Robert Charles Atkins

It is hard to believe that it has been a year already. I miss having the Grand PooBaugh at the Geezer Gatherings since he was a dear friend for many years.

Tom

Bob Atkins and I met in 1962 as pledge brothers at the Beta Chapter of Chi Phi Fraternity at MIT. There were 15 of us in the class of 1966. Bob was an avid fan of classical music, and had a wonderful collection of LP (vinyl) recordings. In our sophomore year, these records were on permanent loan in the "Corral," the triple room where I had installed a major stereo system. The condition of the loan was that he could use the room to listen at any time the room was unoccupied, or with the consent of me or my roommates. Returning early from classes in the afternoon, I often found him on the couch with the glorious sounds of Beethoven or Tchaikovsky filling the room. I never interrupted him. He was always on top of the BSO schedules at Symphony Hall, and was the first to find out who the guest conductors or orchestras would be.

For years, I had an office in Miller Hall, just a couple of doors down from Bob. I would amble over to his office and chat, mostly about our common interest in surf fishing. He was always welcoming, and I was glad to spend the time with him. He was more than a colleague, but a dear friend that I will miss.

Tight lines,
Bob

I did not know Dr. Atkins but I do know his wonderful daughter Maureen. I have no doubt Dr. Atkins was a wonderful person because that's exactly who Maureen is. My thoughts and prayers for the Atkins family during the time.

I used to meet Bob often when we both swam at the Wellness Center in Harrisonburg. Several years ago while we were getting dressed we had a discussion of opera. When we finished Bob asked if I realized what we had been doing. We had been having "Locker room talk." Not only was he a very fine gentleman, but he also had a fine sense of humor; all his friends will miss him terribly.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Atkins family. May you cherish all the wonderful and times and memories you shared with him. At first met Bob (Hazmat 1 or Hazmat Bob) when he started teaching basis chemistry to the HFD FF's. He was truly a dedicated member of the HFD family. Through the years I learned of the love Bob had for his family & of the opera. But in reading about all of his life accomplishments and memories shared by Maureen in his obit, really brought a full circle to a wonderful life he live and enjoyed.

I first met Bob when he and Mary helped us move in when I first came to JMU and we were colleagues from then until he retired. Even then, we met regularly though our monthly Geezer Gathering. We shared several ups and downs together. I will miss him. He was a dear friend.

Very sorry to hear about the passing of Dr Atkins. He was my professor in the 70´s. I remember him as a very kind person. My condolences to the family.

Thinking of you, Mary, David and Maureen. Since I'm 80, too, it seems way too young to die. All the good times you mentioned in the obituary makes me think that you have an incredibly rich store of memories. How lovely and treasured.
I, too, really loved the pictures. Sending love and hugs.

As one of Bob's organic chemistry students in 1980s, I remember his kindness and patience when I met with him. As a JMU prof now, I continue to tell stories to my students about my days in organic chemistry. Wishing peace for his family.

Such heartwarming and tender memories you shared about Bob. What an amazing life he lived! We loved the photos, thank you.
Lovingly, Orv and Cleta Gingerich

God speed
Dr Bing

Bob shared his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma difficulties with the 1981 JMU cast of Shadowlands I directed, making it the best, most truthful play in my time at JMU, and amazingly, has gone on battling, contributing, and supporting the world around him. We, all of us, have been graced by his courage, abilities and that impish smile. He will be missed. He will never be forgotten.

Bob had an amazing mind and a huge heart! He had such an engaging, gentle manner who also demonstrated enormous strength and courage. Whenever we encountered one another, I left feeling enriched. He had such a contagious sense of joy, in spite of his many medical challenges.

I know Bob from the WC pool, he was fondly referred to as defibrillator Bob just for clarification. Bob was the member who took the time to get to know the guards and mase them feel cared for. Lifeguarding can be a thankless job, Bob invested his time in making our days a little bit better every visit.

To the family of Robert Atkins: I am so sorry for your loss. I knew him as HazMat Bob from HFD when I worked there as a 911 Dispatcher. Now I wish I had gotten that Organic Chemistry text and had him autograph it! Such a smart and witty man. You´re all in my prayers. God Bless.