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Glen Atkinson Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Glen Atkinson
63 Entries
December 28, 2015
I think of "Mr. Atkinson" every time I'm in the lounge at Juan de Fuca Seniors' Centre. His name is engraved in wood, as part of the In Memoriam plaque, handmade by the wood carving group at the centre.
Doris Clemens (Higgs)
Class of '65
January 31, 2015
During this distressing time please find comfort from the guidance God provides and the strength to move forward in the days and weeks to come. Heartfelt condolences - Prov3:5,6
January 22, 2015
To the family of Glen Atkinson,
On behalf of Luther Court Society we wanted to pass on our most heartfelt condolences. Glen had a gift of music, and we feel so fortunate that he was able to share his gift by performing with the Grandview trio for our community. You are in our thoughts and hearts during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The activity department and community at Luther Court
January 22, 2015
To the family of Glen Atkinson,
On behalf of Luther Court Society we wanted to pass on our most heartfelt condolences. Glen had a gift of music, and we feel so fortunate that he was able to share his gift by performing with the Grandview trio for our community. You are in our thoughts and hearts during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The activity department and community at Luther Court
January 16, 2015
One of my favourite sayings is: “You pass down the hallway of life only once so be sure to make your mark on the walls as you pass through: There is no going back to do it later”. Glen's enthusiasm, sense of adventure, and empathy with all who knew him was boundless. He was a friend to all. The walls of his hall of life would make any graffiti artist proud. Our sense of loss at his passing is softened by the wonderful memories of the shared experiences and hearing of the great adventures Glen, Pat Michael , Maureen and Peter shared over the years. We first met Glen and Pat in the early 1960's when we moved to View Royal. We both had young families and shared many camping, fishing and hiking outings. Some of our favourite memories are of camping and fossil hunting on Hornby Island with biology lessons in tidal pools, boat camping in the Broken Group Islands, nature hikes in Thetis Park sharing Glen and Pat's knowledge of the wildflowers there and dances at the Lake Hill Community Hall. After we moved away from Victoria we never missed an opportunity to visit the Atkinsons, see the family growing up and hear about their many worldwide adventures. Glen loved his hobbies, his music, wood turning, photography and of course the “annual world croquet championships” held in Parksville. A game of croquet on the private pitch was always part of any visit to the Atkinson home. Pat, Michael, Maureen, Peter, Brian, Sue and all of your families and friends; we share your loss but we are stronger for having known Glen and our memories of him are an inspiration to all of us. He lives on in our hearts and minds. Love, Gerry, Sylvia, Chris, Gaylene, Eric and Brian Rehwald
Kerri Buxton (MacBride)
January 15, 2015
So sorry to hear - I too had the honour of being in Mr. Atkinson's classes for 3 years. I started sciences at UVIC because of his influence. He was a master teacher that captured his students hearts and minds with humour and passion. My fondest memory was grade 12 when at the end of fetal pig dissections he lead an attack of dead pigs on Mr. Demacedo's Physics 12 lab, directly above us after countless hours of listening to them drum yard sticks on the ceiling. Love and condolences to his family.
Doug Grant
January 14, 2015
I was fortunate to have Mr. Atkinson as a teacher at Oak Bay High. He was definitely one of my favorites! He managed to make his classes fun and also took a genuine interest in your other subjects and sports endeavors. Always happy and so full of life, he was one of those exceptional and passionate teachers that you never forget. Although it has been 50 years since grad '65, I still Think of Mr Atkinson and how fortunate I was to have had him as a teacher and mentor.
Therin (Kathy) Gower
January 14, 2015
I will always have fond memories of Mr. Atkinson (of course my parents never allowed to call him by his first name!) at corn roasts and staff parties and in the halls at school; a wonderful friend to my parents and a great role model for us kids. My thoughts are with Mrs. Atkinson and the family.
Sara Topham
January 13, 2015
I was lucky enough to have Mr. A as a teacher in four of my five years at Oak Bay - and in Grade 12 I arranged the choosing of my courses specifically so I could be in his class - even though it meant giving up other things! He was a great teacher no question. My favourite memory of him though, is from Grade 10 when we were in The Music Man together. He played my dad and I loved sharing the stage with him. One day I was in another class, and he appeared at the door, and told the teacher that he needed to speak to me in the hall. I was a bit nervous - what had I done to warrant being pulled out of class? Well, we went into the hall and he closed the door. I was getting concerned. He looked at me very seriously and said "We have a problem." Yikes! I was really worried now. "I can't remember how to do that step at the end of the Finale." Phew! That was a relief. So we spent 10 minutes in the hallway dancing together - and by the end - he was perfect. And I've never forgotten it! Thank-you for so many happy memories of learning and laughing Mr. A - you changed a lot of lives. And best thoughts to the whole family - thank-you for sharing him so generously with us.
January 11, 2015
I am very sorry to hear this. He was one of my favorite teachers...fun, kind, supportive, fair, and great at teaching Science/Biology. I actually had to take Biology 12 twice, as I was goofing around the first time! But he never gave up on me and just seemed to patiently wait until I was ready to take it seriously the 2nd time! Mr. Atkinson also wrote me a wonderful letter of reference upon my graduation, which I believe jump started my career path to become a teacher myself.
Betty Christensen
January 11, 2015
I was honoured to work with Glen at the University of Victoria. Glen was a model supervisor for our secondary students in the Faculty of Education. I assisted in typing reports and keeping glen up-to-date on policies. Glen would regale me of his teaching days at Oak Bay and the story of "The Life Cycle of the Moss". Bob Hunt would co-teach with Glen on this important topic. Glen was always cheerful. I looked forward to his visits. My sincere sympathy to you, Pat and your family.
Julia MacRae
January 11, 2015
Mr. Atkinson was my favorite high school teacher - and now I am a high school teacher, always remembering that kids appreciate a teacher when they are zany, fun and keen on their subject. I remember the snake skins that were pinned to the ceiling of the classroom and how he would slap your desk with the metre stick if you yawned. He made us proud to do well in science and to think for ourselves. I tried to call him several times over the last few years to thank him for his teaching and to tell him I am a teacher now, but never got through. So sorry I missed my chance. RIP sir!
Julia MacRae, Vancouver ( OB grad '85)
Brian Willing
January 9, 2015
Gave me teaching tools that I'll never forget.
Gaylene Rehwald
January 9, 2015
So lovely to read these testimonies to the wide heart and profound impact of the remarkable Mr. A. Glen and Pat are dear friends of my parents, and some of my best childhood memories are the summer adventures our families had together, rambling around Hornby Island and environs. I smile to recall the time we accidently hooked a bat while fishing at dusk on Cowichan Lake, and he led us thru an impromptu lakeside dissection class. His contagious zest for life, that beautiful voice, the hilariously memorable phrases like 'naughty bits' (I still use that one too!). To Pat, Mike, Pete and Maureen and your families, our family sends love and deep thanks for sharing this marvelous human being with us all.
Dennis & Verna Atkinson
January 8, 2015
To Patricia, Susan, Brian & Families
We send you our love and caring sympathy. We know you all have precious memories and are proud of Glen's friendly, giving spirit. We also enjoyed Glen's wonderful, talented singing
Terry Quelch
January 8, 2015
Glenn your were an inspiration to many of us who went on to teach Biology. Terry P Quelch biogy teacher retired North Vancouver.
Cam Culham
January 8, 2015
My thoughts are with you all...am a good pal of Maureen's and though I had only met Glen once, I can see in reading these moving tributes how many of his qualities were passed on to Maureen (sociability and fine singing voice are two) and to all his kids I am sure. His passing and the outpouring of affection from so many wAs mentioned at the Oak Bay United service last week. Take care.
David Newell
January 8, 2015
Glen was my favourite teacher. I had him for Biology. As a consequence, becoming a biology teacher was long-term goal. By luck, I eventually had Glen as my practicum teacher at Oak Bay, back in 1990. I am now teaching biology at Mount Douglas Secondary, in Victoria. I truly loved Glen! He was a real inspiration and I still imitate some of his antics in class... Do you remember his sword or his boy/girl competitions at the blackboard? I feel his presence each time I perform these exciting feats! My condolences go out to his family... He will be missed.
Thomas Wyatt
January 7, 2015
Glen was a loving kindhearted soul with a great sense of humour. I loved sharing Papua New Guinea with he and Pat.
You will be sorely missed.
Thomas A. Wyatt
Irene Lamojt
January 6, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Glens passing, he & I went to Craigflower School together and I still remember his beautiful voice at Christmas Concerts.
Glen and Pat helped put together a Craigflower School reunion, bringing together many longtime friends. I will miss him. Sympathy to Pat and family. Irene Lamont
Laurie Mueller
January 6, 2015
Glen was a welcome visitor at The Glenshiel sharing his music and his personality with us. Our love to Pat.
Noni Battye
January 6, 2015
What an inspirational man. As I look at my own classroom and students that I hope to have an impact on, I am struck by how much of my teaching is influenced by Mr A. I still use the phrase "naughty bits" when teaching Planning 10 and, of course, "kingdom, phylum..." which still impresses Grade 11/12 students that I remember it. Thank you for guiding me to a "job" that is something I absolutely love. Condolences to those close to him. Noni Battye - Grad '94
Peter Nation
January 6, 2015
"Mr. Atkinson" (a teacher is always remembered formally) was my gr. 10 homeroom teacher at Oak Bay in 1965. Even though I was only with him for 10 minutes at the start of every day, I always remembered his cheerfulness, and could tell he was a good teacher. (I went on to teach myself.) One morning was memorable because one of the "tough guy" students kicked an electrical plug off the wall in a fit of pique, eliciting an exciting bang and spark. Mr. A yelled at him and sent him to the office - the only time I saw him loose his temper!
Elizabeth Darche
January 5, 2015
I was deeply saddened to learn of Glen's passing...I only knew him a short time as we were in the tenor section of Peninsula singers together...he was one of the warmest, kindest and most genuine people I have ever met...and from reading other peoples postings, an amazing teacher as well - I will miss singing with him!
Elizabeth Darche
January 5, 2015
I only knew Glen for a short time. We were in the tenor section of Peninsula Singers...but I am so saddened by his loss. He was one of the warmest, kindest and most genuine persons I have met ...I will miss sharing music with him.
Klaus Roethel
January 4, 2015
Mr. Atkinson was a world class teacher, and stellar human being.His teachings of Biology helped me greatly in getting into forestry school in Germany.
I will never forget him. My heart goes out to his family. Klaus Roethel Class of 68
jackie kleniewski
January 4, 2015
I will always remember when he first came to Oak Bay High. I think every girl on the basketball team had a crush on him. He made a difference to me in my life and luckily I was able to thank him a few years ago. Thank you Mr Atkinson you were on of the greats
Donna Baird
January 4, 2015
So sad to hear the news and so grateful to have known Mr. Atkinson. Like many others I was profoundly impacted by Mr. A. After being diagnosed at the age of 7y as "mentally retarded" and put in "special ed.", Mr. A was the first teacher to convince me of my potential and break out of the diagnosis. I remember, after performing poorly on a test and blaming it on my diagnosis, Mr. A saying to me "I won't accept this from you ... you are one of the brightest people I have taught...". I owe much of my academic success to Mr. A ... I went on to get 3 degrees and after my post graduate studies I returned to thank Mr. A for believing in me. I am ever so grateful for the many gifts Mr. A shared with so many. May he rest in peace.
January 4, 2015
My deepest sympathies to my dear friend Pat and family. My memories of Glen go back to our days at UBC. When we moved to Victoria your family shared your lives with ours. Glen was son Chris' first swimming teacher at the old Crystal Garden. He was a man of many talents and will be remembered for all he has done for this community. A life well lived. Marilyn Boulton
Robin Hryciuk (grad '83)
January 4, 2015
Having just lost our mother in December as well, my siblings and I were sitting around the dinner table recalling fond memories of the past. Mr. Atkinson's name was brought up by my brother Michael. As Michael told us the stories of the crazy antics that played out in the classroom we found ourselves laughing hysterically. I too have such fond memories of him and his wonderful teaching style. His passion for teaching is legendary and his ability to make us laugh, even now, is something I will always carry with me. Thank you.
Michelle
January 4, 2015
Biology was not my strong suit but Mr. Atkinson pulled me through. The un-pithed frog caper was memorable. Teaching is not a career, it is a vocation and Mr. Atkinson lived his vocation. He touched so many lives.
January 4, 2015
Mr. Atkinson taught me Biology in the early 70's. I never liked biology and to this day it still isn't one of my favourites. But with Mr. Atkinson it was good. I actually got a B on my final grade!! No teacher before or after could get that out of me. Blessings and condolences. Paul Martin
January 4, 2015
I had Mr. Atkinson for homeroom and biology, and I had a crush on him, as I'm sure many other girls did. I'm so glad I was able to see him perform with his band about a year ago, at the Juan de Fuca Seniors' Centre, where I'm a member.
Condolences to the family.
Doris (Higgs) Clemens-class of '65
Roderick Beaton
January 4, 2015
Mr A sang at grad '73. I'll never forget that, nor the many times he burst out in song just walking down the halls. He was a bright light on some dreary days for many of us, I'm sure.
Lorraine Turnbull
January 3, 2015
having known Glen from earliest days of Margaret Jenkins school and our children's attendance , parties at your home listening to your golden voice VOS and a warm meeting in early Dec after your Arion concert at Mary Winspear , deepest condolences dear Pat and family
Jen Farquhar (Arnott)
January 3, 2015
What an amazing teacher! Definitely one of my all-time favourites. He made me feel I could shoot for the stars!! He also had an unforgettable way of ensuring you were never late for his class (or any class in the vicinity of his classroom!!) with that pointer/metre stick!! If this was the kind of teacher he was, I can only imagine what kind of colleague, friend, brother, father, husband, and man he was outside of his classroom. Deepest sympathies to his friends and family. He will always be remembered with fondness by this Oak Bay Alum.
Dawn & Peter Vanderkrogt
January 3, 2015
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Mr Atkinson was a great teacher and a fun basketball coach. Helped us place 3rd in BC in 1971. He will be sadly missed but will forever live on in our memories
Dawn Vanderkrogt(Villeneuve) and Peter Vanderkrogt
Kimberly
January 3, 2015
This man was a truly exceptional person. Not only did he inspire a lifetime love of learning, but more importantly learning to accept yourself and strive for excellence and see the beauty around you. If life was measured by the number of lives touched, this man has become part of who many of us are today. Thank you for making school interesting, and teaching me the difference between a traveller and a tourist and how to truly experience and appreciate what life has to offer. This teacher was one of the people who influenced the course of my life. I'm grateful to have been one of many to attend your class and to be woken up by the whack of your sword on my desk if I happened to be resting me eyes...
January 3, 2015
Glen was a wonderful and warm teacher and person. I have very fond memories of him, his wry sense of humour; his love and dedication of teaching and of the students at Oak Bay. I recall endearingly that he would put on exotic Australian bird call tapes during our Biology exams in Gr. 12. I had the pleasure, through their good friends--my in-laws—Bob and Marlene Hunt, of hearing over the many years of Glen and Pat's amazing travels, adventures and interests together and their wonderful, close family. May Glen rest in peace and heartfelt condolences/thoughts are sent to Pat and Family.
Trish Hunt (nee MacCarthy). Oak Bay Grad 77.
Dave Welham
January 3, 2015
Our sincere condolence to all the Atkinsons. Old-time View Royal people will remember that Glen also had a fine voice as a boy, as we heard him while he delivered Liberty Magazine on his bicycle.
Glen's first name and those of his siblings remain immortalized in View Royal street names Glenairlie Drive, Brian Place, and Suzanne Place.
Paul Bell
January 2, 2015
Fond memories of Mr. Atkinson from Oak Bay High School. Sincerely sorry for the loss of a good man and teacher. All the best to his loved ones in this sad time.
Michelle Bolton
January 2, 2015
Mr. Atkinson ... inspiration for myself as a high school Biology student! I have often shared the story of how he "inspired" us all to learn the Kingdom Phylum order through banging the yard stick around the legs of our desks. His memory lives on far beyond his years. I enjoyed reading of his later years, and wish his family my condolences and peace in such wonderful memories of a family life well lived. Thank you for sharing him with us as students. "Mr. Atkinson" is not - and will not be - forgotten!
Fran Hawker
January 2, 2015
I have fond memories of Biology 12 with Mr. Atkinson. He was a wonderful teacher and also a great friend to my parents Frank and Linda Gower.
J. Croft
January 2, 2015
Such a kind teacher with a great sense of humour!
Susan Robbins
January 2, 2015
Dear Pat & family:
I am sorry to hear about Glen's passing. Suddenly and unexpectedly -- not easy for all of you, but kinder for him. I know you loved him greatly Pat -- you always talked about your travel adventures, your family and your love of birds, of which Glen was all part of. I am thinking of you,
(former Crystal Singer)
Nicola Persson
January 2, 2015
He was a brilliant teacher! I think he was an inspiration to all of his students!
Benjamin Charlton
January 2, 2015
Hands down one of the best TEACHERS I ever had. Made you excited to learn. Only great memories of his Biology classes and his support for the schools athletics as well. Will be missed.
Carrie Dick
January 2, 2015
He will be dearly missed. My condolences to you & your family. He was such a wise, kind, funny, genuine person. Always loved his Biology classes at Oak Bay. Just the other day I was telling the story of our days in class dissecting fetal pigs. My friend & I named our pig and made her diapers with paper-towels. Mr Atkinson used to tease me every time I put our pig back in the bucket. Such a great sport.
Thank you Mr Atkinson. You taught us all so much more about life than just biology. RIP
Michael Smith
January 2, 2015
Great teacher and great person also. He touched a lot of lives and made them better. My condolences for your loss. He will be missed.
Pia Wyatt
January 2, 2015
Mr. Atkinson was a true gentleman, a kind man and an incredibly gifted teacher. He made everyone feel special. He was fun, funny and so easy to be around. I know students were eager to take his class - not just because of the subject matter, but because it was HIM. He came to visit my family when we lived in Papua New Guinea and had such an adventurous spirit, we were thrilled to have him visit.
What a wonderful man. I am so saddened to hear of his passing ... the world is a little dimmer.
Here's to you, Mr. Atkinson! Thank you for being so full of life and laughter. You touched many, many, many of us! We are better people because of you.
K Mctaggart
January 2, 2015
Mr. Atkinson you were such a light of fun and education in the school halls with your meter stick sword, rouged cheeks singing with gusto in musicals and anatomical references to Raquel Welch:) You brought us all joy and we remember you always very fondly. Thank you.
Dana Hutchings
January 2, 2015
Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species! I still say it often and think of Mr.Atkinson. A favourite teacher and the only reason I took science! He was very kind to me and I often think about his smile. Mr. A you touched many, many lives! Love and Hugs to your family. Dana
Michelle Connor
January 2, 2015
Maureen & family...I'm so sorry for your loss. May your love and memories help get you through this difficult time.
Peig Masterton (nee Forgie)
January 2, 2015
I am heartbroken and at a loss for words.Mr Atkinson impacted my life and helped me survive High School. He passed his love of life and learning to me and now ,through his son Pete ,to my kids.The world will be a little less special with Mr A gone but his legacy will continue with all the people he has touched.Fetal Pigs in the world unite!!
Dunc Malcolm
January 2, 2015
So sorry to hear of Glen's passing. I know he delighted in his photography. His enthusiasm for learning was contagious and he will be sorely missed. Deepest sympathies, Pat, to you and your family.
Bruce Izard
January 2, 2015
Glen was such a natural and well-loved teacher. He shared his love of learning through his warmth, patience, and enthusiasm. Our thoughts go out to Pat and the rest of the family.
Lisa Richdale
January 2, 2015
God Bless Mr. Atkinson! and my Deepest Sympathies to his family.
I was Very fortunate to be in Mr. A.'s biology class at OBH. He was a Fantastic teacher!! I have many special memories of him. He made learning fun and very interesting.
He sang at our Graduation ceremony and there were No dry eyes in the house, I assure you. He had a Beautiful singing voice. During the 1972 Canada/Russia Hockey game he had a TV in his classroom tuned in to the Game !!
I am Very sorry to hear that he has passed away.
I know the world has lost a Wonderful human being but Heaven has gained another angel! God Bless You Sir and may you Rest in Peace!
Warm regards,
Cathy Hohnsbehn
January 2, 2015
Mr. Atkinson was one of those teachers you never forgot. I had the pleasure of being in his class a few times at Oak Bay High.
My condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Cathy (Whitelaw) Hohnsbehn
Oak Bay Grad 1979
Dale Briggs
January 2, 2015
Glen was a great guy to know-always had a smile and such a warm personality.I remember singing with him in The Mikado many years ago.
He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him,especially his students at Oak Bay!
colleen rebalkin
January 2, 2015
was one of his students who can say he was a favorite!! Just looked at my old lab drawings not 4 days ago done on my fetal pig in bio 12.a 1992 grad he had a great impact on my life, both at the time and in a science based future in dental hygiene. I was a surrogate tag member, with my locker outside his classroom door. I will never forget his kind smile and joy felt in his classroom. He impacted my life in a positive way!! Thank you for being genuine Mr. Atkinson!!
Sue Strauss
January 2, 2015
Mr. Atkinson instilled in me a great love for biology and the profession of teaching. He was warm, encouraging and helped make my Oak Bay years fun and memorable. Hold on to each other, the memories too and continue to be blessed by the love he shared.
Karen Bos
January 2, 2015
I too was a student of his at Oak Bay High and through his excellent teaching in grade 12 along with Mr. Hunt in grade 11, I completed a BSc in biology at UVic. Now as an adult with 4 children I highly value those teachers with true passion for what they are teaching and who value each individual student as Mr. Atkinson certainly did. Two of mt girls are headed towards biology degrees at the moment so the ripple effects of his teaching career are felt down the generations. I am very sorry for your loss. 54+ years together is awesome and his loss will be impossible to replace and nor should it but you may rejoice in a life that touched so many! God bless, Karen Bos
Eleanor Fodo-Vargek
January 2, 2015
He added a special glow to Oak Bay High. As a teacher along with his personality he has always remained in my memories and always will.
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