Remembering Bob Collins [#59 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (04:38 AM) by (sharpei)

I'm in south Georgia and just heard the news about Bob Collins on the Today show. What terrible news. I would like to extend my condolences to his wife, family and his WGN family. It feels like I've lost an old friend. I remember when he first came to Chicago radio. What a character, what a wonderful character!Although I've been down here 15 years, I've tried to listen on-line and when I returned to Chicago. There will never be anyone like him, ever. I just wish everyone had a chance to "meet" him on the radio. When you did, you really felt like you had a made a genuine friend for life. Bob, you will be sorely missed. Lois Sauer Cordele, GA

Remembering Bob Collins [#60 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (04:47 AM) by (JudyPerkinson)

I am really writing this for my father. He is 82 years old, blind and lives alone. Yet every morning he was not alone, because he had "Uncle Bobby". If I was at his house and the radio was on it was common to have him talk back to Bob Collins. I just knew that when I was not there, he had "real" company. I didn't have to listen to the show to know what had happened. Often, Dad would call me up and talk about something from the the morning show. Bob Collins will be missed in our family. Our sympathy goes out to his family along with our deep gratitude for hours and hours, days and days, weeks and weeks, months and months, years and years of pleasure that he gave my father Sincerely Judy Perkinson for Bill Myres Hammond, Indiana

In the late 70's and early 80's, I was going through a lot of changes in my life. My work required me to travel throughout Western IL and all of Eastern IA. Bob Collins humor and candor got me through those tough times. I couldn't wait until his air time each day and was delayed in getting to many appointments because I would get so caught up in the show. I moved to Cincinnati in 1981 and my biggest disappointment was that I could no longer listen to Uncle Bobby on a daily basis. But whenever I was able to get into WGN range I was there. The tears I've shed this morning are only a few drops in the ocean of love this wonderful man gave us. Condolences to his family and loved ones (all of us). Maryellen Witte Cincinnati OH

Remembering Bob Collins [#62 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (05:13 AM) by (cswiat)

A Jogger's Prayer Dear Lord, Welcome Bob as he enters your studio this glorious morning. It's the kind of morning he would mention--the beautiful red and maroon sky. Have him pick out his own chair and get is own cup of coffee--he is the new kid on the block---he's a mere mortal..with wings. Please let him bring joy and happiness to all of your audience each morning. And Lord, let him laugh---he caused us to laugh so much. Just watch the ratings rise! And finally Lord, one last favor... please allow him to send us messages down here. Let him communicate with us joggers, husbands, wives, executives, government leaders and me--just a common guy going to work each day to keep the faith, to stay positive, and do something each day to make this world a better place for all..... Amen

Remembering Bob Collins [#63 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (05:15 AM) by (frankvdv)

The Chicago AM airwaves are now silent without Bob Collins voice...As I listen to Uncle Bobby's heir apparent Spike O'Dell this morning, I remember why, after growing up listening to Wally Phillips, I continued to listen to WGN when Bob took the reigns in 1986. He never failed to make me laugh on a daily basis, and his friendly pokes at his staff and friends will never be forgotten. Even as I worked at jobs in downtown Chicago, the WGNradio web site allowed me to listen to broadcasts that were difficult to pickup on my radio. If not for Uncle Bob, I would have given up on AM radio. So, as our grieving continues, his memories will live on forever in our hearts and minds. So long, Uncle Bobby. The AM radio airwaves are again silent without your presence. Frank L. Van De Vanter Berwyn IL

Remembering Bob Collins [#64 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (05:17 AM) by (jupitersangel)

I have listened to WGN since I was a little girl. Every morning when my father would drive me to school, he would put on "Uncle Bobby." Even at that young age he entertained me. I'd listen to his humor and witty stories, not always understanding them, of course, but still listen with interest. I wish I was in the range of WGN to hear all the lovely words that everyone will be saying today. I may not be there, but at least I'm able to say it here. My condolences to his family, friends, and all of us listeners, young and old. A dear friend is lost, but not forgotten. Jamie Ann Elmhurst/ Urbana-Champaign IL

Remembering Bob Collins [#65 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (05:18 AM) by (BryanFM)

My best memories of Bob were when he was morning man/program director of WRIT in Milwaukee in the early 1970's (a witty rock and roll dj then). I was just out of college and was fortunate enough to have gotten the program director's job at WCOL in Columbus, Ohio, a sister station of WRIT. Bob was very gracious to this youngster, spending long hours on the telephone explaining how he did things in the "big city". In 1982 when I was out of work, he got me two major market job interviews. When I was in Chicago on business in the 80's and early 90's he always took my calls; never too successful to forget an old friend. When I was fortunate enough to hear him on WGN, he was the same on the air as off. No phoniness, just human warmth. What a talent... Bryan McIntyre Raleigh, NC

Remembering Bob Collins [#66 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (05:19 AM) by (ksully623)

I remember moving to Chicago in 1979 and having to travel around the city and finding myself lost downtown. I tried to find a radio station that could give me a traffic report so I could find my way from downtown back to Fox Lake in less than 4-5 hours. I tuned in WGN and I listened to this guy, "Uncle Bobby" and I listened intently. Not only did I get the weather, sports, ag report, and traffic, I also learned what the all time favorite country song was made up of. I found out what a "Big Orange" was, and generally found myself a new "friend" in the "Big City". I knew that afternoons were always going to be tuned to WGN for Uncle Bobby. When we moved from Chicago to Philadelphia, every time I came back to work with one of my sales people I alway made them put on WGN to find Bob. I can actually say the I converted several rock listeners to WGN just because of Bob. Then when we moved to Milwaukee, it was great to hear him in the morning. We moved last summer to Cleveland and I haven't had much success picking up WGN until this morning. My wife and I heard the terrible news last night on our local Cleveland station so first thing this morning I got into my car to see IF I could pick up WGN and hear what happened. I don't know if it was the clear weather or what but I got WGN clear as a bell and even stopped several times to make sure I heard all the tributes to "Uncle Bobby". I'll miss the "Hogs & Frogs" reports and those quick quips whenever I return to Chicago, but mostly I think we'll all mis you! Sincerely, Kevin & Peg Sullivan Shaker Heights, Ohio

Remembering Bob Collins [#67 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (05:26 AM) by (davidob)

As huge fans who listened to him daily, my parents would have been happy with a one channel radio.

Remembering Bob Collins [#68 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (05:30 AM) by (COLCHUCK)

After living through daily contact with Bob as a listener, I moved from Illinois to Atlanta, GA. That did not stop me from listening to Bob as I was able to do as most “out-of-towners” state - we can hear him up until sunup or approximately 0700 EST. Not only was I able to hear Bob that way but I always looked forward to a day off to hear him via “Real Player” on my home computer. Yes, I too recall the days of Carl Grayson, Jim “Logm” and the constant teasing with Chicago’s own Wally Phillips and the great Harry Carey. During the Cubs and Braves playoff’s I invited Bob to stay with us in Conyers, GA via email communication which he always mentioned on the air. As a career Army Officer stationed at Fort Sheridan, I treasured the day I met Bob face-to-face when I was shopping in Highwood, IL. His friendliness, and fond laughter will be remembered forever.

Remembering Bob Collins [#69 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (05:30 AM) by (Tipycanukh)

Having moved away from the Chicago area almost 20 years ago, I still remember listening to WGN all the time, Cubs, talk and traffic were the best. Bob Collins has touched so many lives, he will be missed.

Remembering Bob Collins [#70 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (05:48 AM) by (Shelba)

I can't imagine a morning in Chicago without Bob Collins. He was the best. Christine, we loved him too. 'till we meet again, Uncle Bobby. Shelba Franklin

Remembering Bob Collins [#71 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (05:55 AM) by (Chrisdind)

Well, Life and Radio in Heaven just got better. Right now Bob is catching up with many friends over some chocolate doughnuts. I started listening to Bob in 1993 on some of my trips from Chicago to DeKalb. Very soon I was a permanent listener and continued to be even after a move to Indianapolis (which 720 reaches). Bob made radio so much fun and I will miss listening to Bob, a radio Hall of Famer.

Remembering Bob Collins [#72 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (05:57 AM) by (davidob)

As huge fans who listened to him daily, my parents would have been happy with a one channel radio.

Remembering Bob Collins [#73 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:00 AM) by (cathyvonbrecht)

We lived in Florida and now Maine but we still have a home in Michigan and as soon as we get within listening distance of WGN radio each summer the dial goes to 720 and stays there until we leave to go home. Bob Collins was my favorite - Ifeel as if I knew him and there will be a definite sadness during my summer vacations of the future. How lucky we were to have had him whilewe did!!!

Remembering Bob Collins [#74 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:05 AM) by (lady3)

I was a lonely new bride who had just moved to the Chicago area from Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1975 when I discovered Bob on WGN. We have lived in Wisconsin for over 17 years now, and the Bob Collins program has been on our radio each morning since then. One of the things that stands out in my mind is listening to Bob and Jim Lockman play the "Fertive Family of Fine Frogs" routine and then laughing so hard they could hardly continue the show. I was honored to have met Bob at a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald house given at the EAA museum in Oshkosh where Bob was keynote speaker. Mornings won't be the same without him.

Remembering Bob Collins [#75 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:28 AM) by (krisgus1)

Growing up in Chicago I always listened to WGN...especially to Bob Collins in the morning. My friends used to laugh because talk radio was "uncool." Now living in Georgia, I listen via "Real Player" or very late at night/very early in the morning, when for some reason, you can pick up WGN. The news of Bob Collins death shocked and saddened me. While heaven has gained one heck of a guy, radio has lost someone terrific. Gods peace to the WGN family, Christine and Booger. Kris

Remembering Bob Collins [#76 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:28 AM) by (madluke)

Chicago & the midwest, have lost a great one in Bob Collins. He was part of my daily life for many years,before moving to the southwest three years. I'll never forget his infectous laughter,and his down to earth personality ! When he and Officer Linc Hampton would get going I remember laughing till I cried; a very much different crying than I'm doing right now. Say hello to Harry, Uncle Bobby. A long time "Cubs & WGN " fan. Bruce in Albuquerque, NM

Remembering Bob Collins [#77 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:32 AM) by (teke20)

I couldn't believe the news, I was practically raised on WGN, I listened to it on the way to high school and could even pick it up in College in Green Bay, WI. I remember listening to Bob Collins on the way to work every morning when I worked in Chicago. I had to call my Dad in Georgia to tell him since he was also a big fan before moving away. Chicagoans have lost a good friend and my prayers are with his family. Good Bye Uncle Bobbie, Chicago won't be the same without you. James Benware West Bend, WI

Remembering Bob Collins [#78 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:35 AM) by (ErikMichael)

Honestly, I never really listened to Bob Collins religiously. All I can say about the tragedy that occurred yesterday afternoon is that it is a major blow to the city of Chicago and all WGN Morning listeners. My only memories of Mr. Collins were listening to him every morning heading to work with my father. No one likes to see a Chicago Icon go. I've listened to comments about the way he laughed. "It was from the gut" as someone said last night. Its true, I loved his laugh when I heard it. It was something that can and did brighten your day. To the family of Mr. Collins and the WGN family, I send my deepest simpathies to you all. I know that despite the fact he is gone, God has him, and he'll be broadcasting from above.

Remembering Bob Collins [#79 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:36 AM) by (LMOB)

Wow! We started listening to WGN during the Football strike and haven't stopped since. Both our children have been raised on WGN. It is the pre-set on every radio (home/car/work) that we come in contatc with. Muchly due to the great start we had in our day with Uncle Bobby. It was always bond with my cousin who is another WGN'r. We must have called each other 20 times yesterday trying to make sense of it all. Our love and hugs go out to everyone in the WGN family, past and present, and most especially to Christine his wonderful wife. Bob - we can only assume you've taken your place on WHTR (Heavenly Talk Radio). We'll miss you.

Remembering Bob Collins [#80 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:37 AM) by (Josie2)

During my working years and in my retirement the first two things I've always done are put the coffee on and turn on Bob. I'll miss my good friend. My sympathy to his dear wife and family.

Remembering Bob Collins [#81 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:41 AM) by (chicagomike15)

I listened to "Uncle Bobby" forever,when all the other kids were listening to Tommy Edwards,and an Animal Stories rerun I was listening to Bob and The Tyrone F.Gindleman don't call us we'll call you radio ametuer hour.I spoke with Bob on the air a few times and I even got one of his coffee mugs,he said I sucked up to him so well he gave me a mug,and gave mugs to three other peple in the same discussion. Bob also mentioned me on the air trying to help me get a job.I lost my father a few years ago,and I've lost family and friends,and now I've lost "family" again.My deepest sympathy to Christine Collins and all the Collins family,and the WGN family. Chicago,the midwest,we've all lost a great friend.

Remembering Bob Collins [#82 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:42 AM) by (JTRan116)

Uncle Bob, You made my morning complete for many years. It won't be the same reading the morning paper without you. How do you say goodbye to a friend. My sympathy and condolenses to you wife and family. God Bless and keep you always. John

Remembering Bob Collins [#83 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:47 AM) by (carpet)

I have listened to Bob since arriving in Chicago almost 8 years ago. Waking up in the morning will never be quite the same. He was a class act! My condolences to his wife, parents, sister and all his friends and family. carpet

Remembering Bob Collins [#84 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:48 AM) by (schaef)

I am 18 years old, and have grown up in Chicago. My parents and grandparents all listened and enjoyed Bob Collins in the morning. For me, it was a part of waking up in the morning. Every time I hear his voice, I remember those mornings. I will miss that. Thanks for the memories. I will always remember the hardy laugh. Rest in peace, Katie

Remembering Bob Collins [#85 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:48 AM) by (frankvdv)

The Chicago AM airwaves are now silent without Bob Collins voice...As I listen to Uncle Bobby's heir apparent Spike O'Dell this morning, I remember why, after growing up listening to Wally Phillips, I continued to listen to WGN when Bob took the reigns in 1986. He never failed to make me laugh on a daily basis, and his friendly pokes at his staff and friends will never be forgotten. Even as I worked at jobs in downtown Chicago, the WGNradio web site allowed me to listen to broadcasts that were difficult to pickup on my radio. If not for Uncle Bob, I would have given up on AM radio. So, as our grieving continues, his memories will live on forever in our hearts and minds. So long, Uncle Bobby. The AM radio airwaves are again silent without your presence. Frank L. Van De Vanter Berwyn IL

Remembering Bob Collins [#86 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:53 AM) by (Username)

I had the incredible fortune of meeting Bob Collins about 10 years ago. I was about 15 or 16 years old, but I knew who he was because both my parents are HUGE fans of his. I walked right up to him and put out my hand and said, "Bob, it's so exciting to meet you, may I please have your autograph?" I remember he smiled and laughed and said, "Of course!" He was so incredibly nice, and friendly, I remember thinking that I wished all local celebrities could be as nice as him! Bob will be very missed in Chicago. There will never be another Bob Collins, he was one-of-a-kind!

Remembering Bob Collins [#87 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:53 AM) by (Sunhawk)

"Uncle Bobby". And you know, he really was family, too. After the first ten minutes of listening to him, after coming home from college downstate in the mid '80s, he was part of my life that I just didn't want to give up. As a matter of fact, most of my friends at the time thought I was insane or eccentric to listen to WGN. But I knew something that they did not. Bob Collins was someone rare in the world. A person who cared about people and who was completely unafraid to let them know it. WE were all very lucky that he found a 50,000 watt vehicle to share that sentiment. So many things about his show over the years were examples of his unabashed caring: the Pop Quiz, his Salvation Army and later Neediest Kids collections around Christmas-time, the way he made sure to reach out to the people who needed it, no matter when they needed it, or what they needed. And poignantly, among the thousands of memorable moments which are coming to mind as I write this, I think of these three: 1. The day after he visited the prison. I wept that morning, driving to work. 2. Tornado-aid (need I say more?) 3. His reading of Bob Green's commentaries regarding that poor abused little child. Among the humor, besides the things already mentioned on this site, I recall his always finding a way to play some music...even just a few seconds "But remember, this station does NOT play rock and roll", and the way he would find a way to play certain songs that were part of his own traditions, which always made me smile. Finally, I have one other thing I feel must be said. To Christine Collins. Dear Agnes, Thank you. Thank you so much for sharing him with us. You gave us a huge part of your life by sharing your husband with hundreds of thousands of people, giving you one of the largest 'families' in the world. Thank you for opening your life, and your heart to all of us. We love him, and we love you, too. Sincerely, Dawn Henderson McHenry, Illinois

Remembering Bob Collins [#88 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:57 AM) by (Katt1)

Bob Collins was my all time favorite talk show host. I enjoyed him from 1979 to 1982. What a radio voice, what a sense of humor. I remember him playing the Perfect Country Music song. Then later he found out that the artist wasn't so perfect after all and he withdrew the title and was very humble. My condolences to his family - and his Chicago land listeners. Rainer Peters Alexandria, VA