We miss you, Gary

We are sad to report the loss of one of our AWW family of volunteer monitors, Mr. Gary Collins from Talladega, Alabama. Gary passed away the morning of Friday, October 9^th, 2015 on his way to work on his motorcycle when someone pulled out in front of him.

Gary enjoying the waters of his beloved lake

Gary lived on Lake Logan Martin with his beloved horses and Shelties. He was always quick to help out neighbors, especially anything electrical and anything involving his tractor. He was a collector of lunch boxes and old gas pumps.  He also restored cars.

Gary visited his mother in Oxford at the nursing home 2-3 times a week. He stepped up to the plate to protect his beloved lake by getting trained by Alabama Water Watch and becoming a volunteer water monitor. He monitored a site on Choccolocco Creek, a major tributary flowing into Lake Logan Martin, combining water monitoring with trips to visit is mother. Gary was 60 years old. He is survived by his mother, one son, and two grandchildren.

Gary’s beloved Shelties

“Gary was such a sweet person! He helped me for over a year now test the waters of Choccolocco Creek with Alabama Water Watch each month. He went out of his way to come to my house and drive our old Polaris to the creek to do this in all kinds of weather. He was gracious, kind, friendly and always talked about his mama ~ a good man ~ he loved his dogs dearly! He will be missed! I will miss his laughter”

Judy Roberts, Oxford, Alabama

May you rest in peace