In Memoriam: TJ Collins (1978-2010)

TJ Collins of Ohio died on Monday, April 26, 2010. He and his partner Nathan Burnett were members of Circle Sanctuary and the Pagan Spirit Gathering. They co-coordinated the Rainbow Center at PSG 2009.

TJ was born on December 4, 1978 to Howard and Donna (Holt) Collins. He lived in Columbus his entire 31 years of life. TJ graduated from Westland High School and worked for the Ohio Industrial Commission. TJ's passions include reading and theatre. His personal joys were his family and friends who loved his quick wit and charm.

TJ leaves behind his parents; brothers, Joshua (Deirdre) Collins, and Ryan Collins; niece and nephew, Cierra and Chance Collins; grandmothers, Ann (John) Holt-Wood and Janet (Bob) Collins-Keck; uncles, Leonard (Sally) Scowden, James Scowden, Joey Holt, and Bill (Jane) Holt Jr.; and a host of cousins and other relatives. He is also survived by Nathan Burnett and Evan Struble. In TJ's new residence, he will be welcomed by those who have gone before him, his grandfathers William Holt, and Ronald Collins, great-grandparents Taulbee Holt, Francis Davis, Verlie Holt, and Mary Scowden, uncles Joe and Dale Scowden and aunts Dee Dee Baker and Veronica Collins Hicks.

Family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at SCHOEDINGER MIDTOWN CHAPEL, 229 E. State St. A service will be held at the funeral home at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2010.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to your favorite charity in TJ's name.

Memorial Tributes

Name	Rev. Selena Fox
Location	Circle Sanctuary, Wisconsin
Date	2010-04-27 15:54:33

Thank you so much, TJ, for your friendship & your service to the PSG Community. You will continue to live on in my heart and in the many lives you touched & blessed. Condolences & support to your partner Nathan, and to your parents and all your family & friends. Know that we are sending you strength and comfort. Blessings.

Name	Nataraj Hauser
Location	Madison, WI
Date	2010-04-27 15:59:14

TJ, may peace and tranquility (well, not ALL the time) greet you in the Summerland. Your spirit lives on here in our memories. A big remote hug to you, Nathan. Be well.

Name	Forest Light and Jimmy Butterfly
Location	Dayton, OH
Date	2010-04-27 16:13:27

Our community has lost a special person. You will be missed, TJ.

Name	Nicholas Sea
Location	Kentucky
Date	2010-04-27 16:15:05

Courage, caring, smiles, and a willingness to be there for others are a few of the things that shone from T.J. in my connections with him. I miss him already, even though it is Pagan Spirit Gathering that encompasses my times with T.J., one week each year. He and Nathan inspire me. Love to them both, and to their family and friends everywhere.

Name	Dee
Location	Ardmore Ok
Date	2010-04-27 16:31:43

T.J. was great person too hang out with and just listen too he always had something positive too say,was great debater an teacher... His wisdom will be greatly missed as will jokes an antic's happy journey T.J... My prayers go out to your loved ones...

Name	Rev Nora Cedarwind Young
Location	Washington State
Date	2010-04-27 16:36:48

Beloved one TJ, blessings to you as you have crossed the threshold to the land of eternal sun and apples...our love still is with you, as your memory and love will always be with us. Our tribe has had a great loss, and we are so sorry such a young and amazing being has left us so soon. May the ancestors welcome and embrace you! Blessings to you for the many, many gifts you shared with me and our tribe - you will be sorely missed, and joyfully welcomed in the Summerland. You will always be in the circle. Always.

Name	Liana WW
Location	Iowa City, Iowa
Date	2010-04-27 16:48:04

I am so very sorry for the loss of dear Circle member TJ Collins. I didn't know TJ personally, but I was grieved to hear the news that he has passed on. The community sends out condolences to TJ's loved ones.

Name	Jennifer Hall
Location	Greeneveille,TN
Date	2010-04-27 17:04:35

My condolences to friends & family.

Name	SK
Location	Chicago, IL
Date	2010-04-27 17:43:06

Family, if only for one week a year. Your smile and laughter will be sorely missed. May you find peace, love and mischief in the Summerlands until we meet again.

Name	M. Hitchcock
Location	Toledo, Ohio
Date	2010-04-27 17:43:53

My heartfelt condolences to your family and loved ones. Be there for each other, take time to grieve, but remember the good times you shared too.

Name	Paul Tackmier
Location	Green Bay, WI
Date	2010-04-27 17:45:31

I lost a very dear friend in the passing of TJ. He was truly a one of a kind soul. He was someone we could always talk to, and was absolutely a treasure to camp with at PSG, or even to talk to at other times. I still am having a hard time even expressing what a loss this brings to my heart, and my heart cries for Nathan constantly right now. We've lost someone special the likes of which we may never meet again.

Name	Phoenix
Location	Montana
Date	2010-04-27 18:22:06

My condolences. I am a Energy Healer for the Sanctary. I never met TJ, but I sent all I had to give him and more. I know that we will see our loved ones again and I hold this in my heart. I want to thank TJ's parents for loving thier son so much that they welcomed his partner to be with him when he needed him. I admire people like you. Dear Nathan, I want to let you know I am here for you if you need anyone to talk to. I will continue to send you and his parents energy. This story has touch my heart. I am sorry for your lose. He looks like he would of help anyone, so I must help you. So my e-mail is here use it. Blessed Be, With love from my heart to all of you. He will always be with all of you. Love Phoenix

Name	sapphiremoonwolf
Location	Green Bay, WI
Date	2010-04-27 19:02:35

To Nathan and TJ's family, My thoughts and prayers are with you always. May time allow you to heal and realize that TJ is in a much better place. I realize your pain and sorrow and allow yourselves to grieve in whatever way you need as long as it does not cause harm to anyone else. Prior to becoming permanently disabled due to two extremely rare blood disorders, I spent several years in the funeral business as a funeral director and embalmer. If you have any questions or need any additional assistance, feel free to contact me via email. Take care of yourselves and know that I am thinking of you all. Nancy

Name	Dan Hensel
Location	Neenah, WI
Date	2010-04-27 19:17:07

I lost a friend and a spiritual brother on Monday. TJ was a good friend, always had a kind word or friendly advice, and was truly a family member to me and those I camp with. There will always be a hole in my heart, in our camp, and at PSG without him. Bless you on your journey, TJ; may we meet again on the other side.

Name	Felix
Location	Malaysia
Date	2010-04-27 19:24:35

I do not know TJ personally as I am just a member(and not an active one!).My condolences to his friends & family.May he be at peace and remembered always.

Name	Jack Benge
Location	Louisville, KY.
Date	2010-04-27 20:09:29

Your Spirit has forever touched those you leave behind and we will continue to walk the path of Life's Journey with your Spirit guiding us. We move forward and as we feel the touch of the wind upon our face ... we know you are near and therefor you will always be in our Memories and thoughts.

Name	Sobeit
Location	Midwest
Date	2010-04-27 20:18:26

Taken But Restored ~ Things Given Loaned Items Those Things All Eventually Returned Restored Nature's Harmony Timeless Circles Radiating Circles Touching All Influencing Tomorrow ~ Sobeit 04-27-2010 May Tranquility Find Acceptance Waiting With Unlimited Patience

Name	Patrick McCollum
Location	Moraga, CA
Date	2010-04-27 20:49:54

TJ was a lovely person. We had some great conversations and he will be very much missed. My heart goes out to you Nathan and to others close to him. Blessings to you all, Patrick McCollum

Name	Mickie Mueller
Location	Missouri
Date	2010-04-27 20:57:06

My condolences and healing energy to TJ's family friends and loved ones. Blessed Be, Mickie

Name	Cheri
Location	St. Louis
Date	2010-04-27 21:01:16

We will miss you TJ. You were always a bright smile and always had a kind word. PSG will not be the same without you. You have touched many lives. We were the better for it. Condolences to Nathan and the rest of your family. Goddess Speed.

Name	Drake and Angie
Location	Lake Forest, IL
Date	2010-04-27 21:27:29

TJ, may your journey be blessed with our love and gratitude for you. Nathan, though our hearts are heavy, I hope you feel the love and ready shoulders we have for you and your family.

Name	Moonie
Location	London, AR
Date	2010-04-27 23:13:41

His smiles and laughter will be truely missed. His compassion and joy of life was an inspiration to all who knew. The Goddess blessed me on the day I talk with this young man at PSG. I will miss him this year. Nathan my heart, thought and energy goes out to you.

Name	Elaine
Location	Yorkshire, England, UK
Date	2010-04-28 02:13:42

Although far away in physical terms, our thoughts and blessings are with both TJ and Nathan and their families at this time. 'We are shaped and fashioned by what and who we love.' And that love forever remains.

Name	Jess
Location	Washington, DC
Date	2010-04-28 06:45:06

You're all in my thoughts, meditations, prayers, candles, and cauldrons.

Name	Indywiz
Location
Date	2010-04-28 07:50:19

A hole has been ripped in the spirit of PSG. TJ, you will be missed on this plane, but your spirit will be felt throught out the PSG family.

Name	Rev. Nicole Boucher
Location	Baltimore MD
Date	2010-04-28 08:45:18

I just wanted to send my condolences to TJ's partner Nathan and all of his family and friends. I am lighting candles and sending healing energies for everyone. May the blessings and healing energies of the God and Goddess be upon you now as you need them most. In Love and Light, Rev. Nikki Boucher The Sacred Flame Temple Baltimore MD USA

Name	Cody Dunn
Location	Booneville, MS
Date	2010-04-28 09:36:05

Ive never been to the Festival or met TJ. But when I got the email about him being in the hospitle i prayed to the Goddess to help him. Im sorry for your lost. as i said before i didnt know him but felt a connection. the way i look at it is this journey is over and hes back in Summerland awaiting his rebirth to be back on this Earth. hope this helps and he will be in my memories. Blessed Be cody

Name	Lana
Location	Clarksville, TN
Date	2010-04-28 09:58:28

I did not have the pleasure of knowing TJ personally but it is obvious that his passing over has been a great loss to his friends, family and the entire Pagan community. You are all in my prayers for strength and healing of your spirits.

Name	Wendy Eidman
Location	Milton, WI
Date	2010-04-28 10:56:56

Dear Nathan, I cannot even imagine what you and the rest of TJ's family are going through right now. Even though we've never met, we're part of the same spiritual community, and my heart is aching for you. I wanted to convey my condolences to you, and let you know that I continue to hold both you and TJ, as well as your extended family, in my thoughts and prayers during this time of transition. Wendy

Name	Adarian
Location	Sparta,MO
Date	2010-04-28 11:06:33

May your memories be filled with love & laughter. Many blessings of healing and thoughtful prayers to you (Nathan) and family members. I did not know TJ; but you have my deepest condolences for your special loved one; TJ.

Name	Beket
Location	Madison, WI
Date	2010-04-28 11:14:53

I am sorry to learn of TJ's sudden and unexpected passing. Many healing blessings and much love to Nathan and the rest of TJ's family and friends during this difficult time.

Name	Betsy Schaack
Location	Chicago, IL
Date	2010-04-28 11:32:49

Unfortunately, I did not know TJ; however, I am always heartbroken to see one of our community pass on to the Summerland. TJ was so young and tragically taken from his family and loved ones way too early. Blessing to all who loved TJ during this difficult time. Love and light, Betsy

Name	Annis
Location	Ohio
Date	2010-04-28 12:57:44

Tj, Go with the Lady and the Lord into the Light that we all seek now and at the end. Merry Meet Again for TJ's family, May peace and comfort find you in your grief. Life is a circle, now complete...

Name	Heather
Location	Columbus OH
Date	2010-04-28 13:04:09

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to both friends and family.

Name	Ariestar James
Location	Bellingham WA
Date	2010-04-28 14:30:38

Greetings Nathen, T.J. is in a good place now and his pain and suffering are far behind him. Now T.J. is beginning a new life somewhere in a brand new body to continue his journey up the ladder that never ends. It is time that you need to celebrate T.J.s life and all that he meant to you. T.J. wishes for you to continue on your path and T.J. does not want you to look back and lose sleep over his passing. Now is the time that you go on and experience life and let T.J. go on to his new life. Even though I do not know you or T.J. at all I can say that I send to you my condolences and hope that you can mourn healthily. But after you have mourned completely it will be time for you to go on with your life and experience your life without T.J. My thoughts are with you. Blessed Be, Ariestar James

Name	Tereesa Daul
Location	De Pere, WI
Date	2010-04-28 14:37:25

Words cannot describe the emptiness I feel having lost someone so dear to me. The world got a whole lot dimmer on Monday. TJ was a member of my family, a cherished friend, and someone I truly respected. My heart goes out to Nathan and to TJ's family, for as sorrowful as I am, I know it is nothing compared to the pain they are now enduring. Yet I know you are now at peace, and we will celebrate your life and the joy you brought us, till next our journeys cross paths.

Name	Beltana Spellsinger
Location	Ozarks, MO, USA
Date	2010-04-28 19:49:46

I remember TJ as a kind and gentle soul... generous and loving and freindly and dear. It is a trajic loss for all of us, and I especially wanted to send very warm blessings and love and hugs to TJ's family and to Nathan... in hopes that you can still see (and sense) the hope and support that shines forth from the lives that continue to surround you. If there is anything I or my family can do... Much Love, Beltana

Name	Dawn Murray
Location	Green Bay, WI
Date	2010-04-28 20:06:00

TJ was a dear friend who I've had the blessing to be able to share a number of conversations with and shared camp with at PSG. My heart is heavy with his loss and aches for Nathan and both their families as they go through this time of transition. TJ will live on for me in my memories of him and in my heart.

Name	Patty
Location	Indiana
Date	2010-04-28 20:47:12

Drumbeats across the stars to you TJ as your new journey begins. Healing energy to your heart Nathan for your loss.

Name	MoonFeather
Location	Brooklyn, WI
Date	2010-04-29 05:34:26

Ah, TJ and Nathan. My heart smiles whenever I think of them. What a pair! TJ - my heart is heavy with sadness at losing you not only as part of community but as my friend. Nathan - please know how much we love and support you. My sympathy to you and to TJ's family. Sending healing energy to you all and to our community as we mourn. TJ my friend, blessings on your journey.

Name	Rev. Robert E.Boldman Wolf
Location	Springfield Ohio
Date	2010-04-29 06:37:34

Just Know there are alot of people like me. Who are sending white light to you & your famly. And know that he is in Summerland. and is sending Love back to all of you .

Name	Caitlin Tackmier
Location	Green Bay, WI
Date	2010-04-30 14:04:57

TJ was a very dear friend; he was one of the few people I could have entire conversations with without speaking. Words cannot describe this loss to me, the PSG community, and the world. A candle was extinguished that can never be relit or replaced. My heart is breaking for Nathan and for TJ's family. We'll meet again some day, my friend.

Name	Bella Mahri & SkyCat
Location	Ohio
Date	2010-05-02 04:03:43

We send our blessings and sympathy to the family and friends of TJ and especially to his partner, Nathan! TJ will be missed.

Name	Gary and Robyn Coy
Location	Yellow Springs, Ohio
Date	2010-05-03 06:35:34

We didn't know TJ very well but remember him from each PSG. TJ, you will be missed. May your journey to Summerland be blessed with the love of of those you left behind and those who are welcoming you on the other side. Nathan, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this tragic time.

Name	Sandy (artistfair)
Location	St Charles, Ill
Date	2010-05-04 15:29:23

I did not know TJ but after losing a lifelong friend/sister earlier this year, a heart of sorrow is felt for his loss. Healing energy is sent to his family and friends and a light to guide TJ in his after life journey. Blessed Be.

Name	Michael Frederick
Location	Columbus, Ohio
Date	2010-05-06 22:21:07

"Kind but not nice." TJ was fond of saying that. He taught me that is truly the way to be through the way he lived, loved, talked, didn't talk, etc. Thank you for that TJ. I miss you my friend and I will always love you. You were a gift to all who knew you and we were blessed.

Name	HaviksVrouwe
Location	The Netherlands
Date	2010-05-10 06:00:46

Dear family and friends of TJ, I didn't know TJ face to face but we had some email contacts several years ago. Even on the printed messages his love for life and laughter came tru. Please know that a candle is burning for you all. HaviksVrouwe The Netherlands

Call or Email us:
Phone: (608) 924-2216
circle@circlesanctuary.org

Mailing Address:
Circle Sanctuary
PO Box 9
Barneveld, WI 53507