1934 – 2020

Kevin Barry Collins had a great love of orchids which started early and took him all over the world.  Within the Eastern Suburbs Orchid Society (ESOS , he was a stalwart who kept it going in the lean years and turned this club around to an active and vibrant group.  He was president and on the executive for many years and was at every event, helping wherever needed and always more than willing to share his deep knowledge and passion of his love for orchids.

Barry went on to become president of the Orchid Society of New South Wales( OSNSW).  He was a foundation member of the Australian Native Orchid Society and was President of the ANOS Warringah Group.  At all of these clubs he was a steward at their public exhibitions and shows.

The achievement of which he was notably proud was the establishment of the Mingara Orchid club to which he gave great support and guidance.  Without Barry this club would not exist today, he was the inaugural president and filled that role for many years.  This club has become one of the most successful clubs in Australia, holding a major show annually as well as its many regular events.

He represented Australia at many World Orchid Conferences and participated in setting up displays for Australia.  In 1968 he was on the committee for the World Orchid Conference held in the Domain Sydney as well as working at the event.

Barry was awarded so many honours, OAM, life memberships at ESOS, OSNSW, ANOS Warringah Group and Mingara Orchid Club.

Barry’s love of plants extended past orchids; he was heavily involved with the world of orchid stamps and orchid clubs’ badges and had one of the largest collections of badges in Australia.   Barry’s love of plants extended past orchids and he was heavily involved with the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales (RAS) and was a regular speaker at many garden clubs

Barry remained active even throughout his illness, often driving long distances to attend meetings, talking to and encouraging members and embracing new endeavours for the clubs.  He encouraged the new growers at all the clubs that he attended and offered sound guidance.  If you ever had a problem, he would steer you in the right direction.

Barry’s contribution to the orchid world was immense and he will be missed by his many friends.

Tribute by Chris Dalrymple and Phil Spence

A donation has been made to the Australian Orchid Trust Fund by the AOF

AOTF  3951