Most of you know Ken Collings and his dear wife Mary.
Just found out that his son was killed today in a car accident.
He probably wanted to keep it quiet, but he's part of our F-Body family and everyone here should know.
A suitable memorial would be nice. Perhaps donations in his memory to Ken's wolf rescue project.
I'll speahead if it's o.k. with the group.
You can email me and I'll forward my address. Please make sure you send me your address so I can pass it along to Ken and Mary.
Brian.
Posted by xero (Member # 2001) on :
quote:Originally posted by Hawkeye: Most of you know Ken Collings and his dear wife Mary.
Just found out that his son was killed today in a car accident.
He probably wanted to keep it quiet, but he's part of our F-Body family and everyone here should know.
A suitable memorial would be nice. Perhaps donations in his memory to Ken's wolf rescue project.
I'll speahead if it's o.k. with the group.
You can email me and I'll forward my address. Please make sure you send me your address so I can pass it along to Ken and Mary.
Brian.
Thats horrible! My prayers are with him and his family we are all here for Ken and Mary!
Posted by SS 891 (Member # 1968) on :
Oh no... I am sorry to hear this news..
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken and Mary. Posted by twobratSS (Member # 2180) on :
Wow...what a tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them as well. Do you want me to send you a private message with our information?
[ 28. April 2004, 11:17 AM: Message edited by: twobratSS ]
Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :
Thanks Brian Posted by MMMM_ERT (Member # 1599) on :
That is terrible news. My heart and prayers go out to Ken, Mary and their family.
Posted by Orange 01 SS (Member # 1700) on :
Very sad.
Posted by chrisL (Member # 97) on :
Very sad indeed.
Ya know, news like this really puts things into perspective.... sometimes we really worry/complain about stupid chit.
Posted by RagSS (Member # 1127) on :
...very sad news, ...my prayers go out to Ken and his family...
Posted by JeffY (Member # 120) on :
Deepest sympathy for my good friend and his wife.
Posted by Kevin V 2002 SS (Member # 1025) on :
I saw a post from Ken on a board and another from Mary on another about it. I've known Ken for years from the boards and this is painful to hear.
I'm in Hawkeye, just tell me what you need and thanks for coordinating.
I know how Ken feels about the F-Body "family" and it will mean alot to him.
Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
Sad, sad news.
We'll be praying for them as they go through this dark valley.
I'm in on whatever you have in mind Brian.
Posted by KurtK (Member # 1779) on :
I hope Ken and Mary are OK.
Posted by Opie (Member # 2007) on :
My deepest sympathy, and prayers.
Posted by Cavy Dan (Member # 1352) on :
OMG! This is really hard to hear.
My thoughts and prayers are with them all. Posted by Bill 97 SS #1422 (Member # 1182) on :
WOW! Sorry to hear this!
Posted by 10thhawk103 (Member # 2033) on :
Wow, very sorry to hear. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ken and Mary.
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Wow, that is sad. My thoughts are with Ken and his family. Posted by cytruffle (Member # 1733) on :
I am so sorry to hear that. Is this the same one that was so ill last year??
Thanks for keeping us informed, Brian, and anything you have in mind, count me in.
Posted by HotWheelSS aka HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
Our thoughts are with Ken, Mary and the rest of the family.
Posted by CamaroSCG (Member # 1591) on :
I'm deeply sadden to hear this. My prayers and thoughts are with them. Posted by SuperSport (Member # 1686) on :
Tragic news. My thoughts are with them.
Posted by Fbodfather (Member # 1119) on :
Ken and Mary....
I cannot begin to imagine the pain you must feel right now...and I don't think there are words to espress those feelings. Just know that your friends in this community are thinking of you and you are in our prayers.
I offer you something that a very close friend sent to me when my father passed...I hope it gives you the comfort it gave me..........
Life Everlasting
I am standing upon the seashore, a ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze, and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says “There! She is gone!”
Gone Where?
Gone from my sight, that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left and just as able to bear her load of living cargo to the place of destination.
The diminished size is in me, not her.
And, just at the moment when someone at my side says “There! She is gone!”
there are others on a distant shore watching her come into port.
..........And their excited voices take up the glad shout-
“Here she comes! Praise God! Home at last!”
Posted by TimeLord (Member # 1389) on :
Posted by Sizzle (Member # 503) on :
Saying some prayers for Ken, Mary, and their family.
Posted by JohnS (Member # 1073) on :
Very sad & devastating news.
Thanks Brian for the information.
Posted by RonF00-2614 (Member # 923) on :
I can think of no worse pain for a parent to go through. Our prayers are with Ken and Mary.
Posted by 35th_camaro_ss (Member # 1738) on :
Ken and Mary, My deepest sympathy goes out to you, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son.
Thanks Brian for letting us know and they are great friends and I hope we can help in some way...hopefully these posts help some also, knowing he has lots of friends on the boards...I am all for helping gather some type donation or something to help. Al
Posted by SSHEETS (Member # 1989) on :
I will also pray...a very sad day.
Posted by MY02SSLE (Member # 2178) on :
My thoughts and prayers are with Ken and Mary. What a terrible loss... Brian, count me in too.
Posted by Xsta Z 28 (Member # 740) on :
Words cannot say enough . . .
My deepest sympathy, and my thoughts and prays go out for you, your wife and family . . . Posted by Kevin V 2002 SS (Member # 1025) on :
quote:Originally posted by cytruffle: Is this the same one that was so ill last year??
Yes
Posted by el ess1 (Member # 1544) on :
Oh good gracious, no. So sorry to hear. Our thoughts and prayers are for the Collings family.
Posted by WayneSS01 (Member # 734) on :
Oh no! Ken and Mary we all love you so much! Sorry for your loss. Posted by Matt B (Member # 1651) on :
Ken and Mary: my deepest condolences to both of you. Really sorry for your loss
Matt
Posted by SS_CarGuy (Member # 2065) on :
You have my deepest condolences Ken and Mary. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Posted by Elie Garfinkel (Member # 1635) on :
What horrible news and what a shock! There's nothing worse than losing a child. Mary and Ken, please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences, and try to be strong for each other.
Best regardSS,
Elie
Posted by DebbySS (Member # 998) on :
Ken and Mary,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.You have my deepest condolences.
Debby
Posted by CK-1 99SS (Member # 93) on :
My thoughts and feelings are with you and your family Ken and Mary...
[ 28. April 2004, 03:26 PM: Message edited by: CK-1 99SS ]
Posted by CamaroSSgal (Member # 1870) on :
Ken and Mary....I'm so sorry to hear about this! You and your family are in our thoughts and our prayers are this terrible time. Cherish the memories! I know the pain of losing a child, it is a terrible thing and never really goes away, but gets a little more manageable over time. Be strong and live each day to it's fullest.
Posted by mhayman (Member # 146) on :
I am stunned.
Ken and Mary, I am so sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences.
------------ Mark
Posted by Krista (Member # 1904) on :
my deepest sympathies to you both.
Posted by BrostalSS (Member # 1830) on :
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by 97 SS LT1 (Member # 136) on :
Ken and Mary, my heartfelt condolences go out to you. I am so sorry for your loss, may the Lord bless and keep you.
Scott
Posted by Ronin (Member # 1357) on :
So sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our prayers.
Posted by Blu SS 98 (Member # 1812) on :
Ken and Mary, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by ss_rs_z (Member # 1888) on :
Ken, Mary, I truly am very sorry to hear of your loss. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you both. May God Be With and Bless You.
Posted by Mike2001SS (Member # 2088) on :
Ken and Mary Cindy and I don't know what to say or how to handle this news. You and your family are in our prayers for sure. Thanks Brian for letting us know and Cindy and I are in for what every all of you want to do.
Posted by KenC (Member # 189) on :
thank you so much, as you all know, your friendships are like family to us.
evidently what happend, is......Kenny and a lady friend, went out to look at a deer herd that grazes everynight near the road it happend on. he was driving a newly aquired ram pick up he bought with some money he made and got from disability.
he was on the way back..... either fell asleep or lost control due to mechanical failure,.....his friend Mel.....whom he works with..also a mechanic..said the truck needed some major work..... kenny traveled 37 yards (if he was asleep...he woke up for sure) with two wheels in a ditch trying to pull the vehicle into control before a front A arm colapsed sending the vehicle into a roll. kenny had NO seatbelt on!!! he was thrown from the truck and DOA. the girl with him walked 2 miles in total shock to a phone booth where she called 911. she collapsed. she was taken to the local hospital who could not handle her injuries and med evacted to Norfolk. We will be trying to get in touch with her tomarrow..as she is still in the E room. She's the last one that saw him alive. we just need to know what happend.
this is a very dark path for me. ive walked two over the last couple of years, my Mom, and Nikona. You folks have always been there for me, .....us. And there are no words that can express my thanks. I love you people.
Kenny was thrown from the vehicle. Thats what killed him. He was NOT wearing a seat belt. He knew ....i would not even turn the key in the ignition unless he had his seat belt fastend when i took him for rides in our cars. And that applied to anyone in one of my vehicles.
God bless you all. And thanks for being here for us.
We are busy trying to find his dog Hunter a home now, he loved that dog..like we love ours, he was an animal person. we are also busy making arrangements for some type of burial. one that he would want. most likely, we will spread his ashes over his favority fishing pond, with his friends and family there. thats what he would want.
Vehicles ...... they can take a life so quick.... less than a second. suddenly....its all gone...
you know what im saying .....
we are guilty...."it will never happen to us"...........
hugs to all of you, but most of all.......thanks....for being there.
this is a path i have yet to walk. lost my Mom.....lost my wonderful wolfdog Nikona....almost lost my life, Nam...... but nothing like this... but you folks...were there for me with Mom and Nikki..... and now this.....
God bless you all.
Posted by Bello SS (Member # 1304) on :
Ken & Mary,
I am so sorry for your loss and please let us know of any assitance we may be. He will be kept in our prayers.
Best Regards, Gino
Posted by Bandit (Member # 1867) on :
my condolences.
Posted by Mike2001SS (Member # 2088) on :
Ken you know we are all here for you and Mary and please let us know how his girl friend is doing soon as you know.
Posted by 35th 02 ss (Member # 1667) on :
Ken and Mary I cannot but into words how I feel for you guys, I'm very sorry and you if need anything please let us know.
Posted by vargod (Member # 1116) on :
Ken I'm so sorry to hear this. My heart fell to the floor when I read this earlier, You and Mary are in my prayers.
Posted by Big A (Member # 1761) on :
Our prayers go out to Ken, Mary and their family.
Posted by FireChicken (Member # 2067) on :
Oh, dear God. Ken, Mary, My condolences and prayers are with you both. If there is anything that we can do in this time of need, please dont hesitate to let us know.
God be with you both.
Posted by 99 HOSS (Member # 109) on :
he will be remembered in our prayers.
... and we'll pray for the strength and guidence that ya'll will need in the coming weeks.
Mike & Lynn Furtaw
[ 28. April 2004, 09:44 PM: Message edited by: 99 HOSS ]
Posted by Archs89 (Member # 1086) on :
Ken and Mary ,
Our prayers are with you both. Even though I have never met you I've always heard good things about you and your family.
Craig Archer
[ 28. April 2004, 09:57 PM: Message edited by: Archs89 ]
Posted by 99PewterSS (Member # 564) on :
Ken and Mary -- it's hard to even begin to imagine the loss of a child. My prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by 30thSSNerd (Member # 2155) on :
So sad. My condolences to you both Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
Our thoughts are with Ken, Mary and their family. Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
lessoned learned I hope. This loss should not be in vain. PLEASE BUCKLE UP!
Can not imaginge that feeling when you first are given the news. We're all here for you.
Posted by danss98 (Member # 1994) on :
So sorry to hear. Can't imagine the pain of losing a child. Your family will be in our prayers. God Bless.
Posted by BigBlack2002SS (Member # 2018) on :
Just horrible news. You're in our prayers.
Posted by blkragss02 (Member # 1801) on :
My deepest sympathy
Posted by OBSSD (Member # 1258) on :
I'm speechless but not so much that I can't offer a prayer.
Posted by KenC (Member # 189) on :
i finally spoke with the tropper that was there. at first..he held back.. but i told him i wanted all the truth... even if its graphic.
the only reason im posting this.....is in hopes...that one of you ...pass this on to a young person, or even put it as a sticky in the back of your mind..... life can go out like a light bulb with motor vehicles folks...... plain and simple.
kenny was driving a ram full size pickup...souped up....the trooper said. some alcohol was involved. they didnt put that on the report because at this point....it would not have mattered or done any good.
the truck went into the corner in excess of 70mph...... not a real sharp corner..... the two right tires went into a shallow ditch on the right side of the road..... Kenny tried to pull it out...the girl said .. she said that she heard a "thump"..and the right front end of the truck dropped suddenly (im thinking A arm.)..he had riddin 37 yards in the ditch at this point..... the truck vered right..up and out of the ditch..and went airborn..on its right side....thats the last thing she remembered.... then she crawled out of the truck....looked for kenny...saw him...and went into shock and walked to the phone booth...almost 2 miles. she's in intensive care still. we can call her tonight. she was med evacted from the local hospital the Norfork... the local one could not handle her head injuries. she is 19 years old.
neither of them wore a seat belt. ( i mentioned that earlier). kenny went thru the windshield...taking the steering wheel and the left section of the dash WITH him.... imbedded in him...he was dead before he exited the vehicle......... he continued airborne and slammed into a tree, taking the steering wheel with him in his abdomen.
does it hurt to type this? yes. do i have tears in my eyes? yes.
lets hope no one here ever has to type something simular.
wear your seat belts.
thanks all for the support.....God bless every one of you. I luv you folks..
wanted yall to know.. yesterday at 12 noon...depending on what time zone you lived in.... 4 Wolfdog sanctuary's and many wolfdog owners lit candles and had a moment of silence in memory of Kenny. at one sanctuary.....the wolves began to howl. yes...... im teary eyed again.
im hangin on.....and in. thanks to all of yall.
Posted by Ken Howe Sr (Member # 196) on :
My deepest sympathy,and prayers to Ken and Mary and family.Such a terrible loss Posted by Stealth Performance (Member # 1072) on :
Posted by cytruffle (Member # 1733) on :
My God, Ken.......how you can type that is beyond me. To think that in what HAS to be the darkest hours of your life, you think of US??? ....and you post information and warnings to US??? ....man.....how on God's earth can you do that.....??
I hope you know how much we feel your pain.....and how desperately we want to say something that will help you....and how helpless and impotent we feel at a time like this......
All I can do is pray for healing and peace for you and Mary.....
....and somehow....the wolves you love so much....they know.....and in a way that transcends human experience, they will offer you comfort and rest......
Peace be with you, bro....
Posted by 35th_camaro_ss (Member # 1738) on :
I can barely read the words, I picture it and can only imagine what you are going through...I am so glad you can come on here and see the friends that are here for you, some just read speachless and some of us reply trying to find something right to say for support.
The wolves can read the pain, they sense the troubles also.
Hang tough Bro as I know you will. Al
Posted by ss_rs_z (Member # 1888) on :
OMG.............Shivers just ran through my body after reading the story Ken. I truly am very sorry and my heart aches. My condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you and Mary.
[ 30. April 2004, 04:23 AM: Message edited by: ss_rs_z ]
Posted by WayneSS01 (Member # 734) on :
Ken... Posted by 2k1SS (Member # 2072) on :
Ken & Mary - condolences to you & your family
-Andy
Posted by KenC (Member # 189) on :
quote:Originally posted by cytruffle: My God, Ken.......how you can type that is beyond me. To think that in what HAS to be the darkest hours of your life, you think of US??? ....and you post information and warnings to US??? ....man.....how on God's earth can you do that.....??
I hope you know how much we feel your pain.....and how desperately we want to say something that will help you....and how helpless and impotent we feel at a time like this......
All I can do is pray for healing and peace for you and Mary.....
....and somehow....the wolves you love so much....they know.....and in a way that transcends human experience, they will offer you comfort and rest......
Peace be with you, bro....
i dont want this tragedy to end up dust in the wind. it's my hopes that someone, somewhere....in a moment of recless driving....remembers this and lifts off the gas pedal..... then Kenny's tragedy saved another one from happening....
no matter how much i preached to him about seat belts....he didnt listen ..... "oh..come on dad...they dont mean that much"..........
guess they did.
Posted by BCKNBLK (Member # 2207) on :
Our condolences and prayers are with you and Mary
Bruce and Jessica
Posted by sscamaro (Member # 1330) on :
My condolences Ken & Mary. I got tears in my eyes just reading it. How quickley things can happen.
Posted by Krista (Member # 1904) on :
I have to echo what Millie said. I can't even begin to comprehend the pain you and Mary must be dealing with. I sit here with tears in my eyes thinking about it, never even having met you. Seatbelts have always been mandatory in my vehicles since the birth of my son. If anyone ever wants to question my insistance on their use from now on I'll tell them about Kenny.
Posted by Cavy Dan (Member # 1352) on :
Again my condolences. Has my teary-eyed here at work. It just doesn't feel right NOT wearing a seatbelt, and I make sure ALL people riding my my car has theirs on as well. Saved me once....
Thoughts are prayers are with you all.
Posted by Proud2bSS (Member # 1839) on :
Ken and Mary:
I hardly post here. Just lazy, I guess. I had seen your past posts when I was at SLP, and a few at the addict board. So I really don't know you, and I know I hardly qualify as a friend, let alone as a stranger. However, I do have six children: ages 23 to 8 years. So maybe I relate a little.
And even though we may never personally cross paths in this life, and being that I really want to express my sympathy to you, while realizing that words can be so lacking, perhaps I could just say this:
If you and I were to cross paths right now, at this very moment, the only way you would know how much I wish I could help you and take away the pain would be to hug you. I think you can feel that. To heck with the damn words.
Posted by SSHEETS (Member # 1989) on :
FWIW. a few weeks ago I posted about almost getting a ticket for speeding in my truck and to make it worse I would have been cited for not wearing my seatbelt.
I got reamed from all my friends on the board about not having my seatbelt on. I'd been getting kind of lazy about strapping in and I should know better.
Since that thread, I have not rolled away once without thinking about my friends comments about my thoughtlessnes as I strapped securely in. Mine was a much gentler reminder.
My prayers go out to you and your family.
Tim
Posted by 380SS (Member # 2078) on :
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Donna and I will continue to pray for your family during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to you.
Posted by MaryandRalph (Member # 244) on :
Ken, Our prayers are with you and Mary. I'm so sorry to hear of this.
Posted by KenC (Member # 189) on :
Proud2BSS.. would like to meet you someday for sure. thank you for the kind words. I know you must spend many nights "concerned"....as I have.
Thanks again to everyone. Mary and i have made all the arrangements now. We contacted the minister of the local babtist chuch in Franklin where kenny lived, and the service will be held there the 6th of May. its a drive for us, and my family, but thats where Kenny lived. and his friends want to be there for him. they dont have much money...and traveling long distance and possibly staying overnight is out of the question for them.
today, i spend sitting the back yard with our animals.....then went to the gym for 2 hrs this afternoon...... hardest workout ive done.... my mind had trouble focusing..... but i got it done.
had a nice surprise on the way home...a black ford expidition passed me towing a car trailer with a Cobra on it... had decals from sponsors on the car...skinnies on the front..nice big slicks on the rear....VA tag: STOCKER..... shaaaaazamm...... i know this guy....it was Bob Cosby. now..many of you dont remember bob...but bob is a famous mustang dude...awesome drag racer,,and awesome person. he went to Gathering 1 and Gathering 2 with us in Atlanta. a really fine individual. A naval officer also. i floored the Envoy and zoomed up beside him...and started blowing the horn... he looked over...and almost swerved in the other lane, LOL... we were both pretty excited......its been almost 5 years.
we took the next exit and chatted for a while. he had to get back on the road. headed for columbus ohio for a big race. he's won 1st place in the stock class for his car the last 2 years. big tittles.
God gave me some smiles today...... and some reasurance...for that im thankful.
today at home:
cant help but think with this first pic "Nobody takes my broh's stick....kapish!!!!!!" a wolfdog and a golden ........
Posted by Steven2000SS (Member # 780) on :
What horrific news.. Ken & Mary, your family will be in our prayers..
God bless and we are sorry for your loss..
Posted by BrostalSS (Member # 1830) on :
Just Tragic and sad. It gave me lumps in my throat just reading it.
So sorry for your loss and God be with you in your road to recovery.
I can only suggest looking back at the good times you had with your son and be proud of how you raised him. Treasure those moments forever and never forget the happiness he brought into your lives. Remember him for how he lived.
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
I was once told that life is like a tapestry.
One side is very neat and tidy - everything is in order. The other side, can be quite a mess and disturbing to look at. It seems the threads are everywhere with no semblance of order.
At times, we may be looking at the back, and God is looking at the front. Things seem to happen for no reason, but in Gods mind, there is a reason for everything.
May his soul be bound in everylasting peace.
Posted by mikerc (Member # 2021) on :
I don't get on the boards near as much as I used to, just saw this. Very, very sad. Ken, I've never met you, hope to someday. All I can say is that I will say a prayer for you and yours.
Posted by fenton23 (Member # 878) on :
Ken, our prayers and condolences go out to you and Mary.
Linda and Randy Fenton
Posted by 2002 SLP SS (Member # 1893) on :
I will offer my prayers! I am in for whatever we are doing! May God be with you!
Posted by NATESS (Member # 982) on :
so sorry for your loss Mary and Ken. Posted by Midlife CrisiSS (Member # 2141) on :
I'm so sorry and words cannot express.... You have my deepest sympathy.
Posted by killabee (Member # 860) on :
Ken and Mary, my deepest regards. Some of you may have read a post I had a few weeks ago about my brother. He was coming home to PGH from NC and fliped and rolled his cavalier 4 times, firetrucks came to the scene. His car was torn apart. He had his seatbelt on and got right out without a stratch. I hope we get the message.
Posted by jkeene (Member # 499) on :
Posted by Macky (Member # 1427) on :
Ken and Mary,
It has been a week or two since I checked the board. I was shocked to read this thread. Saying I'm sorry doesn't even begin to cover it, but I'll say it anyway. God bless you both. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Macky
Posted by Harry P (Member # 533) on :
I can't say it any better than anyone else, but for what it's worth, I am devastated to hear of your loss and will pray too that your son may rest in God's peace, and that his friend may experience a full recovery.
Take care of yourselves... please don't let this tragedy take any more away from this world. Others (including the dogs) are depending on you. Find peace and strength in the love of God and those around you. God bless you.
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
we are all here for Ken and Mary!
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
