at Madison West High and played for the men's tennis team at UW-Madison before becoming a teaching pro in Los Angeles and at Cherokee Club in Madison. Dan battled depression and psoriatic arthritis for much of his adult life. He found a way to strive on, to smile, and share his quick wit with others along the way.
Until we meet again Dan,
We will miss you dearly.
You will never be forgotten.
We hold you close within our hearts,
And there you will remain,
To walk and guide us through our lives,
Until we meet again.
Please share your memories of Dan by posting Tributes.
Tributes
"Dan was a fixture of my years at the Tech Store. He made everyone who walked through the doors feel welcome and I enjoyed every minute talking to him about the latest current events. My thoughts are with him! Thanks for the many memories. "
"I'm grateful for all of the time I got to spend laughing and swapping stories with Dan while working at DoIT. He was about the most genuine and kind person you could ever hope to meet. Rest easy Dan"
"You gave your heart and soul to others, you never thought twice about helping others out, no matter what you were going through yourself. One of the kindest men I have ever known. Never a bad word for others, always a smile and a helping hand. You are going to be very missed by many. Sorry to not make more of an effort to see you sooner. RIP Danno, keep 'em laughing above! "
"He was such a great guy. So happy and helpful and gracious with a spot of directness that was always fun and on point. It was a pleasure to have worked with him at the UW Madison DoIT Tech Store "
"Loved seeing Dan at the tech store when I worked for DoIT. He always had a smile on his face. Never would have known that he had an issue with depression. We never know what pain lies behind those smiles and kind words."
"Dan Collins was always a GENTLEMAN! We worked together at DoIT and Dan always helped me all the time. We would talk and laugh together. You will be missed Dan! GOD BLESS YOU MY DEAR, DEAR FRIEND AND REST IN PEACE! Your Friend always, Gretchen Caire"
"My wife and I want to thank all of you that have posted tributes to our beloved brother, Dan. He was a man that had many gifts and shared them freely along the way with those he met and knew. We know are comforted in knowing that he is with mom, dad, Meg and Ned and has come home to them and has found peace. "
"Danny, I watched you so tenderly accompany your mom in her last days. I know your welcome there with all the beloveds was as gentle and loving as you always were with us here. It is too soon you have gone, but you could never leave our hearts. It's a hard slog sometimes this life. To love is to succeed. You did that well my cousin. I will cherish that last bear hug too."
"I?ll remember Dan as the gifted athlete and kind man he was. I have this memory of him playing hockey at Vilas park. It?s a flash of blades and a spray of frost. He knew the joy of speed and quick wit more than most of us get to. I?m sorry you couldn?t be with us longer brother, we will miss you dearly always. My condolences to Mike, Jeff, Joel, and Julie. My heart goes out to you all."
"Dearest Cousins, Such a sad time. Losing so much, so suddenly. Danny please be happy now and give auntie Carol a kiss from me. Much love to you all, Nora Cecchini"
"Dan rest in heaven with mom, dad, Meg and Ned. I will miss your presence in the family, your competitiveness in family sports, your deep knowledge of statistics of all sporting teams. As a young kid you taught me tennis and all 4 of us boys skated at Vilas lagoon or a pick up hockey game there or sitting with mom at the Vilas beach eating cold chicken mom would pack for us. Colleen and I will miss you deeply. "
"Danny was my hero as a young kid. He was the brother who would comfort me when there was a storm and I was afraid. He was always there to chase the bad guys away - real and imagined. I miss him so much. I can't believe I won't get another bear hug from him. I miss you! You were the best."
"Dear Collins family, very saddened to see Danny's passing. I was between Dan and Jeff at BS and knew them both as good athletes and good guys. Reading the last lines of his obit, he is very Irish. I am sorry for all your loss and glad he has found his peace."
"Our 2 families were neighbors from the late 50's to late 60's a rapturous time for young kids growing up with a backyard to Villas park... Wow what a time it was. The boys were tight group exploring all that was OUR backyard & Dan was a big part. From being chased by parkies to keeping the hordes from destroying our homes on July 4th. I have spent most of my time on the West Coast but will never forget the time we all had. RIP big guy "
"Godspeed Dan on this your final journey. Trust you will find peace and serenity. "
"I always enjoyed running into Danny at the DoIT store across the street from my office in AOSS. I'm so sad to read of his death."
"I am very sad to hear of Dan's passing. He was a nice man who was always very friendly to me. I am sure that the wonderful memories of Dan will help his family get through this time of loss. Susan"
"My heart is heavy with the loss of my brother Dan. At least his pain and suffering is over. Per his wishes there will be no funeral service."