Sean Collier

To the family, colleagues, and friends of Officer Collier:

The following teachings from one of my Ojibwe elders has always helped me cope with loss. I offer it here in hopes it may help you.

Life is truly a balance between joy and sorrow--times to be carefree and times to be careful.
It is my purpose to provide that balance.
I creep into ceremony and make a person laugh at the most serious moment.
I step in and keep us from taking our search for fulfillment in life too seriously.
If we try too hard to make the right decisions in life,
we might miss important signs that could lead us to the proper fork in life's path.
There is a fine line between joy and sorrow, laughter and crying.
Mah-wee' (crying) accompanies joy as well as sorrow.
Tears come from the highest form of joy.
Just when sorrow seems overwhelming, Ba-pee-wug' (laughter) comes to provide balance.
Even at the death of a close friend,
I come to remind you of the good times shared with him.
I make you laugh in the midst of sorrow.
I bring laughter and the tears of joy.

Bay-bee'-mi-say-si'
(The Spirit of the Whirlwind)
speaking to Waynaboozhoo
from The Mishomis Book by Edward Benton-Banai

Words cannot express how sad we all are. May God bless your family and friends with the strength to carry on. Much respect for you Mr. Collier.
Thank you for protecting the entire community so selflessly.

Respectfully,
The entire Harvard and MIT community

Thoughts and prayers with the Collier family for the loss of their beloved son .My heart breaks for all of his family, friends and the MIT community. I am the wife of a Boston police officer and have many family members in law enforcement . This is the nightmare we all live in fear of.
Please know his sacrifice will never be forgotten ! I grieve his lost future and all he could have given to those he loved and the community he wished to serve. Forever in out hearts and mind! May God bless you and Sean ! Peace.

SiMa Qian (Han Dynasty, 145 B.C. - 87 B.C.), China's greatest historian, once wrote [人固有一死，或重于泰山，或轻于鸿毛]: "Everyone has to arrive at death. But some are even heavier and more monumental than the Mountain TaiShan (the symbolically greatest mountain in ancient China), and some others, insignificant like a feather." Sean, you are the Mountain TaiShan in our heart ! Your name, courage, and beautiful soul, have added a significant weight to these three letters that we have all been very proud of --- " M -- I -- T".

We MIT Alumni of the Class of 1976 grieve for this great loss. The MIT Police are THE BEST, as is Officer Collier of Blessed Memory.

Sean gave the most precious gift you can give. His honor and courage were second to none. May his memory live in eternity.

Thank you so very deeply Officer Collier, for you incredible sacrifice to protect our community. I will never ever forget you.

Your sacrafice will never be forgoten and may your courage and heroism live on in those you gave your life for.

May God be with U in Heaven, and bless ur family.

Thank you for fighting until the end to protect us, Officer Collier. Words fall short of expressing our sadness at the loss of your young life. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and all who were fortunate to know you.

May God comfort your family during this difficult time. Winnie Liang Carpenter, '96

I would like to offer my sincere condolences. The memory of your kindness and character are a blessing for all of us.