Remembering Bob Collins [#29 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (08:16 PM) by (maninblue)

My family sends it's heartfelt condolences to Bob's entire family, including WGN. It still hasn't set in... A true icon has passed. Bob, you were as much a part of Chicago, if not more, than Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, Mike Ditka, or Harry Caray. You will be sorely missed. THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES!!!!

Remembering Bob Collins [#30 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (08:25 PM) by (jimcander)

It's a coolldd night in upstate New York. It's 11:20 and I am very sad. People around the Albany, New York area have no clue who Uncle Bobby was. I do. Born and raised in the Midwest, I was weaned on Roy Leonard. From there, I came of age, in college at North Park listening to Bob Collins afternoons going out to visiting my girlfriend in Mt. Prospect. There was one afternoon, as I was going out Euclid coming around the end of the runway at Glenview NAS. (It is Euclid, isn't it?) Anyway... Bobby was all wound up... I don't remember what about... all I remember is knowing I was destined for an accident because I was laughing so hard. I wish I could remember the subject. But I can't. The important thing, though, is that I remember the laugh. That one laugh among all the laughs I've had in my 35 years. Remember the laughs he gave you... remember Bob.... It's now 11:31 and I'll stop now... There two feet of snow on the ground and it's seven below. But I'm going outside to look up in the sky to laugh.... and probably cry... 'nite Jim Anderson Esperance, New York

Remembering Bob Collins [#31 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (08:32 PM) by (JSciba)

All over the Midwest, there is overwhelming sadness over the loss of Bob Collins. He had one of the most infectious laughs I have ever heard! No matter how my day started out, the drive to work was something I looked forward to just so I could listen to Uncle Bobby! He had so much common sense in discussing issues and he was, most of the time(!), respectful to his callers! He had a great deal of ethics and that was probably what I admired most in him. I will miss him so much. Condolences to his family--his love for them was never hidden. Joanie Sciba Muskegon

Remembering Bob Collins [#32 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (08:43 PM) by (runnerteh)

In the mornings here in Charlotte, NC we can hear Bob on WGN until the sun comes up and the signal fades out. This has always been a favorite part of the day, including today listening to Bob talk about his prescription experiences. It has been a privilege to be educated and entertained by such a remarkable and inspiring man. He will be remembered and thanked in our prayers for a long time.

Remembering Bob Collins [#33 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (08:45 PM) by (Annabelle)

I will forever remember Bob Collins, not because he changed my life in a huge way but because he was a part of my life. From the day I was born I have sat in the kitchen with my mom listening to his voice. He is forever ingrained in my life. He taught me strength, and humility and to speak my mind. For that I am forever grateful. Thank you Mr. Collins Ann Carroll Miami of Ohio

Remembering Bob Collins [#34 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (08:48 PM) by (broadwaylaura)

From my Milwaukee home, I was irritated that news of the crash interrupted "Jeopardy". I next saw TV for the 10pm news, caught a snippet that one of the crash victims had Milwaukee ties...then, that it was a popular Chicago radio personality. I thought, "oh, no, it couldn't be", but when they said his name, I yelled, "NOO!!!" Born in Milwaukee, I moved to the Chicago area in 1987 and quickly found WGN, I liked many of the on-air personalities. Bob drove a lot of us to work every day. Often I would howl out loud (sometimes with laughter, sometimes with fury), and the person in the car next to me would think I was insane. On one trip to Milwaukee, Bob was riding his motorcycle next to my car, saw my WGN bumper sticker, and gave me a wave. I'll miss his unique style, of my many memories, my favorite has to be his picking on Lyle's yacht! I'm in tears. After 13 years, I can't "turn my knob to Bob". May this tragic loss be tempered by our assurances to all who loved him that he touched many lives.

Remembering Bob Collins [#35 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (08:56 PM) by (revsteve)

I have lived from Massachusssetts to Ohio and then back in my home state of Wisconsin. Whenever I got in listening distance of wgn I turned to "Uncle Bobby" on the am dial. His laugh lifted me. His conversation kept me awake. His talk was a connection to things bigger than my world. Even now, as I drove the kids to school in the morning, I tuned into "Uncle Bobby" to listen to the traffic report and thank God I didn't have to deal with that mess here in Sheboygan, WI. I will never forget his reading of the story from the Trib about the background of Ron Dayne (UW running back and Heismann winner). I stopped on my way to church and bought a Trib that day. I used the story in my sermon that next Sunday. All because of Uncle Bobbys's gut feeling that Ron Dayne had a story we all should relate to. I will miss him as I drive my kids to school. I will miss him period. My prayers are with his wife and family. May his Spirit sore with the blessed in God's love that never lets you down. Rev. Steve, Sheboygan Wisconsin

Remembering Bob Collins [#36 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (09:05 PM) by (AlannahDavis)

It is an empty, empty, heartbreaking feeling to know that I listened to Bob's show this morning for the very last time. That voice, that laugh, that attitude, that down-home guy. I loved Bob. I can't even believe this is happening. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and his co-workers.

Remembering Bob Collins [#37 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (09:05 PM) by (Shoesoff)

We are transplants in Texas - but were born and raised in Chicago. I remember my dad getting up every morning before he left for work and listening to Bob Collins for all the news, weather and stories he had and when I started to work I did the same - prayers go to his family and friends - His name is an icon and will be remembered for a very long time!

Remembering Bob Collins [#38 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (09:10 PM) by (tamarahunt)

Even though I have not lived in the Chicago area for over a decade, I can still hear Bob Collin's marvelous laugh; if ever a man gave the impression of enjoying life, it was he. I'd recognize that laugh anywhere! And I well remember when I first heard it, back in the mid 1970s when I was a teenager living in a small Illinois farm town. His afternoon show was the first to introduce me to the strains of "Dead Skunk (in the Middle of the Road)." I really delighted in his knowledge of early rock and roll, most clearly revealed in the good-humored contests in which he invited listeners to stump him with the name of obscure popular songs. I last heard Bob Collins's show in early January while I was visiting my parents--my father listened to it nearly every morning, and I always marveled that I was hearing the same Bob Collins I'd first heard so many years before. Sure, the content of the show was different, but his professionalism--and his good humor--were still there. Thanks, Bob. Tamara L. Hunt, Los Angeles, CA

Remembering Bob Collins [#39 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (09:13 PM) by (Star2C)

My family and I are saddened to hear of the loss of "Uncle Bobby". For many, many, years when my family and I lived in Chicago we would listen....and laugh...and cry...with Uncle Bob. It is truly a sad moment when you first find out of a loss of a friend. I wish that the news reports were wrong...but like the passing of other people we know and love the news is tragic..and numbs us. I hope that WGN will keep Uncle Bob's page intact...at least for a while...so that we may enjoy the realaudio sound of that laugh a few more times...and look at those pictures...and remember the best years listening to WGN when Bob Collins was on the air. Thank you to WGN and the Tribune people for hosting this site...I can only imagine what everyone in Chicago is going through. It is truly a sad moment...like when Uncle Ned passed away...Wally Phillips retiring...and when Frazier Thomas passed away....this is a moment that will mark the end of an era for me. Heidi B and Family Scottsdale Arizona

Remembering Bob Collins [#40 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (09:19 PM) by (Flute125)

Since I can remember listening to the radio, I can remember listening to Uncle Bobby. He could make me laugh and infuriate me, sometimes in the same show. I truly believe that we will realize how much he meant to us upon his first absence. Whoever does the morning show tomorrow, I commend you. Chicago, take a moment and remember the man who often spoke with our voice, but always listened first. Margaret Purdue, IN

Remembering Bob Collins [#41 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (09:45 PM) by (wags999)

I grew up Listening to Bob. After I moved to Phoenix last year, I often fired up the confuser and "tuned" in WGN......I was home again...Bob IS CHICAGO..... Thanks Bob.. for 25 wonderful years Tom in Phoenix

Remembering Bob Collins [#42 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (09:50 PM) by (jju)

You have always been a part of mine and my families life. We will miss you deeply. My mornings will not be the same not hearing your laugh. I pray for you and your family. We will miss you GOD BLESS YOU UNCLE BOBBY John Crestwood IL John

Remembering Bob Collins [#43 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (09:54 PM) by (ghwinston)

I live 5 blocks from the accident scene in Zion. I heard noise, and sirens, and helicopters but had no idea what had taken place. My son came home and told me what had happened and of course the news was turned on immediately. My family watched intensely to every event as it was taking place so close to our home. And then the real shocking news; of the possibility of one of the victims being Bob Collins. I met Bob about 14 years ago at Kelly's Leatherworks in Richmond,Il. He had taken a ride out in the country with his wife, Chris, on a very beautiful summer day. I was working the store with my brother-in-law Dennis Kelly (owner). Kelly was in the back room so I ran back there and said "You won't believe who just walked in!" "Bob Collins"!!! Kelly came out and introduced himself and told him how much we all enjoyed listening to him in the morning on WGN radio. Bob had just gotten a new Harley Davidson and we could'nt wait to "dress" it up with leather. I measured Bob and Chris for chaps that day and I will never forget it. Such a fun couple. Since that day he frequented the shop quite often. Two years later Bob and Kelly were honored to be Grand Marshalls for the toys for tots parade in Chicago (1988). The day before the parade Kelly took his BMW motorcycle out for a run to make sure everything was ready for the parade. He was killed that day when he hit a deer very close to his home in Genoa City, Wi. I called Bob at his home and talked to Chris. I told her what happened, and said I needed to get in touch with Bob. She told me she would find him and have him call me. In a matter of minutes Bob had called me back. That day Bob announced the tragedy over the air numerous times. He was able to accomplish something my sister and I would never have been able to do. He reached out to so many people that knew Kelly with the news. Kelly was a very popular man with a wide variety of motorcycle enthusiasts. I will never forget Bob's kindness, sincerity, and his sense of humor. My prayers go out for his wife, Chris and family. He will be greatly missed by so many people and remembered as well. I personally want to let everyone that did not have the opportunity to meet Bob personally that he is real. He did not put on any phony airs at all. I will miss his voice in the morning. I could see his face when he spoke, and picture his jolly smile when he would have one of his down deep chuckles. Bob you will be missed. May god give his family strength and understanding to cope with their loss.

Remembering Bob Collins [#44 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (09:55 PM) by (janmnich17)

I will always remember Uncle Bobby for his gentle humor, and his "down-to-earth" manner. I loved his laugh and his show was funny and informative at the same time. He will be remembered in my prayers, and I will miss him very much. Janet Mt. Prospect, IL.

Remembering Bob Collins [#45 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (09:59 PM) by (annettetn)

Its been over 10 years since I have lived there, but every morning growing up or when I return to visit, Bob was on the radio ever since I can remember. He was part of the family every morning. He will be missed by many all over the world whose live he touched.

Remembering Bob Collins [#46 of 988]
Posted on Tue 08 Feb '00 (10:39 PM) by (Audriana)

Bob, my heart is breaking! My mother forced me to listen to talk radio as I was growing up in East Central Illinois - every morning, whether I liked it or not - there was "my" Uncle Bob on the radio. As I grew older and moved to Chicago, Bob became a staple in my life along with other WGN radio personalities and I learned to love and appreciate the group ensconced in Tribune Tower. Between columns, morning radio, and just the aura of WGN 720, Bob epitomized what talk radio should be about - intelligent talk on real issues. Your shoes will never be filled, Uncle Bobby. Just like Chicago Deep Dish, Michael Jordan and the Sears Tower - you have no equal in the hearts of Chicagoans. May your soul rest peacefully in Heaven knowing you'll never have to get up that early for work again! Riding motorcycles with you in my heart, Audriana Texas

Remembering Bob Collins [#47 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (12:26 AM) by (storageguy)

While Bob's passing is both a tragedy and a shock to all of us, we can find comfort in the fact that those of us in the Chicagoland area have been blessed with the opportunity to listen to two of the finest radio broadcasters in history. We've enjoyed both Wally Phillips and Uncle Bobby for years and it's been something special for all of us. Many cities never experience even one radio personality equal to the level of these two men. It will never be the same, but we have the memories we will never forget. Time will ease our pain, but for now let us think of Bob, Christine, and Booger.

Remembering Bob Collins [#48 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (01:04 AM) by (TroyMarsh)

I am 21 years old i am a Junior at NIU my mother called me tonight to tell that Bob Collins died in a plane crash. I was shocked I couldn't believe it. I hadn't felt this way since Harry's death. I have been listening to WGN tonight and Steve and Johnny were having all of Bobs close friends on. It was neat listing to his friends talk about his life and his love for music and radio. His laugh will stay with him forever and with WGN. As a kid I truely remember when Bob at 7:20 on mondays after the Bears game the day before would have Mike Ditka on and during the year of 1985 it was neat listing to Bob and Da Coach talk about the great team they had. Though i never had the chance to meet Bob Collins I feel like I truely know the man and my heart goes to his wife, the people of WGN, the City of Chicago. Uncle Bob we will miss you and tell Harry we all say Hi!!!!

Remembering Bob Collins [#49 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (01:38 AM) by (mdnewsnet)

It was sometime in the early 80's as a local truck driver in Chicago when a friend told me about the Bob Collins afternoon radio show. He said "You got to hear this guy, he is really good." When I got back in the truck and was headed down to Stevenson expressway, I turned the radio to WGN to hear what this guy was all about. The very first thing I heard was Bob's laugh about a song he just played by Jim Stafford "Cow Patty", that got my attention because he had a true sincere laugh and you could feel it. Well, one round wasn't good enough for Bob, he played it again and this time I was able to laugh with him, he became a friend instantly and WGN became the only station on my radio at home and at work. Over the years the entire WGN family would get my most respect and recommendation to other's. In 1996 I moved to the Baltimore area and the first thing I tried to find was a station like WGN, but that was not to be, for there was NO station that compared anywhere. It just didn't feel right not being able to start my day without "Steve & Johnny" followed by "Uncle Bobby". Then the computer brought it all back, I am now able to get WGN all the time as if I was still there. When I was able to hear Bob's voice, I really felt at "Home". You can't think of Chicago without first thinking of WGN and Bob Collins. Thank you Bob for being a close friend throughout the years, you will be truly missed. Fred Baltimore, MD

Remembering Bob Collins [#51 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (03:04 AM) by (kateMD)

I've never lived in Chicago...but I've been a WGN listener in many other cities, Milwaukee, Kansas City and even Annapolis, Maryland....I often would wake up early and listen to Bob Collins on WGN....I was always sorry when the sun would come up and my reception of WGN would begin to wane -It was particularly frustrating when Bob was in the middle of one of his many great stories...I loved his sense of humor and his kindness to his listeners...He will be missed in many places outside what you may think is the WGN listening area. Kate Battles Annapolis, Maryland

Remembering Bob Collins [#52 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (04:01 AM) by (Trauchen)

Wow! I am totally stunned that I won't have my buddy anymore. Uncle Bobby, whom I never met, made every morning a pleasure and enlightening. Often he would touch on a topic that is pertinent to what is currently happening in my life and very often I would come away with some direction of how to handle situations. Boy, we will really miss him, a major icon nationwide. I used to fly as well so I shared his thoughts on aviation. The best thing is that he went out doing what he enjoyed. All my love goes to his family and friends. Auf Wiedersehen, Uncle Bobby.

Remembering Bob Collins [#53 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (04:16 AM) by (jarial)

Chicago has lost its fourth great man yesterday. Harry, Jack, Walter, and now Uncle Bobby. I could not go to school in the morning on the South side without hearing his voice in the morning. I lived in Plainfield and my parents still live there and I can say that noone will forget what he was able to put together for our town. He was one of us. A guy. A lover of life. THANK YOU UNCLE BOBBY. Andy Rial Jacksonville FL. Formerly Chicago Heights, and Plainfield IL

Remembering Bob Collins [#54 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (04:17 AM) by (pastorjerry)

Bob Collins did radio the way it was suppose to be done. Bob made radio to be the theatre of the mind. He handle a large city in a small town manner and did it well. Living in Fort Wayne, IN, I would listen to Bob every morning because he related to me in Fort Wayne more than Fort Wayne radio could relate to me. As a former broadcaster I admired Bob and was saddened to hear of his passing. My prayers are for Christine and his family and especially for his WGN family. Bob will be greatly missed.

Remembering Bob Collins [#55 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (04:18 AM) by (twmm)

It's funny how you can spend your daily life with someone you have never met in person; but who you feel you know so well and for whom you develop such a deep fondness. For more years than I can remember, I have awakened to the WGN morning show... first to Wally Phillips and then to Bob Collins. Both of these fine men became an integral part of my daily life. As I try to write this, tears well up in my eyes as though I have lost a family member. And in many ways I have. I moved to Austin, TX, from Chicago nearly 4 years ago. Here in Austin, I have been able to stay in touch with WGN through RealAudio... how lucky I think I am. How much I enjoyed hearing Bob's many stories and laughter as I had for so many mornings before in Chicago. Bob, I will miss you. Thank you for all you have been to me for so many years. God bless you and keep you. T. McGuire Austin, Texas

Remembering Bob Collins [#56 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (04:19 AM) by (judyphilt)

Mornings will NEVER be the same !!! The laughter, the seriousness, the opinions the humor, the kidding, the REAL Friendliness. Chicago, the Midwest, the Nation has LOST one of a kind. In an age of techno radio, "Uncle Bobby" made Radio WORTH listening to. From The "Furtive Family of Frogs" to the "POP quiz" every little thing he did, DID make a difference in all of our worlds. Our sincere Sympathy to his wife Christine, his dog BOOGER, His Friends, His Family and Of Course His EXTENDED family of WGN and it Vast array of Listeners crossing ALL social economic levels. I, My Family, and my friends WILL MISS HIM TREMENDOUSLY Phillip A. Traver Family

Remembering Bob Collins [#57 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (04:24 AM) by (brasse)

As I sit here on vacation, in Bob's home state of Florida, I am still having trouble digesting the news I heard last night. In the past 25 years, we have lived in various places around the Midwest, always in the four states surrounding Lake Michigan. Whenever the newscasts informed us that someone special had been suddenly taken from us, I would always turn to one place for comfort and information -- Uncle Bobby on WGN. Tell me, what do I do this time? And right now I find it frustating that I cannot access WGN-TV from our hotel in Key West. Thanks, Trib, for your web page and giving us these many years of America's best radio friend, Bob Collins. God Bless, Roger Brace Brookfield WI

Remembering Bob Collins [#58 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (04:38 AM) by (muskybankr)

We have listened to WGN for 40 years; it is the number 1 preset on every radio we own. I've never met Bob Collins and I didn't expect to break down when we heard the shocking news of Bob's death last night, but I did and twelve hours later, it still makes me weepy. Bob, you may be gone. We'll never, never, never forget you. Bob was a wonderful ambassador for WGN and Chicago and this is a terrible, terrible loss, beyond what we can ever replace.