RIP Bill Collings

Started by Walkerman, July 15, 2017, 01:32:34 PM

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July 15, 2017, 01:32:34 PM
Just heard that Bill Collings died from cancer.  A sad day indeed.
July 15, 2017, 01:53:25 PM #1
Quote from: Walkerman on July 15, 2017, 01:32:34 PM
Just heard that Bill Collings died from cancer.  A sad day indeed.
Cancer has no mercy!!
Larrivee Electrics - My Dream then and Now!!!!!<br /><br />Forum IV     00-03MT       #4      (Treasured)
July 15, 2017, 02:15:08 PM #2
Woah! What a shock! Very sad to hear this. He was a brilliant builder and created a great company. He was also evidently a good friend of Jean Larrivee.

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2021 C-03R TE left-handed
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July 15, 2017, 02:47:24 PM #3
I am deeply saddened by this news.
Bill was also a metal worker and built exceptionally fine hot rods.
RIP.
July 15, 2017, 03:08:15 PM #4
Sad news, the last I heard locally (a few months ago) Bill was improving.
I had the pleasure of speaking with him a few times and toured the facility three times. A fine builder indeed.
July 15, 2017, 04:19:41 PM #5
Definitely a painful loss to the community. He really raised the bar. No one builds them like a Collings.
Though it comes as a shock to many, it was discussed a bit on the Collings forum a few months ago so I'm sure Bill had his affairs in order.  Still, very sad.
D-09 Brazilian w/ Eagle inlay. D-02-12
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July 15, 2017, 07:47:52 PM #6
Sorry to hear this news.
July 15, 2017, 11:26:53 PM #7
He leaves a wife who, from what I know, is not involved in the business.  We will have to wait to see what comes of Collings guitars.  I do not think it is a "family business" like Larrivee.  Bill's passing just makes my mando that much more important to me.  JCL has told me the funniest story of the time he, Bill and Bob Taylor drove an RV from California to Cabo San Lucas.  It sounds like a wild time.  Who wouldn't have wanted to have been a fly on the wall during that trip.
July 16, 2017, 02:09:14 AM #8
Too young. But then, none of us know the hour...

Rest in Peace, Mr. Collings. You left behind a wonderful legacy.
1977 Classical
2015 OO-40
2017 LV-10 50th Annniversary #2/50
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July 16, 2017, 02:53:47 AM #9
Quote from: Walkerman on July 15, 2017, 11:26:53 PM
He leaves a wife who, from what I know, is not involved in the business.  We will have to wait to see what comes of Collings guitars.  I do not think it is a "family business" like Larrivee.  Bill's passing just makes my mando that much more important to me.  JCL has told me the funniest story of the time he, Bill and Bob Taylor drove an RV from California to Cabo San Lucas.  It sounds like a wild time.  Who wouldn't have wanted to have been a fly on the wall during that trip.

This is sad news indeed but I learned at an early age that all life ends and that it's true value is in the memories we leave behind. I'm sure that this news likely hits Jean and Bob harder than it does folks like us, but I imagine that this moment would make for a fine eulogy.
Neil K


2013 DIY Medium Jumbo (western red cedar/S. American Mahogany)
2013 McKnight Ukulele
2009 Martin D-16GT
2006 Larrivée OM-03R
1998 Fender American Standard Stratocaster, Ash Body, Natural finish
1989 Kramer Striker 610
July 21, 2017, 01:03:54 AM #10
Premier Guitar article about Bill, including a link to a profile video: https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/26006-bill-collings-19482017

RIP.
2003 Larrivee L-10 QM
1942 Gretsch Synchromatic 200
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2007 Gretsch 6120 RHH
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July 21, 2017, 08:26:08 AM #11
Quote from: Jason Fletcher on July 21, 2017, 01:03:54 AM
Premier Guitar article about Bill, including a link to a profile video: https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/26006-bill-collings-19482017

RIP.

Excellent Tribute article.  Great to have friends in the business who will remember you fondly...
George
July 21, 2017, 09:03:06 PM #12
Cancer? I don't want to talk about it. RIP Bill.
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