Michael L. Collins

Michael L. Collins, age 55, 638 East Third Street, Bloomsburg, died unexpectedly at his home and was pronounced at 9:05 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2009.

Born on August 28, 1953 in Unionville, MO, he was a son of Bob Collins, Unionville, MO and the late Claudine (Pauley) Collins. He had resided in Bloomsburg since August 1989.

Michael graduated from Macon High School, Macon, MO In 1971. As a Navy journalist stationed on Guam, Michael worked for "Stars and Stripes", and among his duties he documented the evacuation of the Vietnamese people after the fall of Saigon. After returning to the state he attained a B.A. in Theatre in 1981 from Truman State University, Kirksville, MO and his M.F.A. in Directing in 1984 from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.

He was Professor of Theatre - Acting, Directing and Playwrighting at Bloomsburg University from 1989 to the present, and previously was Artistic Director for Robidoux Resident Theatre, St. Joseph, MO. Since 1999, Michael and colleagues from BU and Lock Haven University accompanied students to London as part of a study abroad program.

Michael touched many lived through the plays he lovingly directed at Bloomsburg University and the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble and in his performances at BTE; Electric Theatre Company, Scranton; and most recently at Queens Theatre In The Park, New York, NY. But his greatest satisfaction came as a father, husband and steadfast friend. He was a leader; a coach; a mentor; a diehard Cardinal, Missouri Tiger and Tottenham Spurs fan and a staunch believer in the importance of the arts in education and everyday life.

He is missed.

Surviving Michael are his wife, Cindy McBeth-Collins, with whom he would have celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary on August 16, 2009; a son: Quinn Collins, Champaign, IL; daughter: Caitlin Collins, at home; and two brothers: Kevin Collins, wife Brenda, Unionville, MO and Scott Collins, wife Judy, Dallas, TX.

Memorial services will be announced on a later date at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner, Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg.