Collins was born in 1931 in Evanston, IL, the youngest of four, to Edward Joseph Collins and Frieda Johanna Mayer Collins.

He attended Brown University, graduated from Beloit College in 1953, and earned a MBA from Stanford University in 1963. He served in the U.S. Army in active duty from 1953 to 1955 in France and was discharged from the US Army Reserve in December 1961.

He married his first wife, Anne Wemmer Collins in 1956. They had three children, Charles, Roberta, and James. Their twentyyear marriage ended in divorce. James Collins predeceased his father in 2010.

A mutual friend introduced Ed and Barbara “Bobbie” Keen Justusson while they were each living in Birmingham MI. In 1979 they were married at their home in Leland, Michigan, officiated by the retired Reverend Weckwert, formerly of Leland’s Lutheran Church. Bobbie has three sons: Bruce, Scott and James.

Between 1964 and 1979, Collins was Owner, President and CEO of Dunn Rainey, a sealants manufacturing company in Ferndale, which he described as the “putty, gunk and glue” business. In 1980, Ed and Bobbie moved permanently to Leland and purchased the Riverside Inn. They hired local and second home teenagers to staff it in the summer, providing a first job experience in many cases.

In 1988, noting the growing developmental pressure on natural and farmland in Leelanau County, and wishing to “give back” for their great privilege of living in this special place in the world, Ed and Bobbie co-founded the Leelanau Conservancy. In the 37 years since then, with its ardent supporters and deeply committed staff, it has since protected thousands of acres, 1931 - 2025

watersheds and special views in Leelanau County.

Collins was an avid sailor and boater, art and music lover, sculptor, cross-country skier, downhill skier, hiker and runner--running multiple marathons including the Boston Marathon in 1976. Ed’s wit, humor, generosity, and kindness endeared him to his family and friends. His kindness led to the mentoring of several local young people as they grappled with Life challenges. He and Bobbie shared a passion for travel together, their sailing adventures, and hosting friends and their ever-growing family.

Ed and Bobbie took each of their thenyoung teen-aged grandchildren on a special trip of each one’s own research and choosing. These shared adventures took them from the Galapagos Islands, Australia, Greece, Italy, France, Russia, to the northern tips of Finland and the British Isles. Now adults, this experience instilled a love of travel in each of them.

He is survived by his spouse, Barbara “Bobbie” Collins of Leland, Michigan, and five children, Bruce Justusson (New Paltz, NY), Charles “Chuck” Collins (Guilford, VT), Scott Justusson (Northbrook, IL), Roberta “Gigi” (Arcata, CA), James “Jim” Justusson, (N Richland Hills, TX), and ten grandchildren, Eric Justusson (New Paltz, NY), Emily Justusson (Portland, OR), Sara Justusson (Park City, UT), Julia Justusson (Chicago, IL), John Justusson (McKinney, TX), Janine Justusson (N Richland Hills, TX), Sam Hannon (Plaistow, NH), Nora Collins (Brattleboro, VT), Caleb Hannon (Boston, MA), Alyssa Mickelson (Sacramento, CA); and six great grandchildren: Theo and Levi Justusson (New Paltz, NY), Elizabeth and William Riddle (Portland, OR), Morgan Harper Hannon (Plaistow, NH), and Josey Justusson (McKinney, TX).

Memorial contributions may be made in Ed’s memory to the Leelanau Conservancy, Fishtown Preservation Society, Leelanau Christian Neighbors, or a charity of your choice.