April 10, 1949 – June 7, 2007
Dan passed peacefully on June 7, 2007 at Maitri hospice with sister Lenora at his side. Born to Arthur and Ruby (Maxfield) Collins in Burlington, Vermont on April 10, 1949, Dan lived a rich life in service to God by helping his fellow man at hospitals in Vermont and Massachusetts, and in San Francisco at Davies Medical Center and the Salvation Army, where he retired as a substance abuse counselor.
Always political, Dan never hesitated to challenge to established hierarchies. He was a member of dignity San Francisco and volunteered with Catherine's House and Project Open Hand, among many other community and human rights organizations. Dan also deeply cherished his sobriety and was active in the recovery community in San Francisco, working with the Castro Country Club and other groups.
Survivors include his mother Ruby Collins, brother Patrick Collins, sisters Martha Poney, Christine Allard, Karen Kenyon, Lenora Collins, and Rosemary Patterson, all of Vermont; Kathleen Weeks of New Hampshire, and a large extended family.
Among his many friends in San Francisco, Dan is survived by his deeply loved friends Dan Cusick and Angelo Wong.
A memorial mass will be held at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church at 100 Diamon St. at 18th Streets in San Francisco on Saturday, July 14 at 1 p.m., followed by a reception in celebration of Dan's life.