Remembering Bob Collins [#119 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (09:18 AM) by (ken494)

I will miss Bob Collins greatly as he has been a part of my life through the radio for the past 25 years. I started listening to Bob when he started with WGN while living downstate in Danville. I was attending junior college and would catch Bob every afternoon. I remember many times picking my father and his friends up from work. The first thing they would do is turn to WGN and listen to Bob. They would laugh and argue with him all the way home. Those were good days in my life. I will miss Bob very much.

Waking up with someone for more years than my husband certainly makes you feel close. In a strange way, Bob Collins felt like family. When my family moved from Chicago two years ago, I dreaded the absence of his voice from my morning routine and just recently, while tooling about my new environment in Scottsdale, Arizona, I wondered if I would ever "run into him" His death is a staggering loss to his many extended family members. Bob gave his best to all of us. Sandie Schmidt Scottsdale, Arizona

Remembering Bob Collins [#121 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (09:26 AM) by (rmichal)

I was never a listener to Bob Collins, but yesterday morning on my way to work for some reason I punched on WGN radio. It'd probably been 5 years since I last listened to Bob's show. He was reading faxes and e-mails from listeners who had responded to what I assume was a previous show on "What can you learn as you age?" People of all ages had responded, from the 20s to the 90s. All the messages were simple but sensible slices of life. One message from a man in his 90s said "I have learned that I can still learn something new every day." After reading the messages, Bob then segued into the late Steve Goodman's song, "The Dutchman." That 10 minutes of radio I can only describe as beautiful. I have no idea why I decided to listen to Bob yesterday morning after not listening to him for so many years; maybe it was fate. I only wish I would have started listening sooner. --Rick Michal

Remembering Bob Collins [#122 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (09:30 AM) by (agricola)

That infectious laugh, that homegrown humor, that common man approach to life...that was Bob. He was my morning cup of coffee mixed genrously with reality. What a joy he was to listen to each morning. He will be sorely missed. One does not appreciate the gift until it is gone. Becky Anderson

Remembering Bob Collins [#123 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (09:31 AM) by (Bravo)

A poem I learned in high school applies today: Ride a wild horse With purple wings striped yellow and black Except his head, which must be red Ride a wild horse against the sky Hold tight to his wings before you die Whatever else you leave undone Ride a wild horse Into the sun. Ride on, Bob. No regrets. E. Szalinski

Remembering Bob Collins [#124 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (09:57 AM) by (dng)

I am deeply sad to hear of his death. To me Bob Collins is part of our family, part of my complete visit of coming home. He has brightened my days so many times. To his family and co-workers tears come from the love you have for each other. Deborah, Seattle WA

Remembering Bob Collins [#125 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (10:03 AM) by (Perky115)

Although I never met Bob in person, I felt he was a part of my family. So many days he made my commute from the south 'burbs so enjoyable. I'll never forget that laugh. I only spoke to him once on-air. About ten years ago, he arranged for me to get an Airdale puppy. It was great. God bless you, Bob! I'll miss you. Say hello to my dad. Charlie Perkins

Remembering Bob Collins [#126 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (10:04 AM) by (DONLEYE)

Remembering Bob Collins! Never, never, never did I think I would experience such a feeling, such a loss.... For me I have been listing to Uncle Bobbie since his early days on the afternoon show, back in 1980. I used to drive from the Midway airport area to the Northwest suburbs, and to help me make the drive possible, Bob would do that for me! I used to split a gut laughing at some of his many early radio experiments! Bob would always kid about being in trouble with management, and he would be late for most of the traffic reports, news or weather, and it was a real joke. It used to make so much fun of so many of the commericals he had to read. His move to the morning slot was wonderful because I could almost always get to listen to his total show before I had to go to work.... I will miss him terribly. My condolences to all his family and friends, and I will always think of him as a friend even though we never met in person, but I did have a chance to talk to him a couple of times when he was on the radio.

Remembering Bob Collins [#127 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (10:04 AM) by (RussellLoomis)

I am very very sorry to hear about Bob Collins sudden death, I will miss his voice waking me up every morning my recently deceased wife and I listened to Bob Collins religiously every morning to us he was and still is MR. WGN. I can only hope that the rest of the WGN personality`s can and will carry on in the Bob Collins tradition!

Remembering Bob Collins [#128 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (10:16 AM) by (jwebber)

Bob Collins took the morning stage at WGN when I was 10 years old. One of my most distinct memories of my youth is waking up for school, dreary-eyed, walking into the bright lights of the kitchen, and hearing that voice - and that laugh. My mother was a dedicated morning listener, and i will never forget the pleasant banter, the motorcycle stories, that darn Christmas barking dog song, or that laugh. i can still hear it. I have fond memories of growing up listening to Uncle Bobby, and I always will...

Remembering Bob Collins [#129 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (10:22 AM) by (Giesel)

My deepest condolences to Christine and her family. Chicago has suffered a big big loss and the morning drive to work will be forever different. What made Bob such a wonderful person was the way he ALWAYS spoke so highly of his wife and family, Christine was surely his sole mate. God Bless.

Remembering Bob Collins [#130 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (10:27 AM) by (JDFisk)

I lived in Crystal Lake from 1993-1995. Commuting to Arlington Heights was a major negative in my life except for Bob Collins in the morning. For two years, I could honestly consider myself a Chicagoan because I was one of his listeners. Coming 'home' will never be the same.... j Overland Park, KS

Remembering Bob Collins [#131 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (10:31 AM) by (nbkxp97)

It is amazing how someone you never met can have such an impact on your life. I did not hear of Bob's death until this morning when I turned on WGN and I heard the fragment of the announcer's sentence, "...it is especially hard when it is one your own." Against my hope, it WAS Bob Collins that he was speaking of and I think that everyone in Chicago feels they have lost "one of their own." Bob brought to the world many things that seem, unfortunately, to be more and more of a rarity. He was humorous without being crude. He inquired about issues without being rude and treated his guests with respect. I enjoyed listening to his show because I always learned from it and his laugh put a positive start on my day. Bob Collins was 57 and I am 23 but, for me, he spoke to and was understood by people of all ages. In a world that is increasingly common, Bob Collins brought a touch of class and the reality that "doing it right" really can get you somewhere. He leaves big shoes to be filled and will be sorely missed by me and all of his listeners who began their mornings with "Uncle Bobby." May God Bless and keep you, Bob. Emily Alexander Chicago, Illinois

Remembering Bob Collins [#132 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (10:34 AM) by (ronbrov)

My wife and I feel like we have lost a friend. He let us become a part of his life. He made us laugh, cry, angry, sad, but most of all he made us feel good. Almost every day I could relate to his frustrations with the "confuser" with home repairs, with dialing the phone. Uncle Bobby..truly a nice guy..a Chicago icon. We will miss him.

Remembering Bob Collins [#133 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (10:42 AM) by (MSchofield)

I was very shocked and saddened this morning when I picked up our local paper and read that Bob Collins had died yesterday in a plane crash. You see, I practically grew up listening to him. His afternoon show was always on in our kitchen, and even though I was just a kid when I first started listening, I still enjoyed his show and looked forward to hearing it every day. I enjoyed listening to him telling about his big motorcycle trips out west, and one year I was even fortunate enough to meet him face to face at Chicagofest. He was just the nicest and most down to earth person, and will be sorely missed. My sympathies go out to his family and friends and everyone who just felt as though he was their friend. Linda Schofield Loveland, Colorado

Remembering Bob Collins [#134 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (10:46 AM) by (DebbyM)

Dear WGN family (and you do seem like family), We are still reeling from the sad news. We "saw" him as the Voice we heard, the Laugh we felt and the Heart we could only imagine. We will miss him deeply, but appreciate sincerely the time we "shared" together. Our most heart-felt condolences first to Christine, then his family and his extended family at WGN. You have all handled this horrific situation with a grace and professionalism that would make His Uncleship proud. I was up most of the night listening to Steve and Johnnie, giggling at their recollections and at the same time crying at their pain. Christine, know that prayers are being lifted up on your behalf. We can only stand on the periphery of your heartache and sincerely wish we could offer a shoulder and a hug. If a man like Bob loved you the way he obviously did, you must be "good people." Sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. J.A.M McHenry IL

Remembering Bob Collins [#136 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (10:49 AM) by (Kate42876)

I have just spent my lunch hour reading the posted tributes to Bob Collins and I can't help the tears rolling down my face. As many people have written, I am part of the generation for whom listening to talk radio was the uncool thing to do. But not Bob...he was anything but uncool. He's been a part of my life for as long as I can remember...my Mom always had the radio in her room, the kitchen and the car tuned to Uncle Bobby as we were getting ready for school. I remember listening intently on cold winter mornings hoping that Uncle Bobby would break the wonderful news that school had been canceled. He was a part of our everyday routine. I am lucky to have two special memories of Bob...one that became an annual tradition and one that was a bright spot in the middle of the badlands. First, As kid my sister and I were always anxious for Christmas to come and the morning after Thanksgiving we'd get up early just to listen to Uncle Bobby play Christmas songs on his show...it meant Christmas was finally right around the corner. Back when "Grandma got run over by a Reindeer" was a seldom heard tune I could always count on hearing Bob play it as I rolled out of bed those Friday mornings. We continued to listen every year...it was an important tradition. My second memory of Uncle Bobby occurred one July afternoon in the late 80's, I must've only been 10 or 11 years old. We were on family vacation and had stopped to spend a few days in Rapid City, South Dakota, home of Mt. Rushmore and The Sturgis Bike Rally. We were staying at the Ramada Inn and had just finished swimming when we were walking back to our room and heard Bob's infectious laugh bellowing out of a hotel room. He was out there for the Sturgis Bike Rally and of course he was laughing....it was an immediate touch to home and proof that you can take a person out of Chicago but you can't ever take Chicago out of that person. He was a true honor to his profession. A legend and a best friend to everyone in the city. I pray for him, his family and everyone that has a memory of him....how lucky we all are.

Remembering Bob Collins [#137 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (10:52 AM) by (dbiron)

I moved to the Cincinnati area a few years back. My Mom called last evening and was very sad, I asked what was wrong and she became partially choked up and said "Uncle Bobby was killed". Although I do not have an Uncle Bobby, I knew immediately who she meant. Mom went on to say that she did not know how she was going to get up and get ready for work, after all she remembered when "Uncle Bobby" came to WGN. I had no words for the lose that was being felt. "Uncle Bobby" become an extension of many of our families and homes and will be missed. "Uncle Bobby" touched many lives both close to home and afar. We will all miss him and remember him each day as we roll over to wake. Debbie Biron Cincinnati OH & Mom (Linda Alt) Schererville, IN

Remembering Bob Collins [#138 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (11:03 AM) by (wmlkoch)

I started off hating Bob Collins. That's right, you heard me. Hate. Well, maybe hate is too strong a word but I did dislike him. "WGN is for old people," I would say to my parents as they drove me to school. At that age, all you want to do in the car is listen to loud music and drive your parents nuts. And my parents, my Mom especially, were diligent and loyal fans. In response, they would just turn to me and say, "one day you too will be old." Well, I did get older and went off to college and WGN was only something that broadcasted the Cubs games during summerbreak. Hence, Bob Collins was forgotten by myself until my arrival back home after graduation. And it was the same routine all over again. Riding in the car with my parents, listening to WGN. Although this time, I was commuting with them to my own job and I was a little older and hopefully, although subject to argument, a little wiser. Listening to Bob in the morning quickly became part of my routine, riding in the car that first post-graduation year with my folks. Joining in with my Dad listening and either criticizing or praising Bob but always respecting him. Even after I moved out of the house I still occasionally tuned in in the mornings, trying to get the weather for the day or a little bit of news or the score of that Cub game I couldn't stay up to see finished. Bob never disappointed because he was a true professional. When my Dad passed away a little over a month ago, one of the memories I had and still have is of sitting back there in that car listening to Bob's voice come through the speakers. And I took comfort in the fact that Bob would be there for my Mom, helping her get through her morning commute without my Dad sitting by her side. Unfortunately, and like my Mom, all we have now to help us get through our mornings is remembering the wonderful memories Bob provided us by just being Bob. He will be remembered and missed by many friends, family and listeners throughout the area. My condolences go out to Bob's wife Christine, who he always spoke lovingly of and to everyone at WGN for sharing this wonderful man who touched a part of millions just by speaking into a microphone. I can still here that little giggle that I have for so many years associated to Bob Collins and it continues to bring a smile to my face. I imagine that's what Bob would have wanted. William Koch

Remembering Bob Collins [#139 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (11:19 AM) by (admsecy)

Bob Collins came into my life through a wonderful woman, my mother-in-law. She was born and raised in Chicago and transplanted herself here in Peoria in the mid-70's. She always listened to WGN throughout the day. When Bob Collins took over for Wally Phillips, she wasn't quite sure about him, but grew to love waking up to his voice. When she was so ill with cancer and dying in 1990, I always made sure that her radio was set to come on at about 5:00 AM so she could start her day with him. After she died, I started listening to him in the mornings when my children were not dominating the radio to listen to their music. When my daughter was attending college in Chicago and I had to make trips up to pick her up, I left early in the morning just so I could go 'home' listening to Uncle Bobby. I shall miss him and will keep the people in Chicago, the people at WGN and especially his family in my prayers. He always made me think about views when the topic was serious and laugh out loud when things were crazy. God bless, Uncle Bobby.To paraphrase an Irish Blessing... "may he hold you in the palm of his hand."

Remembering Bob Collins [#140 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (11:23 AM) by (SouthShoreTar)

I'm old enough to remember when Bob came to WGN in 1974. I didn't think he could pull it off when he was picked to replace Wally in 1986, but he did even better! Governor Ryan said it best "He was an ordinary person doing an extraordinary job". It's also a shame that he died so young at 57. I don't care how careful you are, General Avation is very dangerous. Good by Bobby!! Bob Kaufman

Remembering Bob Collins [#141 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (11:25 AM) by (trevmum)

When I was in high school, I would always tease my mom and call her an "old fogey" because she would listen to talk radio. Now some twenty years later, I am still in high school but I am a teacher rather than a student. Isn't it ironic that I listen to talk radio and would wake up every morning to the sound of Bob Collins. There were so many mornings that I wanted to pick up the phone and call Bob and just thank him for brightening my morning. He had such a kind and gentle way about him and I wanted him to know how important he was to me. Unfortunately, I never made that phone call and now I can't. What I can do is pick up the phone and let someone else know how special they are to me. I can also encourage others to do the same. I came in to school today and I challenged the students in my homeroom to pick up the phone in my classroom and call their mom and tell her "I love you." There was only one brave soul who took me up on my offer. He slowly walked up to the phone, gently dialed the number and when his mom answered he said, "hi mom, I am calling from school to tell you that I love you." His moms first reply was, "what's wrong?!" Then as the words sunk in she began to cry. She told her son that she was having a bad morning and he really lifted her spirits. After the phone call, a few other students asked if they could call their moms too. I think this will be a new tradition in my class and hopefully many moms will realize how much they are needed and loved...all of this because of Bob Collins. I will never forget him.

Remembering Bob Collins [#142 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (11:27 AM) by (gioia)

My family and I lived in Crystal Lake, IL for twelve years - 1977 to 1989 - and I became a faithful fan of Bob Collins and from him, on to the rest of the personalities at the radio station. I knew that I would start my day with a civil, intelligent man who could make me cry, laugh, or get angry at some injustice, but who always came across as honest and sincere. Whenever we went back to Illinois for a visit, I looked forward to hearing Bob again in the morning. I truly missed his show when we moved back east, as talk radio from NYC has a nasty edge to it, and is hard to like when you are used to someone like Bob. I wish to extend my sympathy to his wife and parents. I hope that knowing how much Bob was loved will help to assuage their grief during this tragedy.

Remembering Bob Collins [#143 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (11:33 AM) by (notre)

I can remember so many mornings listening to Bob Collins, because my parents always had WGN on in at least 2 different rooms in the house as I grew up. To me it was so much more a "local" channel than any of the South Bend channels were, and it still is. I was out Tuesday nite and found a note from my mom left for me telling me of Bob's death and I was truely devastated, as was she. A whole reason for getting up each morning is gone...Keep playing back some of those tapes every now and then; we'll have to hear that voice... -Katie & Nancy Wesolowski South Bend, IN

Remembering Bob Collins [#144 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (11:34 AM) by (pgag)

I moved to New Orleans three years ago and my mornings haven't been the same since. Except for yesterday. I had to leave early for work and was able to hear Bobs show for about an hour. I was thrilled and couldn't wait to get home and tell my wife. When we heard the news on channel nine I was thankful God gave me the opportunity to hear Uncle Bobby one more time. I've lost a best friend I've never met. Paul G.

Remembering Bob Collins [#146 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (11:40 AM) by (phoenix132)

As an avid listener of WGN growing up, I was, needless to say shocked at the news I heard on the news today. Alot of my friends told me that listening to talk radio was "uncool", but I listened to WGN anyway. I loved hearing Uncle Bob's voice first thing in the morning. It was like having a close friend talking to you. I first started listening to Uncle Bob when I was in elementary school (I am now a junior at Indiana University in Bloomington)and I haven't stopped listening since. Even though my radios wouldn't pick up WGN down here, I listened through RealPlayer on my computer. Just listening to Uncle Bob's voice made me feel that much closer to home. I send my sincerest love and condolences to Christine Collins, Mom and Dad Collins, Booger, and the WGN family. Radio will never be the same. We have truly lost not just a legend, but a close and trusted friend. Bob, we'll miss you. Please look out for your loved ones in their time of loss and sorrow. Sooner or later we will all join you in Heaven. Rachel Schmitt LaPorte, IN and IU Bloomington

Remembering Bob Collins [#147 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (11:41 AM) by (phoenix132)

As an avid listener of WGN growing up, I was, needless to say shocked at the news I heard on the news today. Alot of my friends told me that listening to talk radio was "uncool", but I listened to WGN anyway. I loved hearing Uncle Bob's voice first thing in the morning. It was like having a close friend talking to you. I first started listening to Uncle Bob when I was in elementary school (I am now a junior at Indiana University in Bloomington)and I haven't stopped listening since. Even though my radios wouldn't pick up WGN down here, I listened through RealPlayer on my computer. Just listening to Uncle Bob's voice made me feel that much closer to home. I send my sincerest love and condolences to Christine Collins, Mom and Dad Collins, Booger, and the WGN family. Radio will never be the same. We have truly lost not just a legend, but a close and trusted friend. Bob, we'll miss you. Please look out for your loved ones in their time of loss and sorrow. Sooner or later we will all join you in Heaven. Rachel Schmitt LaPorte, IN and IU Bloomington

Remembering Bob Collins [#148 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (11:45 AM) by (jetrace)

I aged a little yesterday... I've been following Uncle Bobby since the first day he started with WGN. Mom and Dad turned me on to WGN in the days of Wally Phillips and I continued to listen when Bob took over. I've had many fond memories of getting ready for school while listening to Bob's morning show. As I grew up, Bob joined me on my way to work each day. Until yesterday, I continued to experience the warm memories of my youth every time I time I tuned in 720 on my commute. It wasn't just memories that made listening to Bob special. Uncle Bobby's laugh, honesty and wit has started off each one of my days on the right side of the bed. I never met Bob, but I feel like we've been friends. I've lost my morning friend. I've lost a piece of my youth that can never be replaced. I aged a little bit yesterday! Good Bye Bob...Thanks for all the memories! Tim