John Wendler Collins ’52

John Wendler Collins ’52 passed away at Sutter Santa Rosa (California) Hospital on July 14. Jack was born on November 7, 1930, and grew up in New Jersey, graduating from Rutherford High School before enrolling at Dartmouth. Jack graduated cum laude with a philosophy major and membership in Gamma Delta Chi and the Dartmouth Outing Club. He also served as a member of his class executive committee in recent years. After college Jack spent three years as an officer in the U.S. Navy, mostly aboard ships in the United States, before joining Procter & Gamble as an advertising trainee in Cincinnati. Jack spent more than years at P&G, rising to vice president level in consumer products. He then ventured west to join the Clorox Corp. in Oakland, California, and rose to president, serving until 1993. He remained as a director until his retirement in 2000. He and his first wife, Martha, were married in October 1952 and had children, Bruce, Nancy, and Susan. Jack married Janet in the mid-1970s and in retirement they made their home in the Alexander Valley community of Cloverdale, California—wine country. Jack is survived by Janet and his children. 


Portfolio

Book cover Original Sin with photo of hands over face
Alumni Books
New titles from Dartmouth writers (July/August 2025)
Woman posing with art sculpture
Inspiration in the Adirondacks
Artist Catherine Ross Haskins ’94 transforms an old grain mill into a vibrant arts hub.
Comeback Story

Alumni first returned to campus for official reunions in 1855.

Illustration of woman in movie theater eating popcorn
Katie Silberman ’09
A screenwriter on storytelling in Hollywood

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