Ronald William Atchison

RONALD WILLIAM ATCHISON 1930 2010 With profound sadness, the family of Ron Atchison advise of his passing at Pasqua Hospital, Regina on June 23, 2010 at the age of 80 years. Ron was born April 21, 1930 at Central Butte, Saskatchewan to Lloyd and Florence Atchison. He and his parents moved to Mullingar, Sask. to farm for a short time. They later moved to North Battleford, and then to Saskatoon. Florence died of cancer in 1947. Lloyd passed away in 1958. The three boys raised themselves during very difficult times. Ron had the opportunity to work on a farm at Fielding, Sask. with Charlie Neumeier. There he learned the values of life and hard work. To this day Charlie is credited with giving Ron the start he needed to accomplish many goals and good work ethics in his life. Ron returned to Saskatoon and played football for three seasons with the Saskatoon Hilltops. In 1950 and 1951, he drove a truck for Marshall Wells Company in Saskatoon. It was then suggested he try out for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. His illustrious career with the Riders lasted for 17 years. Ron was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, Regina Sports Hall of Fame, Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame, Saskatchewan Roughriders Plaza of Honour and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Ron was a member of the winning Saskatchewan Roughriders 1966 Grey Cup Team. Atchison Crescent in Regina, Atchison Lake in northern Saskatchewan, and Atchison Field, home of the Hilltops, have been named in Ron's honour, In 1985 he was named to the All-time All-Star Team of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and received numerous awards throughout his playing career. His very hard work, sense of humour, good nature and kindheartedness, gained recognition by his many friends and colleagues. After retirement from football, in 1969, he worked at Saskatchewan Government Insurance in the Promotion & Advertising Department, following which he and his son, Gord, operated Atch & Son carpentry business. They enjoyed renovation work together for several years. Ron loved driving his motorcycle and toured North America. In 1953 Ron married Monica and they had 3 loving children, Margaret, Gord & Kathy. In 1989 Ron married Brenda, having one special son, Michael. Upon Brenda's retirement, they traveled to Hawaii and enjoyed camping throughout United States and Canada. Visits to his brothers' acreages near Saskatoon were very memorable times for Ron. For the last few years Ron has suffered with congestive heart failure and Alzheimer's Disease. He always remained cheerful and enjoyed joking with his caregivers. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Dakshina Murthy, CHF Clinic and his nurse, Brenda for their compassion and excellent care of Ron. Thank you also to Dr. Mark Cameron, Dr. James Fraser, Dr. Borden Bachynski and Dr. David Mervitz for their years of medical assistance. We truly appreciate the great care of all doctors, nursing staff and Home Care providers who assisted Ron during these difficult months. Ron is predeceased by his parents Lloyd & Florence and also his grandson, David in California. He is survived by his brothers Lloyd Thomas (Archie) (Muriel) of Vanscoy and Stewart (Marie) of Delisle; his loving wife and best friend, Brenda and their son Mike (Lisa). Also surviving are his children Margaret(Rus) Duncombe, Prince Albert; Gord (Gina) Atchison, Texas; Kathy (Karl) Tiefenbach, Grand Coulee and their mother Monica (Howard) Vollhoffer, Regina. Missing him dearly will be his 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchilden, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and special friends. Cremation has taken place. A Christian Memorial Service to celebrate Ron's well-lived life will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, June 28, 2010 at St. Cecilia Church, 5020 7th Avenue, Regina, Father John Weckend presiding. Final resting place will be St. Anthony's Mausoleum, Regina Memorial Gardens, Hwy. #1 E., Regina. Flowers gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations in Ron's memory to KidSport Saskatchewan, 1870 Lorne Street, Regina S4P 2L7, a registered children's charity that helps provide children in need of financial assistance for sport registration fees and equipment. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com