Obituary for Donald Atkinson

June 23, 2021
Donald Henry Atkinson of Pincher Creek, Alta., beloved husband of Cecilia Atkinson, passed away after a lengthy illness at Chinook Regional Hospital, Lethbridge, Alta., on June 13, 2021, at the age of 85.

Besides his loving wife, Cecilia, Don is survived by one son, Gord (Tracy) Atkinson, and two daughters, Melanie (Arnold) D’Souza and Stephanie Atkinson; grandchildren Michelle (Kevin), Brittany (Coty), Daniel, Shanah, Talia (Rob) and Alanna (Kain); great-grandchildren Kailey, Ty, Tommy, Leah, Brooke, Weston, Ryleigh, Eliza and Evelyn; and nieces Linda (Dave) and Peggy (Nick), and their families.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Marjory, brothers James and Lorne, and sister Margaret.

As a 17-year-old farm boy, born and raised in landlocked Saskatchewan, Don decided to join the Navy to see the world; after basic training in Cornwallis, N.S., his tours of duty on HMS New Glasgow, HMS Stettler and HMS Magnificent took him to Hawaii, the Suez Canal and many other ports of call. Later, after surviving three hurricanes, he reconsidered his choice and moved into the Marine Section of the Air Force.

Don met his wife, Cecilia, while posted in Comox, B.C., where Gord and Melanie were born. His next posting was to Gimli, Man.; after five years in Gimli, Don was transferred to the Army. The family was completed with the birth of Stephanie while they were posted in Toronto, and Don concluded his military career at the Army base in Lahr, Germany.

In retirement, Don returned to his roots when he and Cecilia bought a farm in Pine River, Man. When the children had all completed high school, Don and Cecilia moved to Winnipeg, where he became a commissionaire with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. He spent his last 10 years in Pincher Creek, Alta., where he made many good friends over many cups of coffee.

Throughout all of his travels, he maintained an enduring interest in model railroading. He always looked forward to visits from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who loved to watch him make the trains go around, and share “afters” with him at the end of every meal.

Don was quick with a joke, laughed easily and often, and was a friend to all. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Advertisement
Ad showing tables with black table cloths and gold settings under a string of lights and promoting the Pincher Creek Community Hall as a wedding venue
Care to leave a comment?
Scroll down!
Like this story?
Click a link to share on social!
// Code example
 <div id="myid" class="myclass" hidden> 
Lorem ipsum <strong>dolor</strong> sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
</div>
Two girls, one with long blonde hair and one with pulled-back dark hair, and a young man crouch to observe objects in a metal square on the ground.

Current Issue

Print and Digital Subscriptions
Individual Digital Copies

Advertisement
Advertisement poster for annual general meeting of Pincher Creek Metis Local 1880
Advertisement
Woman in orange and yellow safety vest speaks to older man dressed in grey beside a police car
Advertisement
Group of people in orange T-shirts standing together on a poster seeking nominations for the Direct Energy Volunteer Citizen of the Year
Advertisement
Red barn with white curtains in the doorway and flowers in an ad promoting Western Wedding Decor as a wedding vendor
Logos for Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association, News Media Canada and Government of Canada

News from southwestern Alberta and your local community connection

Office hours 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
697A Main Street | PO Box 811, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0

403-904-2227

Copyright 2011–2023 Shootin’ the Breeze.
All materials on this website are protected by Canadian copyright law and may be used only with permission.