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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ATKINSON, Donald Henry - of Pincher Creek, Alberta, beloved husband of Cecilia Atkinson, passed away after a lengthy illness at Chinook Regional Hospital, Lethbridge, Alberta, on June 13, 2021, at the age of 85 years.
Besides his loving wife Cecilia, Don is survived by one son, Gord (Tracy) Atkinson, and 2 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, Nova Scotia, his tours of duty in H.M.C.S. New Glasgow, H.M.C.S. Stettler, and H.M.C.S. 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. While posted in Comox, B.C., he met his wife Cecilia, where Gord and Melanie were born. His next posting was to Gimli, Manitoba; 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, Manitoba. 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, Alberta, 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. (The Pincher Creek Echo 17 Jun 2021)
Ships served in: CFB COMOX CFB GIMLI CFB LAHR
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