THOMAS G. ATKIN

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THOMAS G. ATKIN 1934 - 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandpa and great-grandfather, Thomas G. Atkin, in the mid-morning of Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Thomas passed away in his home after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 81. Thomas is survived by his wife Stella; his children: Karen Campbell, Russ (Elaine) Atkin, Verna Markey, Ellen (Dorian) Bamber, Audrey (Brian) Gray, Shirley Pitchko, and Herb (Rita) Pitchko; his brother Earl (Mary) Atkin; grandchildren: Stefanie (Jonny) Parks, Sarah Campbell, Richelle Atkin, Kelsey Atkin, Todd (Rayanne) Simmer, Michael Atkin, Kala (Alex) MacKenzie, Nichole Atkin, Melissa (Cam) Hey, Liana Ritz, Mandy Ritz, Dan (Darla) Pitchko, Rick Pitchko, Kathy (John) Hawthorne, Sherry (Darin) Remenda, Tammy Pitchko, and many great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Elsie and Percy Atkin, his sons, Kenneth Atkin, and Rick Pitchko, his brothers Gordon Atkin, Arthur Atkin, Percy Atkin, Don Atkin, and sisters Grace (Bill) Williams, Helen (Al) Matheson and Violet (Percy) Pailsey. Thomas was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba but also spent much time in Lac du Bonnet and Pointe du Bois. He worked in the mining industry beginning in Gunnar, Saskatchewan until moving to Saskatoon in 1964 and working for Potash Corp. of America. He was married to Donna Hoddinott from 1957 to 1968 in which they had three children - Ken, Karen and Russ. He met Stella Pitchko in 1969 and they were married on March 17, 1979. Thomas believed in actively participating and giving back to his community. As young man, he was involved with Scouts Canada which provided him the opportunity to participate in a national Scouting jamboree in Jamaica. He was a past member of the Trinity United Church board, a founding member of the Saskatchewan Gardener journal, he belonged to Toastmasters, was actively involved with the horticultural society, the Saskatchewan Seniors Fitness Association and a City Hospital Gold Donor. Thomas had a variety of interests that he participated in over his life - he enjoyed being outdoors which took him skiing in the winter and fishing and camping in the summer; he was part of a woodworking group and was an avid gardener taking pride in the various flowers throughout his yard - each year trying some new variety. Tom and Stella enjoyed traveling and took a variety of trips - and always experiencing something new. Tom was a Rider fan, and always wore green on game days. Thomas and Stella purchased land at Little Bear Lake and began building a cabin with the help of family in 1974. Family was always welcomed and encouraged to come up to the lake, and Thomas would make sure to share his favourite fishing holes to all who came. Thomas was a man of kindness and thoughtfulness. We bumped into people he knew no matter where we went. He was loved by many and will be remembered. A special thank you to all the staff from Palliative Home Care Unit who supported us these last few weeks. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society. The Service of Remembrance will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at St. David's Trinity United Church, 3318 Merritt St., Saskatoon, SK. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery for immediate family. Condolences may be left at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME (306) 244-5577

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 30, 2016