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Howard Cecil Atkinson

12/5/2022

5 Comments

 
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June 14, 1931 - December 5, 2022

Passed away peacefully after an unexpected cancer diagnosis at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, ON on December 5, 2022, at the age of 91 years.

Loving father of Howard J. Atkinson (Deb Kimsa) of Toronto, & Heather Cressman (Jay) of Waterloo. Beloved grandpa of Sydney, Garrett, Olivia and Callum Atkinson; Joshua Kimsa (Kristine) and Kailey Kimsa; Zachary Cressman (Kim), Connor Cressman (Ashley) and Krista Van Slingerland (Evan). Sweet greatgrandpa to Grayson Cressman.

Predeceased by his parents, Ervin C. & Eliza Jane (Lillian) Atkinson (nee Ferguson), brothers Delbert Atkinson (Sharon) & Roy Atkinson (Nell), sister Joyce Walker (Allan).

Survived by sister Ruth Hisey-Rafati (Joe).

Howard grew up on a farm in rural Ontario in the Creemore-Stayner area. From a young age, he knew the farming life was not for him, so after high school, he headed to Kitchener, hiring on with a repo company (a job he hated) before joining Bell Canada, where he would spend 32 years in sales & management. Upon retiring from Bell, Howard went to work for the City of London as Business Development Manager, & was well into his eighties when he ended his working career as Director of Project Development with MCI Design-Build Corporation.

He had a lifelong love of reading, learning & education, eventually completing his BA as a mature student at the University of Windsor. All things history was a passion for him, with JFK being a particular fascination.

Beyond being driven to succeed at work, Howard was also active in many community efforts: from the numerous Better Business Bureaus & Chambers of Commerce he joined in multiple cities, to adding his voice & business acumen to numerous boards & committees. He was active in coaching his son in baseball & hockey, & whenever possible, he could be found rooting for kids & grandkids at their many sporting activities.

In his spare time, Howard was known to squeeze in the 'occasional round' of golf & games of poker. An avid sports fan, he watched many Blue Jays' games on TV & ever the optimist, never gave up cheering for his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, though his faithfulness was rewarded with decades of heartache.

Multiple family trips are remembered fondly, from annual vacations to Long Point cottages & March Break trips to Florida, to exploring Montreal's Expo '67, & a Maritime holiday to Peggy's Cove, Anne of Green Gables & the Bay of Fundy.

He will be sadly missed by our family, extended family members, friends, former colleagues & neighbours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society as expressions of sympathy.

1 Corinthians 13:13 "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Howard's obituary notice on Facebook.
5 Comments
Karen Liddiard (ne Hillier)
12/15/2022 06:25:31 pm

The Atkinson family were our neighbours in the 70’s in the Montreal suburb of Kirkland. Backyard BBQ and much neighbourly fun. Later when I graduated from university and moved to London , Howie helped me to get my first post graduation job with Bell Canada. That was a monumental thing in my life and helped me and my future husband get settled here in London. My deepest condolences to the family, he was a great guy, and a wonderful family friend.

Reply
Pat Batticuore
12/16/2022 10:44:23 am

Howard was our neighbour in Wyndham Gate since the complex was built in 1989, and we both served on the condo Board of Directors. Always enjoyed his astute observations and lively debates. Will miss seeing him enjoying a glass of wine in his front courtyard on our walks.
Condolences to the entire Atkinson family.
Pat and Sally Batticuore

Reply
Heather Cressman (Atkinson) link
12/16/2022 04:03:34 pm

I was that backyard neighbour girl who played with you, oh so many years ago! Many wonderful hours spent on your outdoor skating rink (thanks to your dad!) and in the basement, inventing games and running around like maniacs. I have a special memory of being awed by the ginormous 2 storey Christmas tree in your front entrance -- I'd never seen anything like it!!!

Reply
Larry Lajeunesse
12/18/2022 10:45:45 am

My deepest condolences to Howie, Heather and Krista on the loss of your father. I remember many interesting conversations at the family dinner table when we were teenagers.

Reply
Karen Boswell
1/6/2023 07:56:13 pm

My dad Don Chamberlain had many wonderful games of golf with Howard senior. I'm sorry for your loss.

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“Hi Shawn, just taking a moment finally to express my gratitude on the wonderful services you have provided thus far. Your staff (Lisa) has been wonderful with everything. A true professional and very empathetic and compassionate to our loss. She did an amazing job in preparing mom for our intimate viewing. Mom looked exactly how she would've if still with us. I was so pleased to see how perfect everything was.”  Carlo
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