You have probably read several of his books on herpetology, like the Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guide series). Dr. Collins was founder of the Kansas Herpetological Society and the Center for North American Herpetology and a great friend of herpetologists worldwide. He also spoke at several meetings of the Nebraska Herpetological Society. A very close friend of his posted this message on the NHS discussion group:
"Joe had a massive coronary while in Florida during his annual trek to St. George Island. He was unable to be revived on the way to the hospital. Currently Suzanne [his wife] is with her daughter and mother..still in Florida. Joe will be cremated in Florida, and then they will all drive back to Lawrence together. Joe's brother is having surgery within the next week, and so a memorial service in Lawrence won't be for a couple of weeks..at least. Details regarding a memorial service are unknown at this time. The family plans to spread his ashes at Reelfoot Lake (his most beloved herping grounds) this Spring. His obituary is currently being written...it should be released very soon. I will pass on more information as I receive it."
RIP, Dr. Collins, you will be truly missed.
Last edited by tgampper; January 17th, 2012 at 01:17 PM.
Terry Gampper
Nebraska Herpetological Society
“If we can discover the meaning in the trilling of a frog, perhaps we may understand why it is for us not merely noise but a song of poetry and emotion.”
--- Adrian Forsyth
Thank you for passing this information on Terry. His contributions will always live on.
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