Ray Edwin Atkinson

Ray Edwin Atkinson

May 29,1933 - December 17, 2023

It is with great sorrow that the family announces the peaceful passing of Ray Atkinson on Sunday December 17, 2023, at Swan Valley Health Centre in Swan River, Manitoba.

Dad was predeceased by his loving wife Pat, his beloved son Terrence, his parents, Elizabeth and Thomas, sister Ella, brothers Roy, Thomas, and James, and son in law John McGillivary.

Left to cherish his memory, are eldest son Colin (Donna); daughter Wendy; sons Les (Lori), Ross (Sylvia), and Bryce. Grandchildren Drew, Kyle, Jessica (Andrew), Jennifer, JR (Jennifer), Cory (Michelle), Renee (Jason), Jayde (Steve), Whitney (Chris), Maya, Ashley (Justin), Lukas, Tiffany (Curtis) Justin, Kristen (Carter), Austin, Bailey, Hannah, Zach, Brett and sister Dorothy Holmes, numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and extended family.

Dad was raised and attended school in Kingsbridge District in Saskatchewan. It was in Prince Albert where he met the love of his life, whom he married on May 27, 1953. Dad’s employment took them to several communities, including Mont Nebo, Kinistino, Shellbrook, Melfort, and Unity. During these years. they were blessed with six children. In 1971 one last transfer brought the family to Swan River Manitoba, where along with raising their family Ray continued his career at the Swan Valley Consumers Co-op until 1978, he then went to work for Riddells Plumbing and Heating, and purchased Kelsey Grocers until he took over Atkinson Sporting Goods in 1980, and retired in 1995

Dad was very involved with many activities such as minor hockey, fastball and slo-pitch, golf, bowling, chambers of commerce, Swan Valley Stampeders, Dad loved volunteering his time for the Town of Swan River.

His love of family was felt on weekends at the family cabin, many endless hours spent at the hockey rink, ball diamond and other activities that his children were involved in This continued as the family grew with the arrival of grandchildren and great grandchildren

Thank you, Dad, for the wonderful memories and stories you have left for us.

You will be sorely missed and loved forever.

In accordance with Ray’s wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service        celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Veterans Community Hall in Swan River, Manitoba followed by interment at Birchwood Cemetery