Obituary of Franklyn McQueen Collins

Franklyn McQueen Collins, age 85 of Lewiston, died Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at his home in Lewiston under the loving care of his family and Niagara Hospice. Frank was born in Toronto, Canada March 13th 1929 the son of Franklin Walter Collins and Jean Isabel McQueen. The family moved to Kenmore, New York in 1939. Frank graduated from Kenmore High School. He had a track scholarship to Michigan State University where he graduated with a degree in chemistry. He graduated from the University of Buffalo with a doctorate in physics. He was married to Joanne Reid in 1951 and moved to Lewiston, NY where he was very active in the church and the community. He began working for Airco Speer in Niagara Falls. In 1978 he and a group of investors purchased the electronics division and founded the Ohmtek Corporation. He was president of the company for 10 years. He moved on to become the CEO of Micropen Technologies in Rochester, NY. He holds numerous patents and has received many awards. Frank was a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston; he was a member of the Lewiston-Porter Board of Education for 20 years; he and his wife were members of the Niagara Falls Country Club, Youngstown Yacht Club, and the HoliMont Ski Club. He was the National Chairman for the IEEE (Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers). He was an avid sailor and sailed around Lake Ontario with his wife in his beloved boat Ohm Sweet Ohm. He and has family enjoyed skiing and camping for many years. Upon his retirement he and Joanne travelled the world for 10 years. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years Joanne; a sister Patricia Goodale (Bruce); four children Susan Lyn McBee, Robert Bruce Collins (Debbie), Amy Jean Collins (Jerry), David James Collins (Norene); eight grand children Lynsey, Tara, Christopher, Sarah, Brian, Lauryn, Emma and Madeline; five great grandchildren, Addison, Aubrey, Emma, Braydon, and Mason. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 24, at 2:00 pm in the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, 505 Cayuga Street, Lewiston with the Rev. Elizabeth Morgan officiating. There will be no prior visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, 505 Cayuga Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 or to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston.