Remembering Bob Collins [#89 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (06:57 AM) by (devmarc)

My recent move to Florida left out of contact with my favorite radio person. I was shocked to see the small article in todays paper here saying that Uncle Bobby had been killed. My condolences to his family and friends. I have greatly missed him while in Florida and my returns to Chicago had been enriched by listening to him again. He will be missed. Sincerly Marilyn Clark Jacksonville FL

In 1981, I was driving back and forth from Polo IL to Lincoln IL for graduate school. I enjoyed 3 hour afternoon drives, listening to Uncle Bobby and Jim cut up after Cub games. Soon I was addicted. I called on several different occasions. In fact I got one of the last "Big Orange Caps" and a "Cushy Padded Toilet Seat" for my efforts collaborating on the "Cheap, Trashy, Romance Novel". I met Bob at a pre-season WGN tailgate party at Soldier Field. He was as genuine and warm as his on-air persona. When I heard the news today I was saddened. Though I've been out of the Chicago radio area for almost a decade, Bob was a welcome guest in my car and home when I return to visit family. My sincere sympathy to Christine and the rest of family. Steve Campbell Laurinburg NC

Remembering Bob Collins [#91 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:05 AM) by (sierrad)

How do you list memories of 25 + years in a small space? I think we all wonder that. I remember laughing so hard at "Gwendolyn" I nearly drove off the road..a hazard of driving I frequently experienced while listening to Bob. I loved the "...Amateur Radio Talent Show", all the nicknames and the serious talk too. I'm a broadcasting teacher, and over the years I've used numerous bits from Bob's show for class. However, when I first began teaching, a student called me a liar because I said you couldn't make $40,000 a year in Peoria with a two year degree in radio. I decided to see what top Chicago radio people had done to achieve their positions. I sent a questionaire to many stations and many personalities. The only ones I got back were from WGN and the first one back was Bob's..handwritten! Like many others, I could not stop crying last night. I felt as though I had lost a friend..and I have. I love Spike, but mornings will never be the same. Dolores Sierra Moline IL

Remembering Bob Collins [#92 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:08 AM) by (KathleenCostello)

As a life-long WGN listener, I will deeply miss Bob Collins' love of life, love of family, love of his job. We should all be proud to have "known" someone as unique as Bob. Our whole family was saddened by the news of his passing; and at the same time, we were all amazed with the professionalism that all of the personalities at WGN have demonstrated in covering the life and times of our beloved "Uncle Bob." Sincerely, The Costello Family

Remembering Bob Collins [#93 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:14 AM) by (ydnicola)

Dear Uncle Bobby, You have moved on to join your Heavenly Brotherhood of Pilots in God's Home. I know my dad, as a card holding member of that Brotherhood, will be standing in line to welcome you. He also moved on doing what he loved - flying his baby. You have left a void in our lives where once you filled them with laughter, sincerity and the simple pleasures of life. Driving to work in the morning with you made the craziness on these Illinois roads bearable. Our sincerest condolences to your entire family, including your extended family at WGN and your listeners who are saddened and lost for words. You will be remembered, loved, and honored for everything you have given to this world... Yvette Nicola and family

Remembering Bob Collins [#94 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:20 AM) by (nanwyatt)

REMEMBERING BOB COLLINS... AS A FORMER ANCHOR AT WBBM-AM, NOW WITH KMOX IN ST. LOUIS, I OFFER MY CONDOLENCES TO BOB'S FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FANS. THE WORLD OF BROADCASTING IS GREATLY DIMINISHED BY THE TRAGIC DEATH OF THIS FINE MAN. MORNINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME ON THE WINDY CITY AIRWAVES, NAN WYATT

Remembering Bob Collins [#95 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:22 AM) by (CathyKittleson)

It is so hard to express grief for someone you have never met in person, yet our sense of loss is so deep. Bob Collins was a man we listened to on the radio. Uncle Bobby truly started our day on the right foot and always gave my husband and I something to talk about at the end of the day. His laugh was infectious. His style was not "canned". He was just Bob. We will miss him greatly and can only imagine the sense of loss felt by Christine, his family and those at WGN radio. Goodbye, Partner, until we meet again.

Remembering Bob Collins [#96 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:25 AM) by (shortliner)

I heard the sad news, on TV this morning, here in Kansas. It was a real shock. I have listened to Bob since he came to WGN. I traveled all over the midwest and WGN and Bob were like a second home to me. Even when I moved out of the normal range of WGN, I looked forward to trips back to Wisconsin so that I could hear Bob. I hardly knew what he looked like but I could recognize his voice and wonderful laugh anywhere. I'm sure that Bob will be sorely missed by his friends and family as well as the millions of listeners in the midwest and across the country. My most sincere condolences to all. Art Schwarze Marysville, Kansas

Remembering Bob Collins [#97 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:30 AM) by (chasehoch)

As I listened to all the memories this morning I thought of something I believe Bob used to say that now seems appropriate... "They say all great men are dead; and I'm not feeling well myself." I truly mean this when I say, "My prayers are with Christine and all those involved in this tragic accident." Don't forget the other families involved. Bob would never have wanted all the attention for himself. May God bless.

Remembering Bob Collins [#98 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:34 AM) by (ChicagoRedCross)

We at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago we very fond of Bob and his caring personality. He supported us in our mission to help the people of the Chicago area, offering us time on his show to talk about our programs and services. We count him among our closest allies and dearest friends.

Remembering Bob Collins [#99 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:41 AM) by (osenga)

Bob Collins made the voices behind the radio dial very real for me during his stint in Milwaukee in the early 1970s. At the time, he was the drive-home DJ at, I believe, WRIT in Milwaukee, having left WOKY. AM Radio then was pretty tightly formatted stuff 2:35 song, patter, 2:38 song, commercial, patter, song. We always liked to listen to the beginning of Bob’s show because he always came out with both guns blasting; Bob Segar or some ass kicking rock n roll. This one afternoon he started with the Lovin Spoonful’s “Darlin Be Home Soon” the antithesis of foot stompin rock n roll. I think Bob was having marital problems at the time and when the song ended he said, quoting from the lyrics: “Man what a song, ‘a quarter of my life has already passed and the time I’ve wasted is the time I spent without you…’ ” Breaking up just a little at the very end. And then he played the song again. More free formatted radio was happening on FM, but on AM it was almost unheard of. The same song back-to-back, real human emotion. My buddies and I stared at the radio and for me, radio and the people behind the microphone were suddenly very real and very human. In this case, Milwaukee grieves with Chicago for our loss. We’re gonna miss him. Mike Osenga Brookfield, Wis.

Remembering Bob Collins [#100 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:42 AM) by (eoincom)

Dear Uncle Bobby, As you'd want, sporting big orange caps we'll all be laugh'in, scratch'n and havin' a good old time for your sake! Tell Steve Goodman, "Hi!" We'll hum the "Dutchman" at your wake. Love, Eoin's Da

Remembering Bob Collins [#101 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:42 AM) by (TommysDad)

Dear WGN Family, I just wanted to let Bob know that we shared one thing in common that endeared him to me personally many years ago. Every Christmas season, I could count on Bob to play one of his favorite singers and mine, Karen Carpenter and "Merry Christmas Darling". It sounds corny, but that is one of the things you liked about Bob....he wasn't afraid to sound corny or sentimental....after all, he was among friends! They must have needed a morning disc jockey "upstairs"....they got the BEST now!

Remembering Bob Collins [#102 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:42 AM) by (tillson)

For 25 years, Bob has been a part of my family's life. My wife and I are deeply saddened by his passing. We want to extend our condolences to Bob's family and to all who worked with him at WGN. He will be sorely missed. Let us hold on to all of the laughter and good memories that Uncle Bobby gave us. Chicago and the surrounding suburbs have lost a warm and good friend but Heaven has gained a great and loving soul. Tonight I will look to the Heavens, with a Big Orange in one hand and a Moon Pie in the other, give a toast and say, so long Uncle Bobby, until we meet again. Your memory will be forever in our hearts. Tom and Linda Tillson Streamwood, Il

Remembering Bob Collins [#103 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:48 AM) by (Jimradio)

I have been in the radio industry for 30 years and I can recall no event in that period that has saddened me as the death of Bob Collins. Along with JP McCarthy of WJR in Detroit, Bob was a key reason I wanted to be in this industry. He was that best that radio had to offer. He could relate to his listeners on a one-to-one basis. Collins and his listeners developed a relationship, a bond, a friendship. Most of us who never met him in person feel as if we have lost a dear friend. The type of radio which Bob Collins typified is, unfortunately, disappearing for a number of reasons. The death of Bob Collins has hastened that disappearance. I loved this man and I love the type of entertainment he brought to us. I will miss both so much.

Remembering Bob Collins [#104 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:54 AM) by (Nani)

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Bob and of listening to home for about 25 years. Not only could he make you laugh but helped me when I lost my pets. His love for animals as well as people made him very dear to me. He will definitely be missed a LONG time. What is a morning drive without him. Vita Potter

Remembering Bob Collins [#105 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (07:58 AM) by (AVM)

I moved away from the Chicago area over 10 years ago, but always remember how Uncle Bobby kept Mom and me laughing on our long commute from Crystal Lake to Northbrook. I also remember meeting him at Taste of Chicago, over 15 years ago, when I was 13 years old. He picked me out of the crowd to read a commercial LIVE on the air, and proceeded to put ice down the back of my shirt while I was reading it!! That memory always makes me smile. I was shocked and saddened to hear that Uncle Bobby will no longer be a part of our lives. My few trips back to the midwest will feel strangely empty now. No more "Henhouse Five" and gut-splitting laughter to entertain the long miles. I will miss you, Uncle Bobby. My prayers and condolences go out to Christine, the WGN family, and to the other families who lost loved ones in this tragic accident. Amanda Boston, MA

Remembering Bob Collins [#106 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (08:01 AM) by (Angler)

My wife and I started listening to WGN when we moved to Chicago in 1975. Bob was the afternoon host then, and I always looked forward to listening to his show as soon as I got into my car after work. When Bob moved to mornings to replace Wally Phillips, I was worried that the audiences wouldn't take to Bob because Wally was such an icon, but the transition went smoothly, and Bob quickly became Chicago's favorite radio personality. Ever since then, my wife and I would listen to him from the time we woke up to the time we got to work, and enjoyed every minute of his show. He was King of Chicago radio, and one of the few genuine radio people around. We're going to miss him immensely, and we offer our condolences to his family and all his friends. Jim Lau

Remembering Bob Collins [#107 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (08:02 AM) by (Cards28)

I leave my radio set and on to WGN listening through out the day. Bob's personality has a special place in my heart. He was honest, to the point, creditable and just a good guy. My prayers go out to his family and may God give them extra strength to deal with this tragic accident. I'm just shaking my head.................

Remembering Bob Collins [#108 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (08:02 AM) by (scottcameron)

To post the words that express what I feel, simply can’t be done. As I followed the news story yesterday from the time I left work at 4 PM until past 11:30 PM and again this morning I felt like it was all a part of some drama that would conclude and Bob Collins voice would return to the WGN radio. Again there are no words to relieve the sorrow of Christine, Bob’s many friends, his co-workers and the countless listeners. May we all take are personal memories of Uncle Bobby and give a prayer of thanks to God for blessing us the opportunity to be a part of his family.

Remembering Bob Collins [#109 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (08:02 AM) by (supi)

Good bye, Uncle Bobby. Thank you and all of the people at WGN for being with me when I need you most. You were with me when I was in labor, my father died, my husband was in the hospital, my daughter was in the hospital and also when she was sick late at night and everyone was asleep. You were with me when I was hospitalized and in pain and no one else was there. You were there and made those times easier just like family. Thank you for being there when I was returning for long trips. I could turn on the car radio and knew I was home. You were Chicago to many of us and it was the best part. I wish someone could take your place but you were one of a kind. See you some day, but I will always hear you in the radio of the mind.

Remembering Bob Collins [#110 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (08:02 AM) by (agg)

There are no words to express my loss for Uncle Bobby. He made my day every morning since he took over the morning show. I am retired, and I enjoyed listening to him so much. There wasn't a day that went buy that I did not learn something from his show and I will miss his infectious laugh. My prayers are with Christine, his family and all of his friends. We are grateful that God blessed this world with such a wonderful person. Lillian Gorak

Remembering Bob Collins [#111 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (08:07 AM) by (scottcameron)

To post the words that express what I feel, simply can’t be done. As I followed the news story yesterday from the time I left work at 4 PM until past 11:30 PM and again this morning I felt like it was all a part of some drama that would conclude and Bob Collins voice would return to the WGN radio. Again there are no words to relieve the sorrow of Christine, Bob’s many friends, his co-workers and the countless listeners. May we all take are personal memories of Uncle Bobby and give a prayer of thanks to God for blessing us the opportunity to be a part of his family.

Remembering Bob Collins [#112 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (08:08 AM) by (peggyt)

Listening to Bob Collins these many years taught us to take an active interest in past and current events - those of our community, of Chicago, of the state of Illinois, of our country. His gift was in making what was happening in our world real and accessible to us, his listeners. From him we were able to learn what and who was behind so many of the stories in the news. We didn't always agree with his opinions, but because of him we learned how to form our own informed decisions on many things. His humour, his compassion, his interest in everyone and everything will be sorely missed. We loved him like our own family. Our day will never start out quite the same again. Peggy T.

Remembering Bob Collins [#113 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (08:24 AM) by (GlenHa)

Chicago has lost its voice. At least thats how I've always thought of Bob Collins who seemed to embody the characteristics I liked most about Chicagoans. Though I've spent the last 27 years bouncing about the country and world as a member of the Air Force, I found I could frequently listen in on Bob's morning show before the sun came up and made a point of listening in during my visits to Chicagoland. He always left me with a warm feeling and sense of being closer to home. Home is now a bit farther away without him. I hope he knows how much he gave to many of us and how much he'll be missed. Chicago will, for a while, seem muted. God keep you "Uncle Bobby."

Remembering Bob Collins [#114 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (08:25 AM) by (patsy60)

I remember when Bob first came to Chicago. I really enjoyed his evening show with Jim. When I heard he was going to replace Wally, a favorite of mine, I didn't think he could do it. I was wrong. I've listened to Bob every morning since he took over and missed him when he was on vacation. When I heard the news last night I couldn't believe it. I cried as though he was one of my own family and I think he was. I will miss him and my prayers go out to Bob's family and the WGN family who are doing such a good job of remembering Bob. Pat S.

Remembering Bob Collins [#115 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (08:34 AM) by (LouBrown)

For over 10 years, our family woke up in Frankfort, Ill. to the voice of Chicago, Bob Collins. One morning Bob read a letter from Amy about her father suddenly dying on Dec. 1, 1988 and how he had brought Bob Collins' morning show into her life. I am sure she still listens for their voices, as will I. Bob was a truly gifted talent whose compassion for the less fortunate was contagious. He brought out the best in so many lives he touched. Louise, Florida

Remembering Bob Collins [#116 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (08:42 AM) by (jimday)

I am lost! I ask; how can the loss of a person I have never met affect me so deeply? I know he shared many of the most private moments of my daily life, alone, by a radio, pondering traumatic and trivial moments alike, setting standards of attitude and respect, irreverence, he left no subject unexplored, found humor where others didn't, handled the problems of others with dignity and regard and worked harder than most at not taking himself too seriously. He was my comfort zone, a place where I felt at home, where my fellow listeners shared the same humor,moral likes and outrages and where he brought us all to new horizons, where he shared new ideas and perspectives. He was a gift; He will be missed; He will be broadcasting from a special cloud. Pray that we all have the good fortune to hear his voice again in the place he so deservedly belongs! Jim Day Ishpeming, MI

Remembering Bob Collins [#117 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (09:08 AM) by (KAH)

What a wonderful man~ I am only 25 years old but when I was growing up and getting ready for school, my dad would always have Bob Collins on the radio. It would be on in the kitchen, in the bathroom, in the familyroom, in the car, anywhere a radio was, we could hear Bob. My dad admired Bob more than any other Chicago figure, I think he met him a few times. I later realized why my dad cared so much for him, he made gracious contributions to Chicago and he had a wit and charm that attracted you to listen. My dad is on vacation in Mexico, and I had to leave him a message of this very sad day and news. I am going to meet my dad in Mexico this weekend, and I know that he will be hurting with the loss of Bob. We will be sure to say a prayer together for him and to make a toast to a gracious, talented, and admired human being. With deepest sympathy, a young fan of Bob Collins

Remembering Bob Collins [#118 of 988]
Posted on Wed 09 Feb '00 (09:14 AM) by (buckets)

Imagine my shock when I woke up this morning to find out that Uncle Bob was on one of the planes that crashed Tuesday afternoon. I moved from Chicago to Atlanta nine years ago on a company move. I wasn't too thrilled about it but had little choice. (on occasion, I was able to receive WGN Radio down here and be able to listen to Uncle Bob) I still had friends and family in the Chicagoland area and when I would visit, my one requirement was to listen to ol' Uncle Bob. How sad to discover that one of the people that kept me tied to Chicago is gone. A tear wells up in the corners of my eyes thinking of the huge loss this will mean to the Chicago "community" near and far. My heart goes out to Christine and the entire Collins family. Thank you for sharing Bob with us. He will be sorely missed. Bob from Atlanta