Zachary Zach Benjamin Collins

Zachary Benjamin Collins, beloved son, brother and father, passed away from injuries sustained in a rock-climbing accident on 26 November 2016, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born in Augsburg, Germany, 7 December, 1978, the first of two children born to Glen and Deborah Collins. Zachary graduated from Coronado High School in 1996. He then attended Colorado School of Mines where he pursued a degree in Environmental Chemistry and wrestled, and then transferred to the University of Colorado, graduating as an Architectural Engineer in 2002. After graduation, he worked in design and building of commercial facilities. In 2009 he assumed the position of District Engineer for Woodmoor Water and Sanitation. In addition to his BS in Architectural Engineering, Zachary was awarded his Professional Engineer Certification by the State of Colorado in 2015, and numerous engineering and water certifications (CWP, LEED, AP BD+C, CDT Engineering). He was a dedicated engineer adhering to the highest standards, and demanding that those that work with him do the same. A sign in his office read, “The man who is not afraid of failure seldom has to face it.” He also had his own consulting service, Collins Architectural Engineering, LLC. Zachary loved his family and friends, his work, hiking Colorado’s high country, and racing cars. When not working, his first priority was his two daughters, Leona (7), and Shealyn (4). He was an exceptional Father to his girls, teaching them to play, to love learning and the outdoors, while teaching himself how to fix their hair, apply nail polish, and pick out clothes. After his family, he loved camping and hiking with friends, especially hiking/climbing Colorado’s 14’er mountains. He died doing what he loved in the company of a good friend. When not in the mountains, Zach loved the thrill and challenge of participating in street-car racing, pushing his Subaru to the limit in various on and off-road events. Zachary also gave freely of his free time to help others. He supported local Science Fairs, was a chairman and volunteer in the Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association, a volunteer on the Social Media Committee of the American Water Works Association, served in several capacities in the US Green Building Council Colorado South, and was a Committee Chairman in the Water Environment Federation. He was also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and supported the Pikes Habitat for Humanity ReStore. He cared deeply about education, the environment, science, and technology. He was an Engineer. He leaves behind his parents, Glen and Deborah Collins, and his daughters Leona, and Shealyn Collins, all of Colorado Springs; his sister Major (USA) Melanie Collins currently stationed in Monterey CA, his close cousin Carol Wheeler of Draper Utah, and numerous other family and friends. Most notable among these is his climbing/hiking friend John Wesenberg, and his racing friend Bubba Davies, both of Colorado Springs. Visitation will take place Tuesday, 6 December 2016, from 5:00- 7:00 p.m., at Mountain View Mortuary, 2350 Montebello Square Drive (vicinity Academy and Montebello), Colorado Springs. Zach’s 38th birthday would have been 7 December. Please celebrate his life on that day. The Funeral Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, 8 December, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 5265 N. Union Blvd, Colorado Springs. Zachary’s remains will be cremated and kept with his family and scattered on the top of the Front Range at his favorite camping spot, and a few hundred yards from where he died. Flowers may be sent to either Mountain View Mortuary or to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.