Memorial To Joseph T. Collins

Joseph T. Collins was an inspiration to generations of herpetologists. He was the author and co-author of many books, field guides, and scientific articles in Herpetology. On January 14th, 2012 he suffered a massive coronary, and passed away. He will be sorely missed. These clips are from a short film called "No Stone Unturned" about the Kansas Herpetological Society. Joe was a founding member, and key player in this group. Thank you Joe for all you've done for us.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Joe Collins
• KHS
• Joseph T. Collins
• Kansas Herpetological Society
• Snakes
• Lizards
• Frogs
• Toads
• Turtles

[SmallScaleDan]

I met him for the first time at a "running of the lizards" event in Topeka. The first words out of my mouth were,"You and your book made me who I am, literally." He took it well. :) Later we had lunch in Lawrence at Quinton's and I remember feeling that I had a great deal in common with him, to my surprise. He always spoke to me as if we had been friends for decades, and as though he really respected my point of view. I'm glad I could call him a friend for these last few years.

[SmallScaleDan]

If you would like to add your remembrances, there is a post on Field Herp Forum.com where people are telling Joe stories.

[SmallScaleDan]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I will really miss that man.

[Lisa8542]

I've loved and admired Joe for 30 years. He's an inspiration to those who care about the earth and its inhabitants...not just reptiles and amphibians. Thank you for this video. It did my heart good to see Joe's face lighting up again as he spoke about his passion for life. His enthusuasm was contagious and his generosity enriched the lives of countless people. He is dearly missed.

L.A. on the prairie

[coppertimber]

Joe was a great man and a major inspiration in my direction into Herpetology. I will miss him deeply.

[iturnrocks]

Great video Dan, Joe was a great man. I started catching ringnecks when I was about 15, and one day I got bit by a common garter(which I could not identify- the ER doctor did cuz I still caught it). Shortly after my parents bought me his 2nd edition Reptiles/phibs in Kansas, and that started my lifelong interest in herpetology. I'm not a conventionally educated man, but just being good friends with Joe made up for it.

[rufitela01]

I had a chance to meet the man at the 2006 KHS meeting and we had a pretty cool chat about tropical herps and his trips down south of the border. Thinking about it, I actually owe my current job to a post in on the CNAH portal.

[jtburkhart]

And what a unique and special man who played the major role in the development of KHS which remains a model for herpetological societies. He will be much missed!

[soldierwillis]

Rest in peace....Thank you for all you have done Joseph.

[ThePigBlimp]

:(