Farewell to Ed Collins, a champion for Leelanau

Susan & Brian Price, Ed & Bobbie Collins, and Tom Nelson

Leelanau Conservancy director Tom Nelson shares some sad news over the weekend, writing:

Our hearts are heavy today with the passing of one of our founders, Ed Collins. It’s hard to measure the mark of a man like Ed. He and his wife Bobbie founded the Leelanau Conservancy, and by doing so, helped shape the way we see and experience this special place.

Ed and Bobbie gave us a gift beyond measure — the Leelanau Conservancy itself. Because of their vision and determination, the Leelanau we know and love still looks and feels like home. The lakes, the farms, the forests — all stand as living proof of their generosity and courage.

Ed had a vision as vast as the landscapes he worked to protect. He believed that if you loved a place deeply enough, you’d find a way to keep it safe — and he did.

Those of us lucky enough to have known him will miss his humor, his conviction, and that unmistakable twinkle in his eye when he talked about “protecting Leelanau.” But we’ll carry his lessons with us — to care fiercely, act boldly, and to always leave a place better than we found it.

We lost a dear friend and an incredibly good man. Yet, Ed’s legacy lives on in every acre protected.

We are profoundly grateful. For his vision, his leadership, and the enduring gift of this Conservancy. We’ll keep doing the work, Ed — with full hearts, in your honor, and in the light you leave behind.

Farewell Ed, you used your time & money to do some truly great work for Leelanau and its future generations.

Ed Collins at the Founding of the Conservancy

Ed & Bobbie Collins