Robert Milton Atkinson

1928 - 2016

Robert Milton "Milt" Atkinson
1928 ~ 2016
Robert Milton "Milt" Atkinson, 87, died at St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center Thursday February 25, 2016 surrounded by family. Milt, the oldest of three children, was born July 27, 1928 in Boise, Idaho to Warren Milton Atkinson and Mildred Josephine Waits. Milt grew up in the Ustick area of Boise and was a proud graduate of Meridian High School class of 1946 as well as Boise Junior College class of 1948. Immediately upon graduation he went to work for the Idaho First National Bank.
In 1950, Milt was drafted to serve his country as an infantryman in Bamberg, Germany in the fourth and first infantry divisions for two years. At his return from military service Milt joined his father in the glass business. For the next forty-one years, Milt was instrumental in growing Atkinson's Mirror & Glass from its origins in a converted chicken coop behind the family home on Fairview Avenue into a thriving business that includes Winter-Seal Corporation of Idaho and Aluma-Glass Industries, Incorporated that have employed hundreds of people in the Northwest.
On September 25, 1955 Milt married Hope Caroline Bowen and they settled in Boise where they would raise their children, Renee and Rick, and reside for the next sixty years. Milt enjoyed hunting, fishing, trail bike riding and Boise State football. He had a way of filling each day with adventure, both big and small. These adventures generally included some type of mishap which Milt made seem like was part of the plan to his family and friends; whether that was going off the cliff on a motorcycle, snowmobile or ATV; flipping a boat at Arrow Rock reservoir; or accidentally throwing Hope from a moving vehicle. Milt easily found the humorous side in everything and his distinct laugh is something anyone who met him will remember.
Milt never met a tool he didn't like and spent hours puttering around his acreage building fences, digging ditches and taking care of his livestock. As a handyman, he could turn a five-minute project into a complete remodel which likely included some type of flood or an electrical shock.
One of Milt's passions, that many people were not aware of, was writing poetry. His poems include; Senior Sneak, A Bar of Soap with a Loop of Rope and our favorite, Memories.
Memories
Memory is the process of recalling to your mind the different things that you have learned and experienced in past times.
How often does someone ask "Do you remember when?" and your memory recalls a happening that you can relive again.
You can't predict the future or make changes in the past but you can rely upon your memories to make fond moments last.
You can think about tomorrow and sometimes plan it as you please but when tomorrow becomes yesterday all that's left are memories.
As all of us get older there's less future and more past so hold on to all those memories as time is passing fast.
The greatest thing about memories is that everyone has their own and things that we remember can be ours and ours alone.
Memories are wonderful, without them you would find an awful lot of emptiness of times we've left behind.
Memories of loved ones and friends no longer here will sometimes bring a smile and often bring a tear.
Memories can make you laugh and some will make you cry, others will warm your heart with joy and lift your spirits high.
So when you're feeling down and out it may be time to reminisce so call upon your memories to give yourself a lift.
Milt was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ralph Weldon Atkinson. He is survived by his wife Hope; daughter Renee Atkinson of Boise; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Michelle Atkinson of Boise and St. Louis; two grandchildren, Alexis Atkinson of Nashville and Oliver Atkinson, at present, a world traveler; sister and brother-in-law, Mildred Lorraine and Stan Bowman of Meridian; his brother's widow, Darlene Atkinson of Boise; as well as a large and loving extended family.
Milt was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and an avid member of the Bronco Athletic Association. Donations in Milt's memory may be made to the Bronco Athletic Association 1910 University Drive, Boise, Idaho, 83705, Ten Mile Community Church, or a charity of your choice.
The family thanks the caring and compassionate staff at Meadow Lake Village Memory Care Unit and St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Summers Funeral Home, 1205 West Bannock Street, Boise. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Ten Mile Community Church, 4440 Columbia Road, Meridian. Interment will follow immediately at Joplin Cemetery.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Milt's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.