Bryan Roy Atkinson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, who passed away on Saturday, leaving behind a family and community that will feel his absence deeply.

To know him was to know someone who was unapologetically himself. He could be stubborn, blunt, and sometimes difficult — the kind of man who spoke exactly what was on his mind. But underneath that rough edge was a person who loved deeply, protected fiercely, and showed up for the people he cared about in his own unmistakable way.

He had a love for music and spent countless hours playing guitar, filling rooms with sound and memories that will last far beyond his time here. For those closest to him, those songs were more than music — they were comfort, connection, and pieces of who he was.

He leaves behind his mother, Louise Atkinson; his sister, Renee Sauler; his daughters, Haley Atkinson and Ashley Atkinson; his son-in-law, Ryan Dougherty; and his granddaughter, Aurora Roundtree, along with many friends and loved ones who will remember his humor, his stories, his complicated but genuine love, and the moments that made him uniquely him.

While our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the time we had and the memories that will continue to live on in the music he played and the lives he touched.

Our family is currently making arrangements to gather and celebrate his life. Details about a luncheon or memorial will be shared once plans are finalized. Until then, we ask everyone to keep our family in their thoughts as we navigate this difficult time.