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BORN
1958
DIED
2022
Louis ATKEY Obituary
ATKEY, Louis Melville (Mel)
1958 - 2022
The Atkey family is heart-broken in announcing the sudden and unexpected death of our brother, Mel, on or about the 16th of December.
Mel was born in Vancouver and grew up in Ladner, attending Ladner Elementary School and Delta Secondary School, where he began his interest in musical theatre, even producing his own play.
After high school, he attended Douglas College and eventually moved to Toronto where he work shopped one of his plays with James Doohan of Star Trek fame. In 1991 he made the move to London, England, where he spent the rest of his life. While there, he earned a masters degree in musical theatre at Goldsmith University. He worked many years in the theatre business there, including his most recent job at stage door for the Duchess Theatre in the west end, while also writing several books on musical theatre, family history and one on his adventure in joining the circus in Taiwan. He wrote the music for a production of "A Little Princess" and for, "O! Pioneers", both of which were produced off Broadway in New York several years ago.
Mel was a gentle soul who loved cats, trains, writing, family and will be sorely missed by his sisters, Beverley Beese (Bill) and Marilyn Atkey, as well as his niece, Erin Beese (Christian Zuger) and nephew, Christopher Beese (Sarah Rivest) and many cousins.
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Memories and Condolences
for Louis ATKEY
19 Entries
Michael Mascioli
January 15, 2024
I was sorry to hear, many months ago, of Mel's passing, and my very belated condolences to his family. I would like to be in touch with some in the family regarding his wonderful music. I've tried Facebook and email but, so far, no luck. I hope someone sees this and would e kind enough to be in touch with me. Many thanks.
Allen Tagseth
November 8, 2023
I had no idea Mel passed away. I googled his name several times over the last number of years but only came across old references to what he was doing. I should have made an effort to contact Marilyn, his sister, but I didn't. Mel and I went back to 1976 and the Ladner high school. We had a number of adventures but drifted when Mel moved to Toronto. When you google his name the picture that predominately appears is one I took in Ithaca New York a zillion years ago. It was taken in near darkness in a club just over the city limits and was the event where Mel and I met Jimmy Doohan. Marilyn, I see your mom also passed away in 2022. Both your parents were always kind and welcoming to me. Please accept my condolences for both your losses.
Phil Shuh
May 19, 2023
I wrote to Mel during College as a radio host of a Musical Theatre show. He wrote to me and never stopped until the end. We are talking 20 years of updates. I only wish I had replied more often and got together with him.
Sad to hear of his passing...
Ron Cash
January 26, 2023
So sorry for the loss of Mel he was a great gentle man my condolences
Polly Faminow
January 12, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother Mel. He was definitely an interesting person with much to contribute. My sincere condolences to the Atkey family - Marilyn, Bill, Bev, and Christopher to name a few in the Atkey family...
Marlene Leni Szameit (ex Mary Lou Price)
January 7, 2023
Mel was a good cousin as a kid. He was very talented writing musicals n books.Rest in Peace.Prayers n hugs to family,friends and others who enjoyed his talents
Joey Miller
January 6, 2023
Mel and I attended the Lehman Engel BMI theatre workshop in Toronto where he proved to be a very talented musical theatre composer. While in London England, he wrote books documenting Musical Theatre in Canada which, to this day, have become invaluable assets to the proud history of Canadian musicals that he loved so much. He will be greatly missed and much appreciated.
Andrea Barclay
January 6, 2023
So very sorry for your loss! I enjoyed hearing your stories of Mel and it is clear that he was well loved
Quentin Jones
January 6, 2023
I got to know Mel a little in the last few years. We are both members of 11 th Christian Science Church, London. He gave sincere and beautiful testimonies of how he felt God's presence with him. Quite a few of us lunched after church at the local pub, which happened to be an actor's pub. He had a sharp sense of humour and was very knowledgeable on many subjects, and was good company. I know we do, and will continue to miss him at church. I know he also contributed a lot to the music at church, and was a supporter to the musicians and of live music. Thank you very much indeed to Mel. From Quentin Jones
Kate Gibson Oswald
January 5, 2023
I did not know Mel personally but would have loved him! What a creative and gentle soul! My condolences to everyone in the family.
Nick Falcos
January 5, 2023
Childhood memories. We were friends in grade two.I remember Mel, sitting on his families kitchen floor, we liked drawing jet cars on the blackboard.
How he was well loved by his family.
Gladys Gibson.
January 5, 2023
We share in a huge loss. one so unexpected and painful. You left us the memories of your life's creations, and your unforgettable'You'. You have a special place in our hearts Mel. The Gibson Family.
Charles Finn
January 5, 2023
I enjoyed spending time with Mel on every visit to London. We'd sit and trade theatre stories and debate the merits of obscure musicals for hours. No matter where we went, friends would stop by the table and say hello -or sometimes join us. I'd be out and about in London and constantly ran into people that knew and loved Mel. He will be missed by so many people!
Tom Chan
January 5, 2023
Condolences to the family. Mel and I attended Delta Sr and were in drama together there. So glad to hear he was able to pursue his dream!
Tina Olson
January 5, 2023
Went to delta secondary school with Mel he will be sadly missed
Rob Moser
January 5, 2023
Such a gentile man, I enjoyed my coffee sittings with Mel, I regret not having more of them. This is so sad, my condolences to all of Mels family and friends, he will be missed.
Rose Hillairet
January 5, 2023
My condolences to the family. I started school with Mel at Ladner Elementary. He will be greatly missed. He accomplished so much! RIP Mel Atkey
Rick Thibodeau
January 5, 2023
Mel and I were born the same year and I have pictures of us together as babies. We spent a lot of sundays together during our childhood when my family went to Ladner for family dinners. We even shared adventures camping in Birch Bay. We grew apart during teen years and chose different paths in life. So sad to hear he is gone at such an early age. I am sure he had more books and music to offer his world. Rest in peace Cousin, you will be missed
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results