Thomas Collins, Samuel

SAMUEL THOMAS COLLINS

TRUMANSBURG - Samuel Thomas Collins, age 18, of 9831 Congress Street, Trumansburg, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 12. Born on September 8, 1987 in Brighton, England, Samuel was the precious son of Michael Tom and Lisa Larsen Collins. At the age of 3 Samuel felt blessed to become the big brother to Meredith Anne. Full of love at first glance, Samuel made it his life-long focus to watch out for his sister and watch out for her he did; they became the very best of friends drawing out the best in each other.

In Trumansburg, Samuel's easy-going attitude won both the hearts of many "Class of 2005" classmates and the teachers that helped mold Samuel into the best that he could possibly be. Although he was extremely responsible, Samuel had the uncanny ability to cut-up and let loose with the best of them. The "little boy" never quite left Samuel and showed itself most frequently when, as a counselor, he interacted with the children in the Summer Recreation Program and the Trumansburg After School Program (TASP). Samuel was able to connect with many of the children in a way that no one else could. He also made many friends through the Trumansburg Outdoor Education Program and the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the church's Youth Group.

Well on his way to becoming a young man, Samuel insisted on working part-time at the Shur Save in Trumansburg while participating in the work study program at Corning Community College, where he was enrolled as a full-time student. Samuel felt that the studies would be more meaningful to him if he paid his own way. He was also on the "Activities and Planning Committee" at Corning Community College.

Biking was Samuel's favorite form of recreation, and for mental exercise Samuel turned to the computer for research, design work and connecting with his online gaming friends. He was also a movie buff both watching and creating, a person who had an eclectic taste in music and was enthralled by anything related to "engineering." No matter where your path may have crossed Samuel's, you always continued on your journey a bit lighter of spirit because his warm smile, sparkling eyes and sense of humour left you with a sense that he genuinely loved and cared for you. Many hearts are heavy with Samuel's absence while countless souls have been forever enlightened because of his presence.

In addition to his parents and sister, Samuel is survived by his Paternal Grandmother, Hazel Raleigh Collins of Brighton England; Maternal Grandparents, George and Patricia Larsen of Interlaken; three aunts, Marylouise Collins of Lindfield, England; Linda (Christopher) Babcock of Moravia, and Leslie Ann Larsen of Albany; uncle, George Emanuel Larsen of Trumansburg; cousins, Eric and Julia Babcock of Moravia and many friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 3:00 pm with the Rev. Robyn Wernham officiating.

In keeping with Samuel's wishes, no calling hours have been scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends who wish to remember Samuel in the form of a memorial contribution, to please consider the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 628, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or the "Samuel Collins Memorial Scholarship Fund", c/o Trumansburg Central School, Attn: Treasurer, 100 Whig St., Trumansburg, NY 14886

The family has entrusted arrangements to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director