Important AOG news 8/17/23 - John Collins

[Nancy]

I’m writing today with the very sad news that John Collins, the founder and owner of this website, died in June after a long illness.

I’m so grateful that John started this site way back in 2006. It contains a wealth of information that isn’t available anywhere else. I know I’m not alone in saying that my husband and I wouldn’t have bought an Albin if it hadn’t been for this forum. John created a great community and miraculously kept it free from the rancor that infests so many forums.

I asked John’s wife, Sharon, who describes herself as computer illiterate, what she’d like convey to this group. She said that John worked hard on this site, and they met many wonderful people. When I asked her what else I should say, she replied, “They’ll know.”

There wasn’t a funeral for John. Instead, on July 23, his birthday, there was a celebration of life with 89 friends and family aboard a ferry. When I commented to Sharon that John would have loved that, she said, “He did.” How perfect.

Let me know If you’d like to be in touch with Sharon, and I send you her address.

You may be wondering what will become of this website. A core group of us is determined that it will continue, but we need some help. I have posted separately about that. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=14344

In the meantime, fair winds, John, with deep appreciation for your dedication to this group.

[DCatSea]

Such sad news. John and his enthusiasm for Albins is the main reason we own Mazboot. After a life mainly spent overseas, in 2014 we were looking for an ICW-appropriate boat and were lucky enough to stumble across AOG and John's great welcome to the slow lane. He remained a guiding light for us, through his love of boats and knowledge freely given through AOG and PMs. We still haven't done the ICW, but there's still water in the Bay, so ..... .

Our sincerest condolences to Sharon and John's family.

"May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face"

[Mike]

Took in a deep breath after reading this. John was a great guy who went out of his way many times to make sure this group was a useful resource for everyone who loved boating. He had an easy going nature ,a great sense of humor and something that made him very approachable. I always looked forward to seeing him and Sharon at the rendezvous. He will definitely be missed.