Michael Collins
Family Statement on Passing of Astronaut Michael Collins
“We regret to share that our beloved father and grandfather passed away today, after a valiant battle with cancer. He spent his final days peacefully, with his family by his side. Mike always faced the challenges of life with grace and humility, and faced this, his final challenge, in the same way. We will miss him terribly. Yet we also know how lucky Mike felt to have lived the life he did. We will honor his wish for us to celebrate, not mourn, that life. Please join us in fondly and joyfully remembering his sharp wit, his quiet sense of purpose, and his wise perspective, gained both from looking back at Earth from the vantage of space and gazing across calm waters from the deck of his fishing boat.
Our family asks for privacy during this difficult time. Details on services will be forthcoming.”
Ad Astra
A high class individual; in the program and throughout his life.
R.I.P.
A true space pioneer. RIP, Sir!
I’d just re-read his book ‘Carrying The Fire’ recently. He was a man of great class and integrity, and a Heroic American pioneer. Rest In Peace, Sir.
I read it 40 years ago but still remember the stuff he wrote. i.e. TEI burn also known as the get-us-home burn or the save-our-ass burn. Collins didn’t make the 1962 astronaut selection, he heard they want other qualifications which he then ask what are they and how can he get them.
I had the privilege to be a fly on the wall as an Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff in 2004 when Administrator O’Keefe invited the Apollo astronauts to NASA Headquarters on the 35th anniversary of the Moon landing. I was monitoring traffic in and out of the conference room. A gentleman walked up a bit late before I realized who it was, shook my hand and went in. It was Neil Armstrong. A few minutes later a gentleman walked out, and said, “Excuse me, men’s room please?” It was Mike Collins. Of course, I escorted him in the right direction. He smiled and said, “I’d shake your hand but I have sticky bun all over mine right now.” No fanfare, genuine sentiment. Years later I saw him in the Oval Office when the President inquired what the astronauts thought of the current plan. He looked at Mr. Collins who replied quickly and forcefully, “Mars, direct, Mr. President.” No fanfare, straight to the point. What a class act. Best wishes to the Collins family.
One of the highlights of my career with NASA was to ride in the SMS with him and John Young. The stories they told!!! Godspeed Sir!!!
The main thing that comes to mind when I regard Mr. Collins: Humility.
The National Air and Space Museum note about Mike’s passing was interesting. They talked all about the reasons he was selected for Apollo 11. Forgot to mention he was the NASM’s first Director and responsible for much of what the museum is today. Maybe the current acting director did not know?
Soon, there will be none left who saw it with their own eyes.
Until 2024 or 2025
with the final leg of the journey from the “Collins Gateway”