Tributes
Brian W. Collins, 67, passed away peacefully, at his Villa Hills residence on August 19, 2022, after his battle with cancer. Brian was born in Covington, KY on April 14, 1955, to the late W. Loran and Virginia (Leathers) Collins. Brian will be lovingly remembered and is survived by his wife of 31 years Vicky Hoeffer Collins, son Brent Collins, daughter Katie Collins, brother Randall Collins, and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents W. Loran Collins and Virginia Leathers Collins. He was a 1973 graduate of Connor High School and a 1977 graduate of Western Kentucky University. After college he began a brief career at the Procter & Gamble Company Cincinnati, Ohio. This led him to creating his own company Commonwealth Warehouse & Distribution which after 30 years his son currently owns and operates very successfully. Throughout his life, Brian also had a love of railroading. He fondly remembers many railroad trips traveling with his family visiting grandparents in Georgia. He continued his passion of railroading by purchasing the Cincinnati Railway Company with several partners. This gave him many wonderful opportunities & cherished memories to travel in his private car across America. Meeting many people along the way which have become some of his closest lifelong friends. Brian, along with his wife, reorganized the LM&M Railroad into a nonprofit company the Cincinnati Scenic Railway which continues to run in Lebanon, Ohio for the last 35+ years. Brian’s most recent enjoyment in life was the creation of the Cincinnati Dinner Train 14 years ago along with business partner William Thomas. Visitation will be held Tuesday August 23, 2022, from 9am to 11am at Linnemann Funeral Homes 30 Commonwealth Ave, Erlanger, KY 41018. The funeral service and burial will be held privately at the family’s request. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Brian W. Collins’s name to the Cincinnati Scenic Railway, 16 E. South Street, Lebanon, Ohio 45036. The Cincinnati Scenic Railway is non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of historic railroad equipment for the education and enjoyment of rail fans of all ages. Online condolences can be made at www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com
Linnemann Funeral Home Erlanger
30 Commonwealth AvenueERLANGER, KY 41018
Brian W. Collins
,
Highland Cemetery
Address: 2167 Dixie Hwy Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017Brian W. Collins
,
Vicki and Family
I was sad to learn of Brians’ cancer recently. My condolences to you and all the dinner train staff on his passing. His death and and Jim Carsons’ recently, will be hard to replace in our love of trains. Call me if there is anything you need from me as the trains keep running.
Conductor Bob
My deepest condolences
Vicky and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Brian. I thank him for some of the experiences I had that would have never taken place without knowing him. I wish you all the best and hope that you can be thankful for the time you had together. Carl Palmquist
Prayers from the Hoffer Family
Vicki, Brent and Katie: You are in our thoughts and prayers during this hard time. Brian was not just a great neighbor and friend but an inspiration to all with his positive energy. We were blessed to have him as a friend and neighbor. We will continue to pray for all of you in the months ahead.
Bob and Diane Hoffer
MY DEEPEST SYPMPATHIES
Vickie & family so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing!
Mark Magers
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Vicky, Brent and Katie – I am so sorry for your loss. Brian was a larger than life spirit and he will be sorely missed by anyone who knew him. Cathy Duncan
Thinking of you Brian
I was shocked and saddened by the news of Brian’s death. I knew Brian first as a young boy learning to swim competitively and then as an accomplished businessman revitalizing his childhood swim club at Cherry Hill. In both cases, he was a remarkable person. The world has lost a great man.
Ralph Kemphaus
Farewell to a Friend
Greatly enjoyed our long trips to the west on Brian and Vicky’s private rail cars. Right up to the rim of Grand Canyon, and thru the heart of Glacier National Park. Later enjoyed the Cincinnati Dinner Train. Brian used his amazing entrepreneurial skills to make trains fun for many thousands of people over the years.
Godspeed Brian, and may all your signals ahead be green. Curt and Joyce
So sorry
Sad that he had to go so young. Charlene Darling.
Randy sorry to hear about your brother. PrAyer’s to your family.
Randy sorry to hear about your brother. Prayers to your family
Deepest Sympathy.
You have my Deepest Sympathy & Prayers in the loss of a great man. He referred to me as his “Frequent Flyer” on his Dinner Train, as I have ridden 17 times & many were on my August 17 Birthday! God bless you & your family in your loss. Jean Hope Davison
The Hunts
Thank you Brian and Vickie for the memories. On behalf of the entire Hunt family our hearts are broken for the loss of this great guy.Praying for all.
Thoughts and Prayers- The Deardorff’s
Our thoughts and prayers to your family. I am So sorry for your loss.
Brian was a wonderful man and I am so honored to have worked for him for 20 years. He leaves an amazing legacy.
From Martha Patton
Vicky and family so sorry for your loss.
From the Betty Barnes Family
Vickie and Family, Brian was so loved by my Mom and myself. He will be sorely missed. What a great, caring person and dear friend.
Rest In Peace my friend until we meet again,
Terry Barnes Striet
So very sorry for your loss
Vicky and family. I was shocked to hear of Brian’s death. I have always thought highly of Brian and greatly enjoyed working with him at P&G. My deepest sympathies for you and your family.
Jenny McElroy
A Life Long Friend
Vicky, Brent and Katie: My deepest and sincere condolences. May God grant you peace and comfort.
Sympathy from the Hainley family
Vickie we were so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. May God surround you and your family with his love, grace and peace. All of the Cherry Hill community now and past we always remember his passion for the Cherry Hill Swim Club. So many fond memories of the days with the swim team, luaus, Fourth of July parades, dances, and midnight swims. He was a great guy and will be missed.
Just another WKU guy
WE will all miss you Brian, you were liked by all.
Rest in Peace, Brian …
Cheryl and I are shocked to hear this! Brian was the one who made the Cincinnati Dinner Train the success that it is … always made it fun. We will miss his wit, wisdom, and humor on our annual Anniversary trips. Rest in Peace, Brian …
To my swimming teammate
Rest In Peace Brian
Rest easy Brian
Although I’ve only worked on the Cincinnati Dinner Train as a conductor for a couple of years. I was always sure to say hello to Brian, and he likewise and at the end of a run would all thank us for a job well done. He had a wealth of knowledge and was very proud of the Dinner Train. I and I’m sure the others will do our very best to keep his legacy remembered and dinner train going strong. Rest in peace Brian.
To Brian
Peace my friend and condolences to Vicki, Brent and Katie. You will be missed. See you sometime again on the other side. Bob Rust
A treasured friend
Brian, you know how valued you were as a friend. Polar opposites politically, we always managed to end every debate with a laugh! I will miss those sparring sessions, and I will always cherish the memories of the magnanimous ways in which you reached out to me in friendship. My deepest condolences to Vicky and to all the family. Blessings to you all.
Dale Flynn
