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By Kim Phelan
With profound sadness, we share the passing of Patrick Collins, who passed away on December 19 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Wayne and I had the privilege of working alongside Patrick in the community for more than 30 years, and sharing such a long friendship with him is something we will always treasure.
Patrick was truly one of the good ones. He showed up, he cared deeply, and he lived his values quietly and authentically. Knowing him for so many years was a gift we will never take for granted.
Reading the hundreds of messages shared in his memory has been incredibly moving. Again and again, people expressed the same sentiment in different ways, Patrick was one of the good ones, and there truly aren’t many like him. He was respected for his professionalism, admired for his advocacy, and deeply appreciated for the way he connected with people. Patrick was the rare kind of professional who combined unwavering integrity with genuine kindness, and beyond his sharp wit and strong sense of honor, he was simply a good human, someone you could count on, learn from, and call a friend.
Patrick truly made a difference. His passion for the community and for helping patients created a lasting impact, one that will continue to be felt for years to come. He showed up for others in meaningful ways, and his presence made our community stronger. He will be remembered not only for what he did, but for how he made people feel.
Patrick’s quick wit, thoughtful questions, and wonderful sense of humor brought warmth and humanity to every room and every conversation. His compassion was genuine, his dedication unsurpassed, and his commitment to doing good never wavered. He was a kind soul, one of the good guys in every sense of the word.
While Wayne and I can’t be there physically, we are there in every other way, honoring his life, his goodness, and the difference he made for so many. What a remarkable legacy he leaves behind. Patrick was a shining light, and that light will continue to guide and inspire us.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughter, and entire family during this incredibly difficult time.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Godspeed, Patrick. You will be deeply missed, my friend.
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