Mike Collins and I had talked on the phone about a month before he passed — about his need for a good alternating air pressure bed — but I had the impression he wasn’t dealing with anything really serious. So when I got the news he had died and been in hospice, it hit me hard. Mike — a 75-year-old C5 quad, had been an absolute stalwart in the disability community for decades. His list of top-tier managerial positions is impressive to say the least. But those of us at New Mobility saw him as an unselfish, knowledgeable and solid contributor and columnist who always did his best and never missed a deadline. Most of all, he was an all-around nice guy, someone you always enjoyed talking with.

I met Mike in 2000 at an Abilities Expo in California. He was riding a tall new power chair, dressed impeccably, slacks pressed, shoes shined, wearing a colorful Hawaiian shirt. He might have been some kind of royalty, but he was friendly and spoke like someone who knew what he was talking about, someone who deserved to be listened to, a man who commanded respect but never demanded it. That first impression never changed over these last 21 years. We talked about his cover story for NM that day, the first I ever edited solo as the new guy on the block, a photo-heavy muiti-profile of numerous car aficionados who happened to be wheelers. Thoroughly impressive. I was amazed at how many people he knew who were in love with tricking out vehicles, old and new, each one unique.

Like Mike. One of a kind.

Under the surface of every successful person like Mike are layers of experience, expertise drawn from failures, steadfast progress and perseverance, tempered by modesty. Mike was the real thing. Whether you knew him or not, we all owe him a debt of gratitude for having taken on some of the weightiest jobs in the disability world and performing with efficiency and grace. Take a look at his official bio and marvel at all he has accomplished and thank God — whether you are a believer or not — for Mike Collins and the way he lived his life. He was all about helping others.

Read more of Mike’s articles here.