Robert (Bob) W. Collins passed away peacefully on May 14, 2021. Bob brought comfort and joy to many special people in his life including Donna, his treasured wife and best friend, and devoted daughters Becki and Janni. Bob was a happy family man and proud of all his children. He was loved and admired by his six stepchildren and many grandchildren who are grateful for Bob’s presence in their lives.
He served our country in the U.S. Navy. Bob was an Active Duty and Reserve Navy officer for over 30 years. He lived by the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment, and exhibited respect and admiration for all those who served or are currently serving in the military. Bob also spent 30 years with General Mills and found many opportunities to talk about the artistry of flour milling.
Bob advocated for social responsibility and philanthropy. He was a founding member of Harvesters – The Community Food network whose mission is “… to feed hungry people today and work to end hunger tomorrow”. He served on multiple non-for-profit boards including Ozanam. Bob believed volunteering was something you just do “…why wouldn’t you?”
Bob loved life. He and Donna created countless happy memories with family and friends at their Lake of the Ozarks home. He was known for long boat rides and enjoying an evening gin on-the-rocks while sitting on the dock. After two gins, he was likely to start singing California Berkley fight songs. Bob loved all things Kansas City Chiefs. As a loyal season ticket holder, he and Donna hosted many Arrowhead Stadium tailgates. Bob’s family is so grateful he was able to watch the Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV!
Bob was admirably open-minded. He appreciated balanced discussions on any topic and valued hearing differing perspectives. He embraced healthy disagreement as an opportunity to learn and grow.
He and Donna relished traveling and trying new adventures including living and working in Romania. Bob also treasured his daily routine of reading newspapers, magazines, smoking a late afternoon cigar and, of course, sipping on an evening gin.
Bob loved and was loved. He made this world a better place. In lieu of a memorial service, the family asks that you honor Bob through an act of volunteerism or a donation to Harvesters.
Today, I was sadden to see my old friend Bob Collins’ obituary in the Star…but also very grateful that I saw it. In the late 1970’s I met Bob at Dale’s Athletic Club and for a number of years Bob & played countless (probably hundreds) of Racquetball games! We’d meet at Dale’s for late afternoon RB games and always had such fun. In my mind, I can still hear the sound of his voice when I’d call him at General Mills to arrange a game or just chat. Bob was a real gentleman, a great sport on-and-off the RB court and a joy to play. In 1988 I moved to another club and lost touch with Bob but have thought of him many times over the years and have such great memories of our friendship and countless fun RB games during those years. I will remember him fondly the rest of my life. I send condolences & blessings to his wife and family.
Chuck Bloom.
I wonder if this was the Bob Collins I drilled with as a Navy Reservist. Wasn’t he an engineer? We were in the same NATO unit. If it is the same Bob Collins, he sold me (I think – maybe gave ) his khaki (uniform) windbreaker one time when I did not have one to wear with my uniform and someone was giving me a hard time about it!! I really liked him and years ago had heard that he had cancer…. I remember calling on him (in another capacity) at the General Mills sort of grain elevator location by the river….this is really reaching back… It looks as if he had a full and happy life…I do remember him fondly.
Donna, my deepest sympathy. Seeing this notice brought back the times at the lake with a Bomb Bay Saphire and olives capped off with a fine cigar. Bob was a one of a kind gentleman
I worked at Ozanam many years ago and remember Bob and Donna as amazing volunteers who were deeply involved in Ozanam events and fundraisers. They were the kind of volunteers who could always be counted on to be there and be of help in any way they could. They were a wonderful team whose support of Ozanam truly made a difference for the children and families served. My sincere condolences to Donna and all of Bob’s family.