Bernard Atkins

ATKINS, Bernard July 16, 1928 November 21, 2009 At the age of 81 years, Bern passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Beckenham, Kent, England, and at twelve years old was evacuated in September of 1940 from the London bombing blitz along with two of his brothers, Maurice and Michael. Transported by ship, the SS Nerissa, and across Canada by train to Victoria, he lived briefly with his relatives, the Webb family. Bern happily became the foster child of Major & Mrs. C. Wilson in Gordon Head, and in his teens worked on their bulb farm, delivered mail and became a choker man in a logging camp before attending Brentwood College from 1943-46. Like his father before him, he loved photography and in April of 1947, Bern joined the B.C. Govt. Dept. of Travel Industry Photo Branch as a photo assistant. He travelled extensively throughout the Province as a still photographer, cinematographer, and film director, winning many awards including the "Teddy Roosevelt Award " for his conservation film "Valley of the Swans. " One of Bern's proudest achievements was his documentary film "The Silent Ones. " It won recognition for recording the expedition in 1957 to Anthony Island in the Queen Charlottes to collect a selection of totem poles to be transported south to the museums of Victoria and Vancouver for preservation, display and study. In a small way this documentary contributed to the Island being protected and declared a World Park. In 1959 after two issues of Beautiful B.C. Magazine, he took over the position of production editor until he was formally appointed Editor, a position he held until the Magazine was sold to private industry in the early '80's. Wearing many other hats, under the title of Director of Special Services, he produced numerous brochures and special publications promoting the Province; coordinated the first run of the Royal Hudson train from Vancouver to Squamish, headed the nine tourist regions of the Province, and revived the feature film industry. He coordinated a spectacular promotional event whereby he accompanied his much esteemed Minister, the Honourable Grace McCarthy, and her assistant, John Plul, on the Royal Hudson train to Southern California. During his exciting career he worked for thirteen different Ministers, retiring after 37 years service due to failing health. He loved the beauty of B.C., was proud to be a Canadian and often expressed his gratitude for the many opportunities his adopted country afforded him. Predeceased by his brothers, Maurice, and Gordon, in England, he leaves behind Cathy, his loving wife, best friend and companion of 50 years; son, Gordon; daughters, Jacqueline, Gail, Joanne and son-in-law Mark; grandchildren, Colin, Dylan, Mathew and Jenna Sedgwick, Liam and Celina Whitney; brother, Michael and family; Joan Popham and family; and the Colvin and Grant families. Bern will be remembered for the many attributes he passed on to his children and, in turn, his grandchildren: a dry sense of humour, hard work ethic, unconditional love and support of family and friends, endless generosity, and most of all, how to live life to its fullest, greeting everyday with a positive attitude. He will be loved and will live on in their hearts forever. At Bern's request, there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Fndn., Can. Diabetes, or Hospice. 570157