[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 23, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E899-E900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF PAT COLLINS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2001

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late John 
Patrick Collins, best known simply as Pat. A prolific businessman with 
an insatiable appetite for public service and an insurmountable sense 
of humility, Pat Collins was an individual who touched the lives of 
many and made a true difference in his community.
  Pat entered the automotive sales industry in the early sixties, and 
became the general manager of a dealership before the age of 30. His 
ambitions knew no horizons. He eventually bought, helped turn around, 
and prospered from a failing dealership in northern Virginia. With 
those profits, he was often found working behind the scenes, donating 
resources to several organizations, often anonymously, to causes which 
he felt were important.
  Pat's early life was impacted by living in a large, close-knit family 
of nine children where everyone looked out for one another, especially 
his brother Brian who was born with Down Syndrome. From this life 
experience, Pat became an outspoken advocate of the mentally impaired 
and fought to assure their equal rights. When it was discovered that a 
local facility was neglecting patient care, Pat devoted his time and 
energy to help bring about changes to remedy conditions for current and 
future patients. He was constantly speaking out for those who could not 
speak out for themselves.
  Those who knew Pat best will always remember him as an incredibly 
bright man whose intellect was surpassed only by his generosity. Pat's 
departure leaves a significant void in the community where he was well 
known for his uncanny ability to cut directly to the heart of a matter 
and craft a commonsense solution. Pat Collins played an important role 
in the lives of many individuals who relied greatly on his counsel, 
advice, and mentoring to assist in running businesses, operating 
community projects, or putting together deals and programs to improve a 
community. As a philanthropist, Pat generously gave to several 
organizations, including Gonzaga College High School, St. Mary's Ryken 
High School, Calvert Hospice, and the Calvert County Chapter of the 
American Cancer Society.
  Pat Collins is survived by his wife Ann; three children, John R., 
Daniel E. Collins, and Mary Mulford, all of St. Leonard; two sisters, 
Margaret Mary O'Brien of Rockville and Sheila Cotter of Annapolis; 
three brothers, Paul of Ocean City, Edward of Silver Spring, and 
Terence of Arnold; and three granddaughters.
  Mr. Speaker, I was always impressed by Pat's energy and ability to 
get things done during his lifetime. He will be missed by many. 
Fortunately for us, his contributions of his time, energy, and money 
will benefit the entire

[[Page E900]]

southern Maryland community for decades to come. Pat Collins was a 
giant who was successful in life, but who never forgot his roots and 
always gave back to his community. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring this great American who leaves behind a loving family and many 
admirers who will miss him greatly.

                          ____________________