David Skillman Atkinson

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David Atkinson Obituary

ATKINSON, David Skillman Of Wellesley, MA, died October 29, 2008 peacefully at home following a brief illness. He was 87. Born in Philadelphia, PA, on January 30, 1921, he was the son of the late James Clarence Atkinson and Margaret Algeo Skillman Atkinson. Mr. Atkinson graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1942 from Yale University (Jonathan Edwards College) with a BS in Math. While at Yale, he was the recipient of Harwood F. Byrnes Scholarship and was also the captain of the Jonathan Edwards football team. He served as a Lieutenant in the US Navy on PT boats in the Pacific during World War II. Mr. Atkinson was a retired business executive who held directorships in major Fortune 500 corporations. Throughout his life, Mr. Atkinson was very generous with his alma mater, Yale University. Until his death, he was secretary for the class of 1942. In gratitude for his education at Yale, he established the Harwood F. Byrnes/Richard B. Sewall Teaching Prize for the teacher who "has given the most time, energy and effective effort" to educating undergraduates. He enjoyed woodworking, crafting many beautiful pieces of furniture for countless friends and family members. While in his 40s, he earned his private pilot's license. He was member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Wellesley. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Louise Headley Atkinson, brother Samuel Gayley Atkinson, Gwynedd, PA, and by three daughters: Susan Thomas Atkinson Nicholson, Amherst, MA, Sara Lyman Atkinson Woolston, Guilford, CT, and Ann Gayley Atkinson Patterson, Nashville, TN, 11 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. In celebration of his life, a memorial service will be held on November 15, 2008 at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 79 Denton Rd (at Washington St.), Wellesley, MA 02482. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Byrnes-Sewall Fund, Yale University, Office of Development c/o Alumni Fund, PO Box 2038, New Haven, CT 06521-2038 or to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 79 Denton Rd, Wellesley, MA 02482, attn: in memoriam David S. Atkinson. J. S. Waterman & Sons & Waring Wellesley 781-235-4110

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Published by Boston Globe on Nov. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for David Atkinson

2 Entries

Robert Kluter

November 28, 2008

Dear Mary,
I have come to appreciate the opportunity to use Guest Books because they halp me relect on a fantastic person like Dave and the ways our lives intersected. In Dave's case, this is also a penance for not appearing at his memorial service at St. Andrew's earlier this month. I certainly knew about his passing...his name was in our Prayers of the People the Sunday after his passing when I read at the 8:00 o'clock service. Having not reviewed the prayers beforehand, I came across Dave's name and was so shocked, it was difficult to continue. And then, when his service came I was distracted and missed it. I am so sorry.
My first encounter with Dave and with you, if you will, was in our preparations for and travel to Israel on pilgrimage in May 1993. Both of you were marvelous traveling companions. Dave was a shining star with his sense of humor and his sense of adventure. As to the latter, I admire him to this day for not taking the cable car as I did, and walking up the steep incline to Masada. I razzed him for years thereafter, calling him the man who "conquered Masada!" And, I'm sure he was not scared as I was when the bus driver took us up that narrow mountain road to view a monastery across a deep wadi. My fear of unprotected heights caused me to look away from the steep drop-off just inches it seemed from roadside.
Back home, Dave was almost famous for wearing his "clothing finds" from Bargain Haul to church, especially during the summer. Naturally, I razzed him about his wardrobe as well. He always had a comeback. What fun! I am so thankful for his friendship.
I will miss him so much. I bid you God's Peace and consolation, Mary.
With love, Robert

Mike Casey

November 5, 2008

Mr. Atkinson,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the USN in the Pacific during WW II as a Patrol Torpedo Boat officer. The Men who served on the PTs were some of the unsung heroes of the War-they performed daring night attacks against Japanese shipping, patrolled enemy waters, and rescued downed pilots among other missions. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deeepst sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

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