Collins, Terence G. (Terry) Age 77, of Grand Marais and Minneapolis, died peacefully on May 11, 2023.

He was a loving husband to Carol Miller, and they created a beautiful life together. He was, she says, the best person she has ever known.

He felt he was joyously lucky in daughters Molly Rojas Collins (Gabriel Rojas Castanon), Bronwyn (Daniel Brazil), and Halley Miller (Alison Miller).  They also were joyously lucky to have Terry as their father.

Terry also had 3 cherished Grandchildren: Elias Rojas Collins, Vivian Rojas Collins, and Rhys Brazil. 

Terry started his life in the Elliot Park neighborhood of Minneapolis. He grew up with parents Aloyisius and Aileen, and his four siblings, Fran (Dick), Michael (dec.) (Mary Cummins), Elizabeth, and Kevin (Linda Smith). He graduated from De La Salle High School in Minneapolis and completed his undergraduate and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Minnesota.

Terry was grateful for his wonderful education and the opportunity to work at the University of Minnesota for over three decades. He was inspired by his many colleagues and had a meaningful career as faculty and administrator. He was a professor in the University’s General College and was committed to access and equity in all his work as teacher and academic. Later, he provided leadership through his administrative work as department chair in the General College and as Dean of the College of Education and Human Development.  He had many work friends who added to his happiness throughout his time at the University. He spent much of his career creating access for students to the high-quality education he had had. He impacted many students as teacher, mentor and, in some cases, life-long friend. In retirement, he still made an impact on education as a school board member in Grand Marais, where he lived.

Terry loved his many friends, including lifelong friends Pat and Bill, canoe and work friends, and neighbors. He was an avid canoeist and cherished his yearly trips with his canoe friends. He loved literature, spending countless hours reading poetry.  He loved art too, visiting art museums and galleries across the country and the world. He filled his Grand Marais home with art and it enhanced his life every day. He also loved to travel and enjoyed road trips to interesting places with his wife, Carol. In winter, they particularly enjoyed time spent in Nice and Paris and took long memorable trips there.

Terry was a wonderful and beloved husband, father, sibling, uncle, teacher, friend, and colleague. He will be remembered for his quick intelligence and incomparable sense of humor. He was generous, cared about the world, and believed in justice.  Terry said “Live with humility. I had a marvelous life.” We will miss him every day.

He thanks Dr. K and the staff at Minnesota Oncology for their care and expertise.

Per Terry’s request, there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the agency of your choice that provides food and/or shelter.

Published on May 14, 2023