November 25, 2020
1952-2020 ~ It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ian Gordon Atkinson, devoted father, grand-father and brother. On November 25th, 2020, Ian passed away suddenly at the age of 68.
Ian was preceded in death by his mother and father, Gordon and Elizabeth (Betty) Atkinson, and his brother-in-law, Ken Markusen.
He is survived by his daughter, Jillian Kirby (Ted) and son, Blair Atkinson (Kathleen), and his four grandchildren that he loved dearly, Ashleigh, Jake, Rodney and Blair Jr. Also remembering Ian are his brother and sisters, Pam Markusen, Brian Atkinson (Karen) and Lorna Kring (Ron), as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Ian was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1952, and relocated with his parents and older siblings to Langley, BC in 1955. He also lived a short time, with family, in Scotland starting in 1964. In his younger years, Ian was an accomplished athlete, competing at high levels in many sports, but most notably, baseball.
He received his Carpenter's certificate in 1975 and worked as a skilled builder in the Fraser Valley for most his life. To Ian, his kids and his grandkids were his world and he spent all his spare time coaching his son in baseball and volunteering for his football team, renovating for his daughter, volunteering for the Langley Rams Jr. Football team with his son-in-law, and attending his grandchildren's sports games, Christmas concerts and events.
Ian only had a few short retirement years before he was taken from us, but he loved to garden, fish, and spoil his grandchildren. His humour and quick wit were appreciated by all who knew Ian. Dad, you will be greatly missed and forever loved.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date.