(Updated 19/8/01)

Obituary - Mr Lewis Collins

MEMBERS OF the Hungarian Puli Club will wish their sympathy to be extended to Mrs Jean Collins and family on the death of Lewis, a member of the club for many years and championship judge of the breed. Whenever possible, Lewis & Jean attended Club events, when everyone was pleased to meet up with him.

Ann Arch (Chairman)

THE OFFICERS & Committee of National Working & Pastoral Breeds Society have learned of the sad loss of Lewis Collins who was their Treasurer for almost 9 years, and latterly, since his retirement, a Vice - President.

Co-opted to the Treasurer’s position following the death of Tim Harris-Cook, Lewis was to see the society through a period of growth which included the continued growth of the championship show at Malvern, and the transfer of the open show in 1993 to Coventry.

Everyone was pleased that he was able to visit the recent championship show, despite his apparent poor health. Sympathy is extended to his widow Jean, and their family.

During his working life Lewis was a Director of P&O Shipping, and I remember on his retirement the gift from them was a special cruise.

Lewis and his wife Jean dedicated their lives to the love of their Old English Sheepdogs and Hungarian Pulis. It was in 1982 that Lewis was elected onto the committee of The Old English Sheepdog Club as Treasurer and held this position for several years until he retired from committee but then became the Parent Clubs President until today. The Old English Sheepdog Club has lost a gentleman who was an excellent figure head and friend to us all.
Even though Lewis had retired from the committee he was not far away when the club needed assistance either at a show, or just for advice.

Lewis also served for many years on the Hungarian Puli Club and The National Working & Pastoral Breeds Society. He was one of the Vice Presidents for National Working Breeds.

Although Lewis was not seen in the show ring handling he was always at the ringside for support and advice to Jean.

Jean informs me that there will not be a funeral for Lewis as his final wish was that his body be donated for Medical Research.

I am sure you will all join with me in sending your condolences to Jean and her family on the sad loss of husband Lewis.

Pauline Barnes
Secretary The Old English Sheepdog Club

LEWIS JOHN Alexander Collins was a gentleman proud of his Scottish roots and a much respected and well liked figure in the world of Pedigree dogs. Very supportive of his wife Jean’s success in Old English Sheepdogs and Hungarian Pulis, and himself a championship show judge in both breeds Lewis carved a special niche for himself in our world.

Using his professional expertise in all matters of finance, no organisation could have had a more compeeant treasurer. A chartered accountant, and after his retirement as company secretary to the P & O Shipping Line, a director of a family investment trust based in the City.

As Treasurer of the National Working Breeds Society, he knew many in the Working and Pastoral groups and, more latterly, as Treasurer of the Ladies Kennel Association his circle widened to embrace people from all groups.
It was my privilege to propose him for membership of the Kennel Club in 1987, and for the last six years we have worked together for the LKA. His financial acumen was invaluable to the Association, and his presentation of accounts in a way that we could all understand was greatly appreciated.

I shall remember Lewis with respect for his absolute integrity and with affection for his friendship, charm, and great sense of humour. LKA will miss him sorely, and we have all lost a friend.

M.Sybil Churchill.