Carl Edwards Atkinson

1928 - 2018

Carl Edwards Atkinson Nov. 16, 1928 Mar 2, 2018 Carl was born in Medford, Massachusetts with the heart of a poet. He was the third of four children of The Rev. C. Harry Atkinson and Gertrude Irene Atkinson, both native Canadians. His father was a minister of the Northern Baptist Church. Carl was a graduate of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, during which he used his multiple talents as a sports announcer, singer, actor and director in a college theatre that traveled through the Canadian provinces presenting plays. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, he joined the U.S Air Force, serving as Lieutenant in the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, he joined the corporate world of U.S. Steel where he invested his unusual talents for writing and speaking as a Director of Public Relations. While in Washington, D.C., he served a season as chair of the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. Upon retiring from U.S. Steel, he and Elizabeth bought The Williamsville Inn in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. After the delightful adventure of three and a half years of innkeeping, they sold the inn and returned to California and family. Carl was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon, serving as elder and deacon as well as a dedicated member of The Friday Connection, a weekly gathering of men. Carl is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth, and children of his first marriage to Barbara, daughter Amy, grandson Lucas, and his son Brooks (Babs). Survivors include his sister Irene Nelson (Richard), fifteen nieces and nephews, his step-family of two sons, two daughters, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A celebration of Carl's life will be held on Saturday, April 21st at 1:00 pm., at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with a reception following. The family requests that memorial gifts go to the Legacy Fund of Westminster Presbyterian Church.