Robert J. “Bob” Collins

Robert J. “Bob” Collins SUNAPEE — Robert James “Bob” Collins lived a life full of love, adventure and fun. He celebrated his 84th birthday with his family full of smiles. Four days later on Aug. 18, 2019, Bob passed away peacefully from heart failure. Bob was born Aug. 14, 1935, in Sunapee, to Dexter Oscar Collins and Beulah Eastman Collins. He is survived by his older brother, Dexter, whom he had many wonderful adventures with. Bob loved his home state and cherished growing up in Sunapee where he learned to ski at the age of 2. Skiing was one of Bob’s greatest passions. His ski racing success in high school earned him a scholarship to the University of New Hampshire. He was the captain of the UNH Ski Team as a four-event skier (downhill, slalom, cross country, jumping) and a member of ROTC. He earned a BS in Glacial Geology. After college, he entered the U.S. Army Signal Corps eventually being assigned to the U.S. Biathlon Training Center. His athleticism earned him a spot on the 1959 U.S. Biathlon Team, representing the United States at the 1959 World Championships in Courmayeur, Italy. He was a member of the U.S. Biathlon Team at the 1960 Winter Games (Olympic Games) in Squaw Valley, Idaho. Bob moved to Colorado to start his professional career in the ski industry where he worked for Bob and Jack Beattie managing the Alpine Haus Ski Shops. Later, he became the U.S. director of sales for The Lange Co. He continued working in the ski and sportswear industry for companies such as Gerry, Brambilla France and Christy Sports. Bob also enjoyed a career in real estate. Bob’s greatest passions in life were his family, two daughters and friends. They gave him great joy and pleasure. The love and dedication he gave to them was unsurpassed. Bob could always be seen with a huge smile, joking and giving hugs. Please remember Bob for his vibrant love of life, his infectious smile, that amazing twinkle in his eye, his wonderful sense of humor and his deep love of family and friends. Bob is survived by his daughter Kelly Collins Henninger; his sons-in-law, Monroe Henninger and Evan Schwartz; and his seven grandchildren, Wylie, Max, Logan, Hayden, Quinn, Weston and Leo, all from Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by his brother Dexter Collins of Georges Mills. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter Tracy Collins Schwartz.