Dr. Keith Andrew Collins

Dr. Keith Andrew Collins, passed away in his home, surrounded by his family after a short battle with Cholangiocarcinoma at the young age of 45. His death is mourned by so many but especially his wife of 22 years, Jennifer (Babin) and his six beloved children, Caroline, Keith "Andrew," Julianne, Analiese, Christian, and Kyle. He is also survived by his siblings, Hank (Kim), Kathy Morse (Mike), Peggy, Kevin (Beth), Kelly Savage (David), Rosana Preau (Dennis), and Tommy Collins; and his in-laws Judy and Barry Babin, his brother-in-law, Michael (Stephanie) and many beloved nieces, nephews and other family members who will miss him dearly. He is welcomed into his heavenly home by his parents, Harry and Alfie Collins and his brother, Eddie. The youngest of nine children, Keith attended St. Philip Neri with all of his siblings. He graduated as valedictorian from De La Salle High School and then graduated from Boston University where he was a Trustee's Scholar with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. After five years working as a computer programmer for TechniCAL, Inc., he returned to school and received his MD from the LSUHSC in 2000. He was awarded the highest honor, the Chancellor's Award for Integrity, Character and Service. He completed his residency in Pediatrics at LSU and Children's Hospital in 2003 and began practicing with Sunrise Pediatrics in the same year. In 2005, Keith and his wife, Jennifer, founded Collins Pediatrics on Metairie Road. His pediatric practice brought him great joy and word of his professionalism and his charming, compassionate, personality with his patients and their families spread. The practice expanded over the years to include four additional doctors, a nurse practitioner and a second office in Lakeview. He loved all of his doctors, nurses, staff, and patients as if they were an extension of his own family and that legacy of Collins Pediatrics will live on for years to come. Keith was voted the Best Pediatrician by NOLA Baby and Family multiple times including this year and was a Top Doctor in New Orleans magazine multiple times. Keith had a passion for community service as well. He was a member of the Board of Directors at East Jefferson General Hospital from 2008 until his death. He was an active member of the St. Catherine of Siena Men's Club serving as President in 2012-13. Being involved in the Men's Club was truly one of the highlights of his life. He was an active member of Metairie Country Club, the Hermes organization, the Krewe of Baronne and a passionate lover of all things Mardi Gras. He was, of course, an avid Saints and LSU fan, and loved traveling and celebrating with his family and friends, especially the night "before" a holiday, more than anything. Keith was also passionate about Catholic education as he felt a great debt to the schools he attended and the schools his children attended. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to his favorite Catholic schools: St. Mary's Dominican High School (STREAM campaign), De La Salle High School, Christian Brothers School, and St. Catherine of Siena School. The Collins family would like to thank the many outstanding doctors and nurses at East Jefferson General Hospital who comforted him along this short journey including but not limited to Drs. Brenner, Catinis, Marino, St. Germain, Peters, and Veith. Keith was especially blessed to be comforted by the care and companionship of his life-long friend and physician, David Myers, MD. The outpouring of love and kindnesses shown to his family during this summer by family, friends, patients, and colleagues has been an amazing testament to how many people love Keith. For this there are no words to adequately express gratitude. He will be deeply missed by his thousands of patients and his dear friends and family but his legacy of love and joyful service to others, will live on far beyond his lifetime. A wake service will be held at 6 PM on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at St. Catherine of Siena Church 105 Bonnabel Blvd. Metairie LA 70005 followed by visitation until 9 PM. Visitation resumes Friday, September 4th at 9:45AM till 11:45AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon. Interment will take place at Metairie Cemetery. To view and sign the Family Guest Book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.