August 4, 2003
Word has been received of the death on August 2, 2003, of Raymond E. Collier, 79, of North Aurora. Mr. Collier was principal of East Aurora High School from 1966-84 and treasurer of the Illinois High School Association from 1971-84. Mr. Collier died suddenly at his home. He was born on December 24, 1923 in Peoria, IL, the son of Elmer and Mae (Myers) Collier.
Visitation was scheduled from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 5, at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 410 E. Countryside Parkway, Yorkville. Memorials may be made toward a scholarship fund being established by the family. Interment will be at a later date in Golden, IL.
For more than 50 years, Mr. Collier was a behind-the-scenes, get-it-done person in almost all IHSA activities. He was the 2001 Honorary Referee at the Boys State Track Meet, where he was a volunteer official for 33 years, the last 14 as Awards Coordinator.
After five years as a successful coach in basketball and track at Henry High School, and then at Fox Lake (Grant). Mr. Collier became the district's superintendent in 1958 and moved to the new Wauconda High School. In 1966 he became principal at Aurora (East) and served there until his retirement in 1984.
Surviving are wife of 53 years, Margaret, two daughters, Luann (Milt) Gray of Elgin and Dulcy "Dodi" Jeanne (Kevin) Dunn of Batavia, and four grandchildren.
Mr. Collier was a World War II Army Veteran. He received his
Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Bradley University, Peoria, where
he was a member of the Bradley University Basketball Team. He
continued his education at Northwestern University.