Brian John Collins of Canterbury, NH left this world and the many people who love him on September 5, 2022. A bright shining light was extinguished all over the state of NH and around the globe. A fighter until the end, Brian’s battle with glioblastoma cancer in his brain finally took its toll.
Brian was born in South Boston, MA in 1955, the second child of the late James and Winifred Collins. His older brother James (Jim) Collins was born in 1950, and they were soon joined by a third brother, Richard in 1959. Richard was born with significant health issues, and multiple disabilities at a time when there were no community supports or legal entitlements. Richard lived at home until the family could no longer care for him. With few options available to the family, Richard was placed at The Paul A. Dever State School in Taunton MA, a state institution where he lived for about 10 years. The family brought Richard home on weekends and holidays where he was an integral part of the family. Brian’s experiences while growing up with his brother Richard would shape the trajectory of the rest of his life and shaped the person he became at his core.
Brian and his family spent summers in New Hampshire on Newfound Lake beginning in the 1960’s, eventually buying a cottage in Bridgewater. Brian fell in love with Newfound and he continued to visit friends and family on the lake until he and Diane bought their cottage in 1997. He loved boating with the kids and running around the lake on a Saturday morning. In 1968 Brian and his family moved to West Roxbury, MA where he attended Catholic Memorial High school. The strong friendships made at “CM” and at Newfound Lake would be among his closest and most treasured.
After completing his degree in Communications at Boston College and marrying his BC girlfriend and wife of 41 years, Diane O’Hara, Brian accepted a position in 1982 at the Bureau of Developmental Services in Concord, NH. Brian and Diane left Boston and moved to NH, where Brian began a long and successful career in the NH Developmental Services System. He completed his Master’s in Public Administration at UNH in 1990, and in 1995 became the Executive Director for what is now Community Partners in Strafford County, one of ten Area Agencies providing services to NH citizens with developmental disabilities. The agency later joined together with Behavioral Health Services of Strafford County to form the current model.
Brian’s work life is a long list of accomplishments over the last 40 years. But Brian was always fueled by the work itself, meeting the daily needs of families, working with and around obstacles. He was a “go to” guy when a creative solution was needed. He could think quickly on his feet and walk the tightrope between the rules and the reality. He brought a unique perspective borne of his life experiences.
Aside from his family, Brian’s greatest passion was running. His accomplishments and his impact on the running community in NH are too long to list. His long streak of running the Boston Marathon was a source of great pride. He was a member of the Quarter Center Club (QCC), marathoners who have run 25 or more consecutive Boston Marathons. Marathon Day in Boston was a friend and family affair. No need to call ahead, Brian’s supporters gathered at Mile 23 to cheer him on as he came by. He always stopped to say hello and to give big hugs.
Brian was the proud father of two sons, Brendan born in 1986, and Emmett born in 1990, both of whom have their own running accomplishments, along with many others. Brian loved being a dad and more recently, a grandfather. Brian’s presence in the lives of his family will be terribly missed. But he leaves us a legacy of engagement, service, and living life to the fullest.
Brian is survived by his wife, Diane O’Hara, of Canterbury, NH, his son Brendan Collins and his wife Bijaya Sharma, and his grandson Rowan Collins of Melrose, MA, his son Emmett Collins, of Canterbury, NH; his brother James Collins and his wife Kathie Gilmore of Cape Coral, FL, as well as several nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his brother Richard Collins and his parents Winifred and James Collins.
There will be a Run for Brian 5k at Northeast Delta Dental in Concord, NH at 9:00am on September 24 for anyone wanting to participate.
To honor Brian’s memory, we are holding a Celebration of Life on September 24 from 1:00pm-5:00pm at Bennett Funeral Home 209 North Main Street, Concord, NH. We invite anyone who knew him to attend and remember his wonderful life.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Community Partners, Dover NH or to Dr. Patrick Wen at Dana Farber in support glioblastoma research.
https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?fr_id=1200&pg=team&team_id=3380
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