HOULTON, Maine — The walkway to the Gateway Crossing Bridge in Houlton’s Riverfront Park has gained a new addition to its memorial brick tribute with the addition of a founding member of the park.
A memorial brick for Don Collins, who passed away May 2 after a lengthy illness, was placed inside the park in late August.
“Donnie was chairman of the Vital Pathways organization at one time and served as an active member of the Riverfront Committee,” said Bob Anderson, chairman of the Riverfront Park group. “I remember Donnie was so optimistic all the time. I don’t think he had a pessimistic thought in his head ever. He would support our causes 100 percent.”
Collins’ wife, Marion, said she did not know that a brick was going to be placed in her husband’s memory, but thought it was a fitting tribute.
“This park was his happy place, along with Houlton Community Golf Course,” she said. “Don loved the community of Houlton. I am very honored to see this.”
Collins was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture until his retirement in 2009. He worked in the field offices of Bangor, Caribou, Machias and Houlton and later became the Resource Conservation District coordinator for Aroostook County. Even after his retirement, Collins continued to support conservation practices in the area, especially with Riverfront Park.
Memorial bricks can be placed in memory of a loved one or simply to show support for the Riverfront Park, Anderson explained.
“The paver program has been existence for a number of years,” he said. “Many buy them in memory of a loved one. Others just wanted to show their support for what we are doing here.”
Single bricks are available for $100, while a double sized paver can be purchased for $200. A single brick can be inscribed with three lines of text, while the double-sized paver allows for six lines.
Those interested in purchasing a memorial brick can contact Chelsea Henderson at the F.A. Peabody Company at 532-2291.
