In Memoriam: Professor Emeritus Lorence “Larry” G. Collins

We are saddened to share the passing of Professor Emeritus Lorence (“Larry”) G. Collins, whose curiosity, patience, and independent spirit shaped generations of geologists at California State University, Northridge. Dr. Collins joined the faculty when we were still San Fernando Valley State College and was the first official department chair when he helped to establish the Geology major in 1965. He then went on to guide students through mineralogy, petrology, and photo-geologic interpretation for decades, before retiring in 1993. 

A graduate of the University of Illinois (B.S. 1953, M.S. 1955, Ph.D. 1959), Collins built a career asking unconventional questions about how rocks change after they form. His early work examined the metasomatic origin of magnetite deposits in New York; in California and beyond he became widely known for his careful, image-rich studies of myrmekite. 

Dr. Collins had a gift for making detailed petrography accessible. Long after his retirement, he kept teaching the world through two CSUN-hosted websites (Myrmekite Papers & Opposition to Creationism) full of articles, photomicrographs, and essays showcasing his studies. Collins’s curiosity overflowed the lab. He and his late wife, Barbara Jane Collins, a long-time biology professor, shared a love of the natural world that spilled into photography and outreach. Many of us were fortunate to receive Christmas letters that included pictures from their travels, he will be missed by many.

Our department extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, collaborators, and former students. Please keep Dr. Collin’s family in your thoughts during this time. He is survived by his sons, Glenn, Gregory, and Kevin; and daughter, Rachel, and preceded in death by his wife Barbara Jane and daughter, Elizabeth (Beth).

If you would like to reach out to the family please contact us at geology@csun.edu and we will pass along your message or get you in touch with them directly.