Collins, Marcus C

Marc was one of the great gifts of my life, and certainly my life as a writer. He came to me because he loved my book of gay porn stories, Works and Other 'Smoky George' Stories which appeared in 1992. He started writing fan notes to me, and when I came back to San Francisco to appear at the San Francisco Book Fair, he left one at my guest house. I gave a reading at the old A Different Light bookstores, and he showed up, but did not stay afterwards. Later I asked him why, and he said he was too shy to actually meet me. But we did meet, and developed a wonderful, passionate friendship with each other. He was a sweet, endearing guy, very kind and guileless. As his HIV problems progressed, I became acquainted with his mother, and one day called her when I realized that Marc's health was declining too fast. She was living near San Diego, and flew up to see him. I did not meet Vera Collins until after Marc's death. She was also a shy sweet person--Marc was her only son. His death was devasating to her, and to me. I was very happy that I was able to stay in touch with Vera for several years after Marc's death, then our connection faded and I learned later through a mutual friend of Marc's that she, too, had died on the island of Coronado, where she had lived for a long time as the widow of a Marine officer. Marc (and Vera) had many conflicts with Col Collins?I gather than he could be rough and abusive, and he beat Marc sometimes when Marc was a kid. But Marc always kept his picture next to him, and was always looking for the Daddy that he wanted. I got to meet Marc several times and I stayed with him in San Francisco a few of them. It is painful to me that he had to die so young, when he had so much to give this world. But I am so pleased and grateful that he gave some of his love and kindness to me. Perry Brass