Fishing played huge role in Richard’s varied life
OBITUARY: RICHARD COLLINS 1947-2022
RICHARD OGILVIE COLLINS, BVM&S, MSc, MRCVS (1947-2022)
Following graduation as a vet, Richard worked in York then Duns in Berwickshire. As Richard had love of fishing, in 1981 he decided to combine his talents and his interests by beginning an MSc at Stirling University doing aquatic veterinary studies.
During his studies Richard went to Kenya, studying at a crocodile farm. On completing his degree, Richard moved straight into employment at Stirling Institute of Aquaculture for four years. He then headed to Inverness, where he worked for the Fish Diagnostic Unit of the Scottish Agricultural College, with many trips to the fish farms on the west coast (and always taking his fishing rod along, just in case)
His work there also included doing post-mortems on seals, dolphins and even whales washed up in the lochs and firths - a far cry from the cats and canaries when he started as a vet in York.
Richard became a keen hill runner, running with the Highland Hill Runners for whom he was president at one point, and the Scottish Hill Runners. Richard took part in all the different races, such as the Carnethy 5 in the Pentlands, and most extreme, The Isle of Jura Fell Race.
In 1996, he returned to the Institute of Aquaculture at Stirling
University, now employed by the same department he had originally studied with, where he also joined the Ochil Hill Runners.
He was a member of Pitlochry Angling Club, The Perth and District, committee member of the Allanwater Angling Improvement Association and supported the Atlantic Salmon Trust. He was also a keen wildlife photographer and developed his own work.
Richard retired around 2010 but the many years of hard punishment on the hills began to take its toll. His mobility became increasingly impaired due to skeletal wear and tear and he was unable to fish and get out to the country as was his want.
He never lost his humour and intelligent wit however and had many friends all over the country who came to his memorial supper in Dunblane.
His father was in the Navy and as such he travelled extensively as a child living in Singapore, lived and worked in many places in UK but also Kenya, visited Faroe Isles, Equatorial Guinea, Serengeti, Gombe, Tanzania, and Croatia.
He is survived by his brother Anthony, who is internationally known for his work with the Jane Goodall Institute with primates based at Tanzania, and his family.
He will be sadly missed by all his friends, work colleagues and family.
His work included doing post-mortems on seals, dolphins and even whales - a far cry from the cats and canaries when he started out as a vet in York