Kenneth James Collins, age 69, of Humboldt County, passed away on April 23rd after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

He was born in San Diego to Kathryn and Harold Grosdidier. He became a Collins early in life when Harold died, and Kathryn married Gene Collins. He spent his life fighting for others though his law practice, the Vietnam anti-war movement, founding the Redwood Discovery Museum, and he touched everyone with his songs. He loved music, art, scones, good beer, traveling and people from every walk of life. His sister Kara remembers his teasing and wit which kept us all on our toes. We will always remember him with a song in our hearts.

He was a devoted father and family man and is survived by his children, Jennifer and Forest, and his siblings, Kara (Bill) Rosenburg, Lea Beth (Cy) Lewis, Larry (Mary Alice) Grosdidier and Mark (daughter – Kayleen).

We have set up a scholarship fund with the California Coast Music Camp (CCMC), which was one of his favorite places in the world. We hope that, because of him, many more musicians will be able to carry on his songs and create their own. Donations can be made in Ken’s name via check, at the memorial, or online.

Online donations: https://funds.gofundme.com/dashboard/ken-collins-scholarship-fund

Checks sent to:

California Coast Music Camp
PO Box 608
Palo Alto, CA 94306-0875

Donations are tax deductible using Tax ID: 943155972 and California Nonprofit ID: D1818753

 A potluck celebration of life will be held at the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 5pm on Friday, April 27.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ken Collins’ family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.