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Andrew Michael Collins died suddenly Monday August 1, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he and his wife had recently moved. He was born on October 20, 1983 in Goldendale, WA.
Andy graduated from Zillah High School in 2002. He attended the University of Oregon from 2002-2003. He graduated from Occidental College in Los Angeles, California where he played quarterback. Andy went on to play for the AFL in Los Angeles, CA, Denver, CO, Stockton, CA, and Tri Cities, WA.
Andy's passion for his faith and love for his wife were known by all. He was an admirable example and role model for many. His fortitude, conviction, and character led him to stand up for his faith and values in a profession where those things were not always appreciated.
Andy married Brooke Ann Olzendam on July 23, 2011. He and his wife Brooke realized in the short time they shared, what a treasure they had in each other. We will miss his enthusiasm for life and his laughter.
Andy is survived by his wife, Brooke Ann Collins; parents, Mike and Betty Collins from Zillah, WA; sister, Suzanne Collins from Kennewick, WA; brothers, Nick Collins from Ellensburg, WA and Steven Collins from Fort Mill, SC; and grandparents, MaryJo and David Collins from Kent, WA.
A rosary service will be held Sunday August 7th at 5:00pm at Resurrection Catholic Church in Zillah. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am Monday August 8th at Resurrection Catholic Church in Zillah. Reception will follow in Zillah High School commons area.
In lieu of flowers a scholarship fund has been set up in memory of Andy. Contributions can be made at Key Bank, Zillah, WA.
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Yakima Herald Republic, yakimasports.com
August 4, 2011
For thousands of sports fans around the Yakima Valley, Andy Collins must have seemed indestructible, a virtual superman.
A three-sport standout for the Zillah Leopards and star quarterback who went on to success at both the collegiate and professional levels, he remained the humble and helpful kid next door, volunteering to coach budding track athletes at his alma mater.
He was young, handsome and a newlywed — he married Brooke Olzendam, a CBS college sports reporter, on July 23 — and was, as always, in tremendous physical condition. In his last physical exam, last February for his latest pro football team, he was a picture of robust health.
So it came as a shock to everyone when, while working out Monday evening in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Collins died of an apparent heart attack at the age of 27.
The son of Mike and Betty Collins of Zillah, Collins’ impact on the community and its schools was profound, according to administrators and coaches who knew him well.
“It’s hard to put into words,” said Doug Burge, his basketball coach at Zillah, where Collins was an all-state performer in both football and basketball and a state champion in track and field.
“If you wanted to mold a student athlete and have him be a certain way, I think Andy is that person — a natural leader, a genuine, great kid who stands for all the right things and does all the right things. He was just … perfect. I don’t think anybody ever could or would say a bad word about him.”
“Everybody in our school looks up to him,” said Zillah athletic director Rock Winters, who was an assistant coach on the football team while Collins was passing for 4,676 career yards. “Outstanding kid, great person, hard worker, leader — everything you could ask for.”
After graduating in 2002, Collins accepted a scholarship to play quarterback at the University of Oregon. But when the Ducks’ coaching staff wanted to take advantage of his athleticism and turn him into a middle linebacker, he wasn’t interested and transferred.
He ended up Occidental College, where he led his team to 26 straight victories and became the first three-time Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference offensive player of the year.
After graduating from Occidental and earning MVP honors in the Aztec Bowl, Collins agreed to a deal with the New York Giants before playing several seasons in the Arena Football League. In 2010, he was the starting quarterback for the Tri-Cities Fever of the Indoor Football League before a shoulder injury ended his season.
Last spring, after his final season as a quarterback with the AFL’s Spokane Shock, he came home to Zillah before his impending marriage to Olzendam and their planned move to Florida and her next CBS assignment. With some time on his hands, Collins volunteered to help coach the Leopards’ track team.
“We loved having him around,” Winters said. “Here you have this guy who’s done so much and he’s willing to be a volunteer track coach working with freshmen.”
And loving it, too.
“Throughout the summer, people would stop me to tell me things like, ‘My little girl was in track and Andy worked with her, and she just loved it when he was there because he just made it so much fun,’” Betty Collins said. “He was getting no pay and no accolades for that. It was just something he wanted to do and enjoyed doing.
“We’re so proud of him. He had a positive impact on so many people.”
Other survivors include brothers Nick Collins and Steven Collins of Ellensburg and Fort Mill, S.C., respectively, sister Suzanne Collins of Kennewick, and grandparents MaryJo and David Collins of Kent.
Recitation of the Rosary is 5:00 p.m. Sunday August, 7 at Resurrection Catholic church in Zillah. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 8 also at Resurrection Catholic Church with burial following at the Zillah City Cemetery. A reception will follow the at the Zillah High School Commons. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah is handling the arrangements.
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I have never met such a respectable, kind, and personable young man. My heart felt condolences go out to Mike and Betty. My prayers are with you, my friends. God Bless, Patty Mengarelli
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My boys and I send our deepest sympathies during this time. There are no words except I'm so very sorry for your loss. In the days ahead I will be praying for you all.
Jerri Purdy
Ty , Josh & Brady
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Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family. We loved Andy just as one of our own children. He will be missed, but his shining example in ALL areas of life will live on in our schools and community. God comfort you.
John, Diana, Jeff Griffin, Jennifer Weisgerber
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Mike & Betty,
My heart and prayers go out to you. I can not begin to know what you are going through, I can only pray and I am.
God Bless You,
Kathy Yellam
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Collins family
I am heart broken for your loss.
Deb Geffe
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As one of his teachers at an early age, I knew that Andy would make his parents proud. He had the ability to make friends, became a wonderful role model for many other youth, and had an appreciation for family. Betty and Mike, you were given a great gift from God and you did a marvelous job raising a son that all were proud of. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sue Torres
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To the Collins Family,
Randy and I are so very sorry for your loss. We will be thinking of you and praying for you in the days to come. Andy was a fine and outstanding young man who will be greatly missed.
Sincerely, Randy and Sharon DuFord
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Collins family,
Our prayers are with you in this time of mourning.We watched from the sidelines and saw the integrity and passion Andy had for life through sports. Thank you for raising such a fine example of a young man.These times remind us of how precious the moments are that the Lord breathes into us. 1st John 4:4 states "Greater is He in me than he that is in the world." We believe Andy is still living this today.
Craig and Eva Carpenter and Family
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Cliff and I want to express our most deepest sympathy for the loss of your fine son Andy. Our family has many fond memories of Andy because of our daughter April being in his High School graduating class. Also of Scott being on your basketball team. You are an amazing family. we love you all and are in our prayers every day. May God send down his blessings of peace and understanding at this time.
We love you...Cliff and Bonnie Sainsbury.
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We are deeply saddened to hear of Andy's passing. He was a remarkable young man and will be missed by all. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug and Gloria Hintze
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Mike, Betty, and kids ~
As you know Andy was like one of our family. We had many fun filled occasions with him that we will always treasure. But more than anything it was his kind spirit, love for life, and love for God that always touched us. He's one of those people who is almost impossible to describe because he was so unique. He'll be missed by many, but forgotten by no one.
Sending many hugs and prayers to all of you. May God wrap his strong arms around you and help you through.
All our love,
The Mortensen Family
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On behalf of the 2001 Colfax Bulldog Football Team, we would like to extend our condolences to the Collins Family. Andy was as fine a competitor as we have ever faced, but more importantly, he was a tremendous human being. May God's light and grace shine on the family and everyone in the Leopard nation. Sincerely, Mike Morgan
Head Football Coach, Colfax High School
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I played with Andy at Occidental and lived with him a short time. There aren't many individuals who live and breathe a positive example like Andy. I'll miss him. My deepest condolences to Brooke and the Collins family.
Joseph Zackary
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Andy was the epitome of the man that I want my three sons to be: respectful, polite, genuine, friendly, hard-working, athletic and loving. My oldest son, Justin, had the pleasure of having Andy as a mentor and friend at Occidental; something he will never forget. And, we welcomed Andy for visits to our homes in Michigan and Chicago two summers ago, and having Andy here was a joyful experience we will never forget.
Our sincerest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with Brooke and the Collins family.
- Dave & Sandi Goltz and Family
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All my thoughts and sympathy go to the Collins family for your sudden and tragic loss. I enjoyed watching Andy play for Occidental and in the AFL. God speed, Andy.
Duke Heberlein
Occidental College '92
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Mike and Betty,
There aren't enough words to dscribe your wonderful son but I pray that you can find some comfort in knowing that the genuine goodness he shared with others in this world is being rewarded in Heaven as we speak. In today's world, most families can only hope that their loved ones make it to Heaven, but your family can rest much easier because of the surety you have that Andy is watching over you right now and waiting for the day when you'll all be together again. God bless your entire family and your beautiful son. We are so deeply sorry for your loss.
Debbie, Tanner and Paige Albrecht
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The LINFIELD COLLEGE family mourns your loss. Andy will always be a part of our football lore.
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As a parent of a former Whitter player, our hearts hurt for the Collins family. The SCIAC family is thinking about you.
Our sincere prayers and condolences to the entire Collins family.
God Bless
Dave,Deborah,Stephanie,Brandon and Richard Wilcox
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Mike & Betty
I am so so very sorry for the lost of your son. He was such a great man and I am bless to have know him. My Prays are with you and your family.
My God Bless You and your family..
Tracy Walters
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Dear Collins Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of Andy. He was a one-man team, the best player on the field, the greatest QB in Oxy history. He was gracious and always friendly and kind. It was an honor to have known Andy. He will be dearly missed.
With sympathy,
Bob Ostrove, Oxy '76
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Oh my dears, we are so very very sorry. We hold you all in our hearts.
Amelie Gerking Stockman and Family
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Andy Collins was a wonderful man. Many will talk about his gifts, but his biggest blessing was his gift of Faith. Andy was an unshakable beacon of light who shared God‚s love in the most humble, gentle ways. Not only do I want my children to learn the balance of living in the world but not of the world as Andy did each day, but I will continue to try to emulate my friend in my own life as well.
God Bless you buddy, and please continue to pray for friends and especially your family.
Paul Hudson and Family
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Mike, Betty, Brooke & Family
I don't even know what to say to you and your family in this time of sorrow. I really wanted to let you know that your son/husband was a great person. My son Drew really looked up to him. I used him as a model for my kids when talking about making the right choices in school. You have been in my thoughts and prayers every day since i heard about Andy. This is what i do know that you are a strong family, people of great faith and God tells us that he will not give us a burden we can't handle. I do know that God has a purpose in all of this and in his way he will be using you and your family to bring people to the lord. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Take care and God Bless. You are in my prayers.
Andy Affholter
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Dear Mike, Betty and Family;
We were stunned to hear the tragic news about Andy. We know that you are heartbroken over the loss of your son. There are no words to adequately express our sympathy for the loss you must be feeling. Please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Brian, Lori Bunger and family.
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Always a star in so many ways. Be proud, Mike and Betty, just as you have been and should always be of your Andy. The world was a better place as a result of him ....
Ed Parkins
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Accept our heartfelt sorry at the loss of your loved one!
May the Happy Memories you tucked away in your hearts carry you through these difficult days.
We are grandparents of Lace and Justin Lawrence who have shared their happy memories of.. Zillah school.. football.. track.. happy fun.. recent personal training.. Canadian football.. never ending list.. Andy will be missed and remembered.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Ray and Mary Kearl
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Am saying prayers for the repose of Andrew, who must have been a beautiful soul, and for his wife. I didn't know either, but I found the statement that he had a passion for his faith and the fortitude, conviction, and character to stand up for that faith, to be one of the most beautiful things I've read in an obituary in a long time. Praise be to God for this! We cannot always understand the will of God, but we believe that He alone is the Author of life and has the right to call His people into eternity. May the love of the Holy Family sustain all with peace and interior joy despite the sorrow you're suffering.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
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To all the Collins family members, I am so sorry for your loss. I know Andrew was brought up in a God loving family and shared that love for God himself.
What an assurance and comfort it must be for you to know he had a close walk with God.
You are all in my prayers and thoughts at this time.
Most Sincerely,
Donna (Jones) Moffitt
Yakima, WA
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On behalf of the Willamette University football program, I want to send my deepest sympathies to the Collins family. Andy was a fierce competitor and a man of character. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please give Steve a hug for me. I can only imagine what a difficult time this is.
Mark Speckman
Head Football Coach
Willamette University
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To Aunt Maryjo, Uncle David, Mike and Betty and all your family:
We heard through the years what a fine young man Andy was. From reading about him it's clear that he lived life to the fullest. What a strong, loving family he is part of. As you grieve his loss we are holding you in our hearts and prayers. What a gift you have in each other and in your faith. We love you.
Tawney and family and Uncle Phil
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Dear Mike, Betty and family,
Perry, Marie and I were so shocked to hear about Andy. I will not say I understand how you feel,even though I lost my Mom in May, and even though each loss is difficult, my Mom lived a long life, unlike Andy. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and if there is anything we can do please let us know.The Vlahos'
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I was an assistant coach at a rival SCIAC school. We hated playing against Andy for obvious reasons but admired his leadership, ability, and character. He was and is the best football player I've ever coached or played against. I am completely heartbroken for his family and his wife. May Andy rest in peace.
-Vinny Fazio
Assistant Head Coach, Carter High
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Greg and I would like to send our sincerest sympathies, thoughts and prayers during this tough time to Brooke and the Collins family.
Greg and Laurie Hinchey and Family
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To Andy's family: Our family was very saddened to hear of Andy's death. What a fine young man he was. His funeral service was just beautiful and above all truly inspirational. Im sure he was pleased. You can be proud of who he was in life and reassured by the fact that he is now with God. We will continue to pray for your family.
The Larry Friedrich family
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I did not know your Husband, your Son, your Brother, your Friend... I'm simply a friend of a friend who has been deeply saddened by the tragic loss of your beloved. Please know that you are not grieving alone and people far and wide are wishing you love and strength during this difficult time.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die."
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Kim and Ella Foster would like to express how sorry they are to hear of your loss. You are in our prayers.
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Mike, Betty & family
Terry & I are so very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort with the memories you have been blessed with.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Condolences,
Terry & Connie Morgan
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The California Lutheran University Football family sends condolences and prayers to the entire Collins family. May God bless and comfort you all and give you strength.
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I first became aware of who Andy was in Third Grade!
My niece had just moved in to Zillah...being the 'new girl'..no one wanted to mix with her...Andy had no problem of becoming her friend...asking her to be his partner on many class projects...At that time I was very thankful he helped her mix in...How could a 9 year old child step up & speak up above the wishes of fellow classmates...Andy did and I was so impressed...The 2 kids probably did not know their Seattle Grandmothers knew each other very well..
Collins Family & Mrs Andy Collins many blessings now & forever.
Sadly,
Martha Mengarelli
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We are so sorry for your loss. We wish to express our deepest sympathy and hope that you find some comfort with God's help.
From Mike and Laura Frazier
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My heart goes out to each & everyone of you. We were so blessed to have Andy as a friend. He was the brother Justin always wished for & Lace's stand in big brother. They had such good times together. We will miss him so much.
Our prayers & love go with you always.
Ginger, Justin & Lace Lawrence
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