Dr Allen Geoffrey Collins was born at Tailem Bend on the Murray River in 1931, to Rowland, a painter, and Elsie, a school teacher. After attending Adelaide High School, where he topped the state in the Leaving Certificate, he was awarded a scholarship to the Adelaide University to study medicine. He graduated in 1956, then practised as a general practitioner in the Riverina, eventually moving to Wagga Wagga. During university holidays his jobs had included erecting electricity poles. He became badly sunburnt and this contributed to the legacy of skin cancers from which he suffered for most of his life.

After being admitted to the Australasian College of Dermatologists in 1971, and also to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 1972, he practised initially as both physician and dermatologist in Wagga Wagga. He subsequently settled for dermatology, practising for some time in partnership with Dr David Downie. They provided an excellent service to Wagga Wagga and surrounding districts. Allen was a good doctor with an astute analytical mind. It is not well known that in 1979, long before this fact was recognised elsewhere, he drew attention to the fact that chemical insecticides were causing porphyria cutanea tarda.

He had a great sense of humour, a store of amusing stories, liked a beer or two, loved red wine, and was a most hospitable host. He was a skilled artist with expertise in water colours and oils, having as a child attended the Adelaide School of Art. His water colour landscapes are superb. He enjoyed golf. His interest in politics was well hidden and it was a surprise to the author to learn that he had once served as a Councillor on Wagga Wagga City Council.

Allen died in Wagga Wagga on 14 April 1999. At the end he was afflicted with bowel cancer, which he suffered with great courage, equanimity and clinical detachment, dying peacefully at home. He married Greeta O’Brien in 1957; this marriage was subsequently dissolved. He is survived by his widow, Jeanette, whom he married in 1981, and his four step-children.