Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 14:23:07 -0800 From: Suzi Thibeault <4suzit@neworld.net> To: IUS-L@american.edu CC: Ultra@caligari.Dartmouth.EDU Subject: Gentleman Dick Collins XP The ultra community has lost a great gentleman. We have lost a wonderful friend. Dick Collins died last night. This is just so hard to take... We all loved him, enjoyed him, and just tried to live up to his standard of humility combined with determination in our sport. I know I'll be thinking about Dick this weekend on my long run, and I'm sure many of you will too... Suzi 4suzit@neworld.net Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 15:20:21 -0800 From: stanj (Stan Jensen) To: ius-l@american.edu, ultra@caligari.dartmouth.edu Subject: Dick Collins (XP) I am very sad to inform the ultrarunners of the world that Dick Collins passed away last night at the age of 63. I don't have many details yet, but I'm told that he died while watching TV at home. Knowing Dick, he could very well have been watching the Eco-Challenge special. Norm Klein, Jim Skophammer and many of Dick's friends from his many years of running will be helping his wife, Barbara, with the memorial arrangements and then we'll all try to get together and maintain Dick's classic ultras, like the Ruth Anderson 100K and the Firetrails 50m. If you have an old copy of UR from December 1995, just look inside the back cover to see Dick as many of us will remember him. Farewell, "Pop" Collins! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stan Jensen, Systems Engineer for "SGI Direct" stanj@sgi.com Silicon Graphics Inc., M/S 120 Phone:(415)933-5822 P.O. Box 7311, 1401 No. Shoreline Blvd. FAX: (415)932-5822 Mt. View, CA 94039-7311 "I (heart) Tonks" "http://www.sgi.com" "http://reality.sgi.com/stanj" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: RaiaRuns@aol.com Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 20:03:18 -0500 (EST) To: ultra@caligari.dartmouth.edu Subject: Dick Collins To the ultra tribe: There will be many stories, anecdotes and great tales of the legend of Dick Collins. But when the sad news of his passing arrived today, I thought about the last time I had a conversation with man we all admired. Coincidentally, Dick and I had parked our cars adjacently in the back lot at Gibson Ranch for last month's Jed Smith event. Dick had a great way of shaking hands, and he greeted me that stylish way about 30 minutes before the race. He would extend his hand at a slight inward angle, and then clasp your hand meaningfully, yet gently. He would smile slightly, look directly at you and nod while calmly repeating your name. It was gentlemanly and wonderful. Anyway, we talked for about 15 minutes before getting ready for the race. Some five hours later after finishing, I made my way to my car and there was Dick exiting his car. He had changed clothes, his hair was combed and his ever-present headphones were on. We shook hands again and Dick said it hadn't been his day. He had run a couple of laps but wasn't feeling well. But in classic Dick Collins' style, the day for him was still young. His close friend Ruth Anderson was still in the race, and he was about make his way to the makeshift aid station he had set up to see if he could help Ruth get through the day. That was Dick, alright. He loved to be in the race, but he was just as happy and concerned for his friends' races, too. Dick, long may you run. Respectfully submitted, James Raia RaiaRuns@aol.com Date: 19 Feb 97 20:29:24 EST From: Margie Lopez <102133.2222@CompuServe.COM> To: Stan Jensen Subject: Re: Dick Collins (XP) Stan - thank you for the notice. how very sad. Dick was always one of my favorite people, and I looked forward to seeing him always. margie Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 17:31:20 -0800 From: Gene Thibeault <2tbows@neworld.net> To: IUS-L@american.edu CC: Ultra@caligari.Dartmouth.EDU Subject: Dick Collins The news has been spreading around the Ultra Community that we has lost one of the legends of our Sport. Dick wasn't fast, he wasn't flashy, but he was always courageous,cheerful, good-natured, and quietly went about his love; running ultras. He was always there, I still believe that he has run more ultras than anyone. My favorite story about Dick took place in Leadville before the 1990 race. Dick, Suzi, John Medinger, and I were having dinner when Jim O'Brien walked in and came over to talk. Jim had destroyed the AC record and was favored to win Leadville that year (he did). When we introduced Jim to Dick. Jim said that I know who Dick Collins is and I am proud to meet you. After Jim left Dick was beside himself that Jim would know who he was. Dick was a humble gentlemen and the trails will be different without him. -- Gene Thibeault (t-bow)2tbows@neworld.net Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 20:49:12 -0500 From: diane mcnamara To: Stan Jensen Subject: Re: Dick Collins (XP) Stan, Such a shame to hear about Dick; and so young, relatively speaking. The ultra community lost a great leader here. Fred Pilon, Editor UltraRunning magazine dimac@javanet.com Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 17:50:18 -0800 To: ultra@caligari.dartmouth.edu From: Neil Mishalov Subject: Dick Collins I spoke with Barbara, Dick's wife, and she has informed me that the services for Dick will be held Tuesday, 25 February at 10am. She is still arranging the details, and I will post the information as soon as the details are finalized. I have had the pleasure of knowing Dick for 17 years. We last ran together at the Dipsea '96 ( After the race we ran/walked back to Mill Valley). He told me of his plans to do Western States in 1997. I will miss him. Neil From: Celdridge@aol.com Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 20:55:18 -0500 (EST) To: ius-l@AMERICAN.EDU cc: ultra@caligari.dartmouth Subject: Dick Collins I only met Dick a few times, but twice last April were very special times for me. I decided to run the Ruth Anderson 100K a couple of days before the race. When I called him, even though it was against the rules about pre-registration, he let me run anyway. I then proceeded to get lost getting to the start, drove up 10 minutes before start time without the correct change-and he still let me run and send him the money whenever I could. As a result of his flexibility, my first 100K turned into my best ultra run ever-I will always be grateful. Two weeks later, I struggled into the last aid station at the What-Mi-Wok 100K and saw Dick and a young woman at the aid station. His comment was something to the effect of "here's another one of the idiots who ran another 100K two weeks ago. No sympathy-they deserve all the pain they get." Somehow the last few miles went by a whole lot easier-and, in the space of about 10 seconds, I went from feeling like a struggling rookie to really feeling like I belonged. Thanks Dick-I'll never forget it. Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 22:22:23 -0700 (MST) To: IUS-L@AMERICAN.EDU From: peter@lascruces.com (Peter Franks) Subject: Dick Collins I first met Dick Collins a few years ago, on the eve of my first fifty miler, Firetrails 50 in 1992 I think. I had driven over to Tilden Park in Berkeley to check out a part of the course above the paved road a couple of miles from the turnaround. Off in the distance, a solitary figure made his way down the fireroad. We spoke, and I found out who he was. He was out marking, or re-marking, a part of the course. For some reason, that simple image of Dick making his way down the trail has stayed vividly in my mind, and I've been drawn back to FT50 several times, in no small part because of him. I didn't know Dick well, but hearing the news this afternoon was a shock. Yet his kind spirit is strong and he will be remembered for a long time to come. His presence made a difference; he made a part of our world a much better place. Peter Peter Franks peter@lascruces.com Silver (gateway to the Gila) City, New Mexico Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 21:36:11 -0800 From: Charlie and Nanci Gabri To: ius-l@AMERICAN.EDU Subject: dick collins dick was a friend to every runner. never a high finisher but very few non finishes. over 1000 races and 100 ultras. enjoyable to run with and the owner of many entertaining stories. i will miss him and thoes of you who never met him missed a lot. -ole slow charlie of foresthill Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 01:39:33 -0500 (EST) From: Geraldine Wales To: IUS-L@american.edu cc: ULTRA@caligari.dartmouth.edu Subject: Our Dick I am breaking my own rule and cross posting this to both lists because there will never be another ultra runner like Dick Collins. The man was what this sport is all about - humility, strength, and that oh-so-necessary immense love for running. He gave a lot of himself and each of us that was privy to that will carry it with us always. At the last Gibson Ranch, Norm Klein held a special tribute to Dick at the beginning. Dick accepted the award and praise with what looked like a shade of embarressment. He was a very humble man. I ran many a lap with Dick during those 6 years of Gibson Ranch. The man could tell a story and if you ever needed a little encouragement he had some of that to give out also. When I grow up, I want to be like Dick. I would appreciate someone letting me know the time and address of his services so I may do what I feel is necessary - send Dick my warmest with flowers. Lady G Date: Wed, 19 Feb 97 23:26:21 PST From: Joseph Franko Subject: Dick Collins To: Ultra List My first memory of Dick was at the Gibson Ranch Six Day. Over the course of those six days I discovered this kind gentle man who helped me and other runners to get through the ordeal of a six day. He had a wonderful, gentle manner, and a delightful sense of humor. I shall miss him greatly.... ******************************************************************** ** Joe Franko "Their deeds I judge ** ** Mount San Antonio College and much condemn yet ** ** jfranko@ibm.mtsac.edu when did I make laws ** ** Dept. of Math and Computer Science for them?" A E Housman ** ******************************************************************** Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 07:16:53 -0800 From: Dan Baglione To: IUS List CC: Ultra Caligari Subject: MANRHINO MANRHINO That was his user id. Fitting He faced challenges with the courage of a rhino. He saw them through with the persistence and strength of a rhino. A Gentleman A Gentle Man A Man Dick Collins -- Dan Baglione Here on the Foresthill Divide, 5.5 miles from the Western States Trail. Run long, Run strong. dbag@foothill.net http://www.foothill.net/~dbag Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 07:28:57 -0800 (PST) To: ultra@caligari.Dartmouth.EDU From: airboss@europa.com (Bob & Joanne Ross) Subject: Dick Collins (XP) Cc: ius-l@american.edu I have encountered Dick over the years at Cow Mountain, Timberline Trail, and Western States, always surprized that he seemed to know me. The images of two legends are etched in my mind - the firm handshake of Wendel Robie at Red Star Ridge and the genuine "hello" from Dick as I was climbing up Michigan Bluff. Bob Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 12:01:53 -0500 (EST) From: Geraldine Wales To: IUS-L@AMERICAN.EDU Subject: Open Letter An open letter to my Forest Prince Dear Prince; I am in constant awe of your power and your strength; but never in fear of it. This is why I can write this without any thought of retribution. Right now I am so very angry with you. What did you promise Dick that he fell asleep so easily in our world and woke up in yours? Did you promise him never ending safe trail with no roots and no rocks? Did you tell him the hills would always have gentle ups and downs? Did you promise him that the streams would always be safe to cross? Well, I have news for you. This was one man who needs a challenge and will not stand for it. And what about those of us left behind? You never gave us a chance for one last run, or to say we love you, or even to say thanks. We had no window of opportunity and for that I am most angry. Now, I know it is not my place to know your ultimate plan; but I know that even you cannot be without compassion for a community in such pain. I would like to propose a compromise of sorts. As he starts his races, let the spirit of some of us go with him. As he reaches each aid station, make sure he gets lots of our love. When he crosses the finish line, reward him with all of our thanks. And one last thing. What ever you do, don't let him R. D. He will give you a course that will knock the wind out of some of your sails and maybe the next time you decide to take one of us you will open that window of opportunity. Always, Lady G From: JVonhof@aol.com Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 13:00:37 -0500 (EST) To: ultra@caligari.Dartmouth.EDU Subject: Reflections on Dick Collins Fellow ultrarunners, For the last 24 hours, I have reflected on my memories of Dick Collins. Barbara called me yesterday morning to tell me that Dick had died. Instant shock. Instant denial. Instant questions-why? Instant reflection. Dick has been my friend for close to 16 years. This morning I found my copy of Ultrarunning May, 1991 where I wrote an article about Dick, "Dick Collins - A No-Frills, Common Sense Ultrarunner." I remember sitting at his dining room table and having a great time talking to him. To reflect, I pulled a few of the highlights out of the article. "Dick offers ultrarunners common sense advice, but without the frills that one might expect from a runner of his background and accomplishments." In 1991 he had ".run for over 16 years, about 800-900 races.. And more than 160 ultras.. 61 50-milers, 17 100-milers, 23 24-hour races, and 11 multi-day races." I wonder about his final total. I remember how he set up Styrofoam cups filled with sand on the curves of track runs, to mark where he would walk the curves while running the straights. "The people that I run with, the running community, they motivate me.. fun to be around.. A special bunch." Dick loved trail runs. "I figure I have spent more time on the Western States 100 trail during the race than anyone else, since most of my nine finishes have taken longer that the other finishers." "My attitude now is to go out and run how I feel, and don't worry about time and the other stuff." "I wouldn't be able to do this without her [Barbara}, help. She really has good advice, she knows enough about ultras to tell me what I should be doing. Often her advice is better that what I am thinking at the time." Dick's pet subject was getting other runners involved. "We must get the young people into the sport and get them involved. We need to keep pressing for those who run these events to also help out. You can always pick a time when you are not up to racing and help out." His one rule for successfully running an ultra, "Decide before the race the conditions that will cause you to stop and drop out. You don't want to be out there saying, `Well gee, my leg hurts, I'm a little dehydrated, I'm sleepy, I'm tired, and its cold and windy.' And talk yourself into quitting. If you are making a decision based on how you feel at that moment, you will probably make the wrong decision." And finally, "I don't know a whole lot about running. Most runners are deeper into all this physiology, they know about all these different shoes and how they are made, all these different bones and muscles, I really don't know too much about that. I just try to find something that works." I met Dick through running ultras. Through the years we ran the ten Redwood Empire 24-Hour Track Runs and two 12-Hour runs together and that is when you find out who you and others really are. As a fellow race director he was always there to assist with race planning, and I could always count on him to man an aid station at my Ohlone Wilderness Trail 50K Run. I never saw Dick angry. He was always warm, good-spirited, and cordial. He always shook you hand and was eager to talk to you, for as long as you wanted. His Firetrails 50-Mile Run was one of his favorites. For him it was a family event. His family, from the sons and daughters, all helped out. And then his other family, us the runners and aid station volunteers, came to share the day. Today, I know where Dick is. He has set up a course around the pearly gates, probably on a trail, and will be running it daily. And heaven will be a better place because Dick is there. Thanks Dick.. for the memories. I will miss the friendship of your gentle soul and warm heart. John Vonhof Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 15:38:44 -0800 From: Dan Baglione To: JVonhof@aol.com CC: ultra@caligari.Dartmouth.EDU Subject: Re: Reflections on Dick Collins JVonhof@aol.com wrote: > Thanks Dick.. for the memories. I will miss the friendship of your gentle > soul and warm heart. > > John Vonhof "gentle soul and warm heart", the essence of Dick Collins -- Dan Baglione Here on the Foresthill Divide, 5.5 miles from the Western States Trail. Run long, Run strong. dbag@foothill.net http://www.foothill.net/~dbag Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 17:24:52 -0800 To: IUS-L@AMERICAN.EDU, montever@slip.net, roat@dibbs.net, schiefferx@aol.com, kegregorich@lbl.gov, medi@chevron.com, kirk_boisseree@comptech.alcatel.com, clangan@uclink2.berkeley.edu From: mlpalmer@violet.berkeley.edu (Michael Palmer) Subject: Dick Collins Cc: kfge@chevron.com, jaza@chevron.com, ws@aol.com I just wanted to say a few things about Dick Collins. He was a decent, soft spoken, unpretentious man who I always enjoyed meeting at races and on the trail. About seven years ago I was thinking about doing ultras, having completed a couple of marathons. But I was intimidated by the idea of running a distance longer than a marathon; I couldn't see how that could be possible without tremendous suffering. At a pot luck that my club sponsored Dick Collins was the featured speaker and the topice was ultramarathoning. I listened to Dick calmly talk about how competing in ultras was less damaging than marathon racing. He gave advice about training and racing. At the time I thought he was crazy but after running a couple of ultras I realized that he was right. Ever since then I have run many ultras, enjoying them tremendously, and I've abandoned the shorter road races that had been my obsession. I feel that I've discovered my niche. The sport has also given me most of the friends that I have now. I remember when I completed my first few ultras I was filled with the pleasure of self-confidence. I felt ready to take on any challenge and this was at a time in my life when I was plagued with self-doubt. I am eternally grateful that I entered the world of ultramarathoning and I don't think I would have made this move without Dick's encouragement. There were many things I wanted to say to Dick and I thought I had plenty of time to say them. I especially wanted to thank him for introducing me to this sport. Those of you who never met the man missed meeting someone who is a role model for all runners, or for anyone who has excelled in a choosen endeavor: humble, willing to converse with anyone seeking advice, and always conducting himself with grace. Many times I've seen Dick when he was hurting and having a bad race but I never heard him complain about it to someone or project his problems onto other runners or his crew. When he DNF'd he simply went on to the next race. He endured in a manner for which he became known as "the legend". The races he directed were offered at a reasonable costs and with the runner's welfare given the utmost consideration. The races were done without a lot of fanfare but the courses were always well marked and the aid stations had plentiful food and knowledeable personnel. You got more than your money's worth from his races. Words can only do so much. They cannot fully convey the experience of knowing someone else. I my mind I see Dick trudging up a trail in his characteristic way. I can't imagine no longer seeing him out there. He had run 237 ultras and 147 marathons. I can only hope to come close to that record before my end. ---------------------- In talking to other runners I think that it is only appropriate to name Firetrails Fifty the "Dick Collins Trail Fifty" or something like that. For God's sake lets keep up this race as well as the Ruth Anderson 100K. It's the least we can do in his memory. I hear there's a funeral service planned for next Tuesday and there's talk about a memorial run in Oakland. If I don't here about the location and time of this run from this list I'll post it as soon as I hear about it from my friends. Michael Palmer internet: mlpalmer@violet.berkeley.edu http://www-summer.berkeley.edu/Guide/staff.html Student Services U.C. Berkeley Summer Sessions 22 Wheeler Hall #1080 Berkeley, CA 94720-1080 ---------------- (510) 642-5034 Fax: (510) 642-2877 Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 17:38:11 -0800 To: ultra@caligari.dartmouth.edu From: Neil Mishalov Subject: **Dick Collins Memorial Services** Cc: IUS-L@AMERICAN.EDU *** Memorial Services for Dick Collins *** DATE: Tuesday, 25 February 1997 TIME: 10:00am PLACE: Albert Brown Mortuary, 3476 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, California 94611. The mortuary is located between MacCarthur Boulevard & Broadway. After the services Dick will be buried at Mountain View cemetery. After the burial there will be a Memorial Luncheon. Memorial Luncheon Location: Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland California. The family wishes that in lieu of flower, donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Dick & Barbara Collins home address: 1015 Hollywood Avenue Oakland, Califirnia Telephone: 510 530-6634 Questions? Call me: 510 528-2434 or e-mail: neilm@sirius.com. Neil Mishalov Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 20:30:31 -0800 From: George Beinhorn To: 4suzit@neworld.net CC: IUS-L@american.edu, Ultra@caligari.Dartmouth.EDU Subject: Re: Gentleman Dick Collins XP > I know I'll be thinking about Dick this weekend on my long run, > and I'm sure many of you will too... > > Suzi > 4suzit@neworld.net I never met Dick, but I saw him working the aid stations at several runs. His bearing was of a caring, genuinely humble man. Definitely high on my "Every Runner's Friend" list. He'll be in my prayers. George Beinhorn rambei@primenet.com To: IUS-L@AMERICAN.EDU Subject: Dick Collins Date: Thu, 20 Feb 97 21:11:22 -0800 From: Jane Colman When a friend called me Wednesday afternoon to tell me of Dick's death, I found it hard to believe--I'd been talking to him Sunday morning before the DSE run; he had run a Dave Horning marathon the day before and the Las Vegas Marathon the week before, and he looked healthy and fit. I can only echo what everyone else has said about what a kind and gentle man he was, and what an incredible runner--not particularly fast, but always consistent. About this time last year he was encouraging me when I told him I was thinking about running the Ruth Anderson 100K, my longest race ever, and he was encouraging right down to my exhausted finish, not quite last. Last fall he offered me (and a few other slow runners) the option of starting Firetrails 50 half an hour early so that I could be sure of making the cutoffs, and as the last finisher of what was my hardest race ever, I had the honor of having Dick run with me for the last mile or so; one of his traditions was to personally bring in the last runner. The ultra world, especially in the Bay Area, will miss him greatly, and so will I personally. He has always been one of my role models. He was way too young to have left us. Jane Colman jane@netcom.com From: TrailPatty@aol.com Date: Fri, 21 Feb 1997 01:04:16 -0500 (EST) To: ius-l@AMERICAN.EDU Subject: Dick Collins is My Hero Dick Collins made me believe I could finish Firetrails 50 and I did after two unsuccessful attempts gave me a severe lack of confidence; this past year he helped me at American River 50 as we ran part way together; we enjoyed the trails together again at Quicksilver 50K and he kidded me about embarrassing the guys with all my talk about bras; he was there again cheering me on at Ohlone Wilderness 50K as he manned an aid station; I had the honor of running with Dick at Skyline 50K and Quadruple Dipsea and we laughed about doctors' responses to various running injuries, such as him telling the doctor that "he couldn't understand why he only had this pain when he ran 100 miles." We wished each other Happy New Year at John Medinger's birthday run and I gave him a hello hug at Jed Smith 50K in January... and now I'm sorry it was also a hug goodbye. Dick Collins is my hero and I will miss him terribly. I know there must be trails in heaven and he will be guiding many new friends into the woods. Pat Wellington in San Francisco TrailPatty@aol.com From: Tjbucket@aol.com Date: Fri, 21 Feb 1997 12:37:45 -0500 (EST) To: IUS-L@AMERICAN.EDU Subject: Dick Collins One if the first ultras I ran was the Firetrails 50. Months later at another race Dick came up to me shook my hand and spoke with me. I was suprised he remembered my face let alone my name. When I told him so, his response was "I remember everyone who runs one of my races." It made me feel part of the ultra community. Since then I've seen Dick at almost every ultra or marathon I've run. In the 80's we were running about the same pace so I was fortunate to have his company for a few miles during many runs. The one that stands out most was running some mid race miles with him at Old Dominion in 1988. It was great weather, we ran well, and he was great company. Last year at FT50 I was suffering from leg cramps and was hurting. At one point in the race I saw Dick and mentioned that this run was really going to hurt. He chuckled and said that I really don't know what pain is. (refering to my being 20 years younger than him). Well I know that pain now and it's the loss of a good friend. So don't be suprised this year if at the beginning of any northern California ultra that you will spot a few runners looking around with a smile on their face searching for friends they only see at ultras when suddenly a sadness or tear comes to their face when they realize that one of those friends won't be there. I'll really miss him. Ultras just won't be the same anymore. Tony Jankowski From: TIM_TWIETMEYER@HP-Roseville-om1.om.hp.com Date: Fri, 21 Feb 97 12:19:05 -0800 Subject: Dick Collins, my ultrarunning hero To: ultra@caligari.Dartmouth.EDU It's difficult to put into words the loss the sport of ultrarunning has experienced with the passing of Dick Collins. If there was an ultrarunning Hall of Fame, Dick would be a charter member. My first encounter of Dick goes all the way back to 1978, before I was much of a runner, and certainly not an ultrarunner. I happened onto the track at Woodside High School near where I lived to see what a 24-hour run was all about. I stopped by the track after work and watched the runners as they made their way around the 440-yard cinder track. The race contained several icons of our sport - Don Choi, Ruth Anderson, Abe Underwood, and the quiet, unassuming man that fascinated me the most, Dick. Built more like a 49'er fullback than a runner, his pistonlike legs shuffled around the track with a steady efficiency that neither slowed, nor sped up, just delivered mile after mile. He made it look easy.I studied the man and everything that he ate, drank and did that day and I couldn't have picked a better mentor to learn the tricks from. I was so intriqued by the race that I went home and dragged my dad back to the track to see the runners, and especially Dick, as they ran into the night under the light of two lanterns placed at each end of the track. I also returned the next morning to complete my first lesson from the master. So inspired by Dick's performance in 1978, I joined the fun the next year and ran my first ultra on the same track, with a similar group of luminaries. This would be my first "hands-on" lesson among the greats, and the pupil quickly learned that it's not as easy as Dick made it look. But the biggest lesson that day was that there's no better runner or person to run a track run with than Dick. He was on the track the entire time, he set the example of how to persevere, he encouraged everyone as they struggled in the late hours, and he always did it with the warm smile and matter-of-factness, that you felt that was how everyone should do it. Everyone didn't,though, but we knew we could rely on Dick to carry the group. I scratched out 83 miles that year, and Dick went on to finish the 48-hour event. Dick was the resident expert on every ultra and how to finish. When most of us didn't even know what ultrarunning was, Dick was setting the example. In 1979, he finished Western States, then the next weekend completed the first modern day six-day run, and finished off the following weekend with the San Francisco marathon. He completed every major west coast ultra at the time - Jed Smith, Lake Tahoe, AR50, Cow mountain, WS100 and everything in-between. Being at every race, he was a person you could rely on for advice, encouragement, or if you were in a pinch, one of those hard candies he always carried in his shorts. He always endured without complaint, a no-excuses guy, even on his worst day. When Ultrarunning magazine asked who my running idols were, Dick was at the top of the list. Not because he won any races, set any course records, or was a high-profile guy, but because he embodied the spirit of the sport. He was the runner and person that provided the role model for all my running, even to this day. He brought to every race a wealth of information, guidance, and inspiration that carried many people to the finish that otherwise wouldn't have made it. But most importantly, he did it all with a style that was humble, gracious, and the same for every runner, top-ten or last-ten. Dick, the runner, will be sorely missed, but Dick, the gentleman, leaves even a bigger void. For those of us that had the honor of knowing Dick, we were truly blessed. For those that didn't know Dick, he was a running legend whose spirit will live-on with every runner who was fortunate enough to know him. Dick Collins, runner, mentor, race director, role model, father, husband, volunteer, pacer, aid station captain, gentleman. You were held in the HIGHEST regard by this runner. You were "the man". With the greatest respect, Twiet. Tim_Twietmeyer@hp.com From: BRIAN_PURCELL@HP-Sonoma-om1.om.hp.com Date: Fri, 21 Feb 97 12:47:27 -0800 Subject: Dick Collins, my ultrarunning hero To: blaney@ix.netcom.com, BRogers981@aol.com, HEWI@chevron.com, rnrrudy@sonic.net, JimSugar@aol.com, Dane_Larsen@barths.com, LizCornish@aol.com, LHARRIS@CMOTOR.COM, stanj@sgi.com, kevin.purcell@bglobal.com, Npurcell10@aol.com, dschrock@aeacu.com, pamschrock@aol.com, purcell@chromatic.com, Shawn@yahoo.com, KAHDEMAN_JAN/HP-Sonoma_om1@hpcc39.corp.hp.com, WANG_GARY/HP-Sonoma_om2@hpcc39.corp.hp.com, GARCIA_ALEX/HP-Sonoma_om2@hpcc39.corp.hp.com, GRADE_MICHAEL/HP-Sonoma_om1@hpcc39.corp.hp.com, ROSE_NIGEL/HP-Queensferry_unix2@hpcc39.corp.hp.com, RUGGLES_RON/HP-Sonoma_om1@hpcc39.corp.hp.com, BRISKI_SUSAN/HP-Sonoma_om1@hpcc39.corp.hp.com, MORGREEN@aol.com, Bernie431@aol.com, ebohn@metro.net, bdillman@cusd.chico.k12.ca.us, normk@juno.com, ngloyd@cctds.textron.com, HINRICHS_PATRICIA/HP-Sonoma_om1@hpcc39.corp.hp.com, HERNANDEZ_BETH/HP-Sonoma_om1@hpcc39.corp.hp.com, DANIELSON_JILL/HP-Sonoma_om1@hpcc39.corp.hp.com, GILLIAM_KATHY/HP-Sonoma_om1@hpcc39.corp.hp.com, TANZER_HERB/HP-Roseville_om2@hpcc39.corp.hp.com One of the greatest ultra runners died this week. Tim does an excellent job of explaining what "greatness" is. Dick ran over 1,000 ultra marathons and always had a smile and a words of encouragement. We will miss him greatly. Brian From: TESTVOLT@aol.com Date: Fri, 21 Feb 1997 19:27:34 -0500 (EST) To: IUS-L@american.edu cc: Ultra@caligari.dartmouth.edu Subject: Uncle Dick Just a quick note to thank you all for your sincere and warm remembrances of my Uncle Dick. Reading your letters has brought both smiles and tears to the family members who have been able to read them so far. It is wonderful during this time to be reminded of how respected and loved Dick was and is. Laura Anderson From: John Buenfil To: "'ultra@caligari.dartmouth.edu'" Subject: Dick Collins Date: Sat, 22 Feb 1997 00:28:48 -0800 Another unsolcited testimonial. It happened that Dick Collins and I = started running within months of each other at Lake Merritt in Oakland, = California. We both soon joined the San Francisco Dolphin South End = Runners and were encouraged by such existing members of that club as = Walt Stack and Ruth Anderson to continue testing ourselves against more = and longer runs. In those days I was (at least compared to now) something of a rabbit = runner, that is go out fast and then drag in or drop out. I finished the = first American River Fifty because midway through the run when Dick = Collins caught up to me while I was sitting on the bumper of my = handlers' car, his kind words of encouragement got me moving again. We = finished that run and many later ones together. But, for all his long slow distance, and his willingness to encourage = all other runners, Dick was also a real competitor. He always believed = that if the race was long enough then he had a chance of placing or = winning. Dick Collins took two second places that I know of. He was = second only to John Notch in the Heart 100 Miler which John put on in = 1979, circling Alameda County. And he was second to Don Choi at the = Spirit Six Day Track Run, which Twiet mentioned, which Don put on in = July of 1980. And if memory serves me correctly Dick was once the = outright winner of one of our Bay Area Ultrarunners 24 Hour Races. Please don't try to make him into a saint. I've seen him thoroughly = angry on occassion. Like angry at the drivers on Road courses like The = Feather River 50 Miler or the Lake Tahoe 72 miler who seem to try to see = how close they can get to the runners without hitting them. He was also = known to utter a few choice words for the members of our own clan who = always had time to run the races but never had time to work them or the = people who just did not think the rules applied to them. Things like = notifying someone when they drop out of a trail race or paying attention = to the date entries close. Dick Collins was a warm and caring man and a good friend who I will = surely miss. John Buenfil jbuenfil@bdt.com From: MSkager@aol.com Date: Sat, 22 Feb 1997 05:27:25 -0500 (EST) To: TrailPatty@aol.com cc: ultra@caligari.Dartmouth.EDU, ius-l@american.edu Subject: Dick Collins Just a couple of personal Dick Collins things to tack on to what many others have said so well. Tim Twietmeyer mentioned that Dick set no course records, but Dick did run one very important American Record. In the first modern 6-day race in San Diego, the 1st Spirit Six Day, Dick ran an American Veterans Record. Now, 350 miles is not now so much for six days, but at them time, this was uncharted territory. For several years after, we considered 250 & 300 miles to be very respectable 6-day efforts. But, the point is that Dick, with Don Choi, was there First. he was the pioneer. With no idea what was going to happen, Dick & Don, & Ed Dodd, and a few others set out to see what would happen. And Dick ran further than any American over 40 had ever run in 6 days. That can never be taken away. My second memory is a little different. I don't know how many 24's Dick ran, but it was all he could get his hands on. In 1986 I was coming back from chronic achilles tendinitis which plagued me after the 1985 trans am. My come-back race was the Bay Area 24 hour then held in Hayward, California. This is where I actually met Dick. I came back & eked out my 100 slightly plus miles. Dick ran cheerfully & steadily & got something like the mid 80's. Somewhere along the line, afer we had exchanged a few 6-day stories, he made the telling statement "Marv, the difference now is I don't assume I'll get 100 miles." Now what's the point of that? Just this. To a 24 hour runner, especially then, 100 hours was the minimum respectable distance. 100 was very important, we would do almost anything to give the RD another finish over 100. But when Dick dropped under, when he ran his best and got 80, 90, whatever, did he pack it in, did he stop? Not on your life. He just kept right on going. goodbye Dick, the holder of the first record I ever broke, and one of the finest gentle people ever to walk/run the face of the earth. Marv Skagerberg (MSkager@aol.com) Date: Sat, 22 Feb 1997 11:53:33 -0800 To: ultra@caligari.dartmouth.edu From: Neil Mishalov Subject: **** Dick Collins Obituary ****Corrected! Cc: IUS-L@AMERICAN.EDU The following obituary was published in the Saturday, 22 February 1997, edition of the San Francisco Chronicle: ************************************************* COLLINS, Richard D. (Dick) -- 2-19-97. Beloved husband to Barbara; devoted father to Steven (Leslie) Collins, Karen (Mike) Myers, Ron Collins, Susan (Terry) Montana and Michael (Beth) Collins; grandfather to James, Tiffany, Mitchell, Stacie, Brandon, Kirsten and Sara; dear brother to James (Kirsten) Collins and Helen DeBell; and brother-in-law to Barry and Norma Johnson. Dick was a co-founder of ALTA Mechanical, a construction firm in San Francisco. Dick was a member of Plumbers Union Local 38 of San Francisco, past President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Northern California and a co-founder of the Bay Area Ultrarunners. Dick also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends. Aged 63. Friends are invited to call Monday, February 24, 1997. Quiet Time will be observed from 6:00pm till 8:00pm, and attend Services Tuesday, February 25, 1997 at 10:00am. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. Albert Brown Mortuary 3476 Piedmont Avenue Oakland 652-1873 Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 16:55:48 -0500 To: ultra@caligari.Dartmouth.EDU From: "Richard M. Ratzan" Subject: Re: Dick Collins re: Dick Collins Michael Palmer wrote: " Those of you who never met the man missed meeting someone who is a role model for all runners, or for anyone who has excelled in a chosen endeavor: humble, willing to converse with anyone seeking advice, and always conducting himself with grace. Many times I've seen Dick when he was hurting but I never heard him complain about his condition or project his problems onto other runners or his crew. When he DNF'd he simply went on to the next race." I never met Dick Collins (I probably did but didn't know it) but think that this characterizes many people in ultra running. I am NOT trying to downplay what is a wonderful tribute to someone who sounds extraordinary. I am trying to say that it is exactly this attitude that got me hooked on ultra-running. i know that i am a very different person when i am in an ultra. it brings out the class in us and makes most of us embarrassed to be other than gentleman and ladies and good sports. i am sorry i did not get to know him. ciao r Richard M. Ratzan richard.ratzan@mail.trincoll.edu 860-679-3370 Date: 24 Feb 1997 12:40:20 -0800 From: "Bill Andrews" Subject: Re: Dick Collins To: "Michael Palmer" Cc: "Dead Runners Society" , "Internet Ultra Society" , "ULTRA" I think a memorial run is a great idea!!! Since it would be tomorrow, can you let me know more details as early as possible. Thanks. I've only met Dick Collins a few times, but he's the person that twisted my arm into entering my first 50 miler (just 4 months ago) when I was still only skeptically dreaming of doing one. He was an inspiration to me. Date: Thu, 27 Feb 97 23:29:52 UT From: "Greg Soderlund" To: ultra@caligari.dartmouth.edu Cc: "Stan Jensen" Subject: FW: memories of Dick Collins 2/22/97 I just returned from one of Norm and Helen Klein's WS training runs on the last 20 miles of the course. The skies were clear and blue, cleansed by gentle winds out of the west. There was no need for gloves; a T-shirt was all you needed. The trails were beautiful, almost manicured, something unexpected after the big storms of December and January. About 5 miles into the run I was running alone, enjoying the day, when the memories joined me. I had heard of Dick Collin's passing earlier in the week and planned on being there to say goodbye on Tuesday. What I didn't expect was the small flood of memories and how they would dominate the last 3 hours of my run. I remembered Dick in those ever present glasses, yellow shorts with a pocket, and earphones, running down the trail in that determined shuffle mode of his with lots of arm swing. I remembered Dick working the finish line at Firetrails 50, quietly greeting each finisher, checking their time, handing out finisher awards, and writing both name and time on a small finish board. Dick was the only RD I ever watched who wasn't yelling at someone. He was too gentle, too kind, too low key, too quiet for that. I remember asking Dick if he would mind if I requested Grand Prix status for the Sierra Nevada Endurance Run that follows his race by 2 weeks. I already knew his answer. Each year Dick would call me just to make sure his run didn't conflict with mine. Pick an ultra, any ultra in Northern California, and it would be a safe bet that you would find Dick there saying hello and shaking hands, quietly. I have the memories. I wish I had more. Greg Soderlund Date: Fri, 28 Feb 1997 01:12:15 -0500 (EST) From: Geraldine Wales To: IUS-L@AMERICAN.EDU Subject: Dick Collins Dear Friends; I have been told today that my letter was read at Dick's funeral. Someone else told me it was read by the pastor. I am honered that this was done as it makes me feel like I was there. But, I have also decided that I am going to bury Dick. I am going to bury him in the one place where I can take him out anytime I need him and enjoy his company. I am going to bury him in my heart. I hope that many of you who knew and loved him will do the same for that is the one place where he will never die. Lady G