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Kathy Atkinson Obituary
Kathy Atkinson was a beautiful soul born to Bob and Audrey Atkinson June 2, 1951 in Missoula, Montana where she grew up with the love and support of family and friends who gave her the foundation to grow wings and fly.
Unconditional love is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Kathy, with fearless and tireless close behind. She approached everything in life with a clear mind and an open heart and compassion was a gift she gave freely and without judgment. To the people who knew her the only thing greater than the pain of losing her is their happiness at having shared her life and known her as a teacher and a friend.
She knew from early childhood what she wanted to do with her life and worked toward that goal. Kathy had a passion for learning and experiencing life through books, music, dance, travel, family and friends. Each day was lived with all her senses at attention and the world was a wonder to be explored.
Kathy was awarded an academic scholarship to Cornell University where she studied pre-med and later earned her medical degree from the University of Washington and moved to Salt Lake City for residency. Kathy's work as a doctor was an integral part of who she was. Right out of a family medicine residency she joined a fledgling group of ER docs at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City before there was such a thing as a career working the ER. Kathy helped invent the specialty of Emergency Medicine, and what a legacy she leaves.
Her partners of 30 years and the nurses who worked with Kathy remember her as the most beloved and esteemed of all the docs who ever treated patients in the Emergency Departments of Holy Cross (later to become Salt Lake Regional), the VA, and Mountain West in Tooele. She was a professional who quickly gained the confidence of her patients in spite of her looking like a teenager just in from riding the range. At the same time she was so down to earth and a "nature mama" who could express her concern for her patients and their families. Nurses remember the positive feelings they had when they saw that they were working a shift with Kathy, knowing "it was going to be a great day"
Kathy connected to everyone she ever encountered. Everyone felt that when she talked to him or her, they were the most important person on earth. Kathy found magic in the simple things in life and had an easy laugh that one could hear a mile away. She lived her life with music in her heart and soul. It is easy to picture her at a concert in her short skirt, dancing her special dance, singing at the top of her lungs, and explaining the history of the song, all at the same time. But her greatest joy by far came from being a mother to her son, Will.
Kathy leaves behind her two great loves, Will and Tracy Christiansen, and her loving family; sister, Cindy and brother, Bob; nieces, Lacey Griffiths and Myki Gernaat; nephew, Collin Griffiths; mother and father in law, Joan and Fred Poston; brother and sister in law, Barry and Trina Christiansen. She was so excited to see new life come into the family when babies arrived to each of the nieces and nephew.
A celebration of Kathy's life will be held from 1:00-3:00 Saturday, March 28th in the courtyard of The Madeleine Choir School, 205 First Avenue, Salt Lake City.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathy Atkinson
Katherine
Katherine Platis-Grace
January 17, 2016
It is with great sadness that I just learned about the passing of Kathy, my beloved Kappa sorority sister while we were at Cornell. I will never forget her, she was a beacon of hope and light in this confusing world, and a treasure to us all. Always positive and smiling, she had a sparkling soul and a loving heart and yet with a humorous dynamic wit and brilliant mind. We will all miss her, and I am so sad for her family and that she passed all too soon.
I wish to extend my deepest condolences to all who loved her and knew her, and my most sincere condolences to her family.
May God's grace shine upon Kathy and those who loved her, her and keep her in everlasting life.
Kate Estes
April 18, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Kathy..I am so sorry for your loss
Mexico 1982
Mary Jane Shipley
April 6, 2015
Memories abound: A race to the Holy Cross parking lot during a patient lull to admire her new Miata convertible with the MAYA license plate.Kathy inviting me into her world of meditation,ski adventure,parasailing.Staying in Emigration Canyon in spite of mud slides, tales of India,both her personal growth and selfless volunteering, deep sea fishing and yes, her Grateful Dead.The familiar ring of her sunshine laughter, while reading quirky humor from a Tom Robbin's novel and struggling to set up the first dot matrix printer many of us had never seen. Her pure joy in love and then her exquisite delight in carrying and loving a beautiful child of her own.The first time I met Kathy was soon after she broke up big trouble with Leon, her black tomcat. This feline fight left Kathy wounded too. I gave her a tetanus shot. The expanse of her dedicated,consistent Emergency Room medicine fostered seamless teamwork for those of us fortunate to work along side her. The last time I saw Kathy, I was one of her patients in the Veterans Hospital Emergency Room. I am among many veterans grateful for her kind and focused knowledge.If I had to chose one word to describe Kathy, my word,too would be wonder. With her unbridled enthusiasm, fierce determination and calm compassion, KA packaged an unforgettable mentor. I treasure Kathy's clear choice to be present each moment and to face life head on just as it came, ever giving back her best. I am blessed to have crossed paths with someone so beautiful.
Mary Catrow
March 31, 2015
I was a little twerp who'd go to the Holy Cross ER and wait in the break room for my mom to get off from her nursing job when I first met Dr. Atkinson. From a very young age I thought she was SO cool, the perfect combo of strength and kindness. Of course what truly influenced my admiration for her came from the words of my mom, Judie Catrow who worked with Kathy for countless years in the thick of an ER known for its compassion, always having good things to say about her skills as a physician and her cool house up the canyon. I'd like to think that my mom was there to help welcome Kathy into the afterlife. As a doctor and a friend she will be greatly missed.
March 31, 2015
Hello family of Dr. Atkinson, I know your beloved soul will do even more awesome work in the spirit world. I am glad I had the opportunity to help when I could. Ellie
Teri Howick
March 29, 2015
We were all babies at Holy Cross; learning as we go. Kathy, "KA", was a delight. Funny, pragmatic, smart. We grew up as professionals together; eventually going our separate ways but still bonded by love and respect.
Paul Volberding
March 29, 2015
We mourn the loss of a truly good soul. I remember her constantly positive approach and her love of so much. She introduced me to the Dead and came with me to my first show. The last concert at Winterland in SF on New Year 1978-79. Kathy also took me into her circle of friends including Molly Cooke to whom I've been married for 35 years. Kathy never did get me to dance. Molly wishes she had. Fare thee well our Kathy.
Paul Volberding and Molly Cooke
Rob Benedetti
March 29, 2015
I was lucky enough to have Kathy in my life for 42 years, during which we shared love for the Grateful Dead, dancing, medicine, and mountains. Her energy and optimism were unique and inspiring. Love and courage to her surviving family with whom I share a profound sense of loss. Rest in peace, my love.
March 28, 2015
I feel blessed to have been inspired by Kathy. She was always positive. During each interaction she was always focused and listened. I always felt better about myself after interactions with her.
She has always been an inspiration. She had the gift of always motivating others by being positive and accepting . I never heard a negative word from her.
I feel fortunate to have her as my model for how to be an ER physician and a person.
My heart goes out to her family and friends.
She will always be with me.
Ben Buchanan
Salt Lake City
John Dunn
March 28, 2015
A very sad day, and a very bright sole has moved on. The Earth is a little less bright today. I have many wonderful memories of working with Dr. Kathy at the Holy Cross ER when I was a SLC Police Office. RIP sweet lady!
Mark Fruin MD
March 28, 2015
It was a joy working with Kathy in the ER. She was a good doc and was loved by all. We will miss her and I send condolences to her family.
Adrianne Salazar
March 27, 2015
Kathy Atkinson was an amazing women and example of compassion and understanding. She was a wonderful MD and a great friend. She will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to Will and Tracy.
Katie Rose
March 27, 2015
I am also a pre-med student hoping to one day become as compassionate, mindful, and as down-to-earth as Dr. Atkinson was. I had the privilege to shadow her for a few days in the VA ER and learned many things from shadowing her that I may not have learned elsewhere. I am truly grateful to have gotten to know someone as loving as Dr. Atkinson.
Diana King
March 27, 2015
As a social worker in the emergency department, Kathy always made my shift better in some way....talking about the Grateful Dead, a diet, our beloved sons. The world has lost a great doctor and human being. I will miss her.
March 27, 2015
Will really miss you, Dr. Atkinson. You are so special to all of us. Margie Hooley
Shelley Granger
March 27, 2015
The VA and our veterans have lost a special provider. She will be missed!-Shelley Granger BSN, RN, VA Medical Center
brian shiozawa MD
March 27, 2015
I met Dr Atkinson when I was a resident at Holy Cross Hospital. She inspired me to work hard and to embrace emergency medicine then and later as a career. She is and was a great example of physician and a genuinely good person. we will miss her smile and friendship
Jera Bailey
March 26, 2015
Dearest Kathy and family,
We have been blessed and enriched by knowing Kathy. She has been caregiver, mentor, and friend. Her cheerful and optimistic outlook was always an asset in times of stress and difficulty in the ER. Her balanced approach and sage advice have influenced my practice and my life for good. We appreciate her kindness and empathetic heart. She will be missed so much and always remembered with fondness. Until we meet again, Kathy! Much love and heartfelt condolences, Jera and Treve Bailey & family
Rachel Halverson
March 26, 2015
Dr. Atkinson was such a beautiful Spirit and I am so glad to have known her via our work at Mountain West. She was always a positive mentor who influenced me personally to always strive for kindness when relating to patient needs and concerns. Her kind heart and caring, loving demeanor was always evident in every conversation. She continually provided guidance and mentorship. I am deeply saddened by her loss and know she will be missed greatly.
Jutta Dreckman
March 26, 2015
Kathy was an authentic, beautiful soul. I will forever treasure having had the chance to know her. She made this world a better place. She will live in our hearts forever. Jutta
Jean Rengstorf
March 26, 2015
Who but Kathy would ask "does your tummy hurt?" She lived 'the peace that passes all understanding.' Emulate this woman . She will be missed, but never forgotten.
Paul Runyon
March 26, 2015
I am sorry to read of Dr. Atkinson's passing. I enjoyed our interactions at the ED when we would bring in a patient. She told me of her love for certain music and I appreciated her candor & her liking Jerry Garcia.
Tran
March 26, 2015
Kathy was a mentor to me. As I prepared for medical school she taught me through example and inspired me to always seek for the best in myself, in my coworkers, and for my patients. She truly outlined how I want to practice medicine. If I could be half the person or half the doctor she was, I would feel well accomplished in my life.
Dave Ottley
March 26, 2015
Truly enjoyed my time working in the VA ECU with Dr. Atkinson. She was always willing to answer a question about a patient or a medical question as I was new to the medical field. Even after I moved on to other clinics, she always had a great greeting when I would stop by to say "hi". The world has lost a great lady and Doctor.
Kathy with Roni 1984
Roni OCallaghan
March 26, 2015
Kathy was the most generous person in every way, always engaged and sharing herself fully with whomever she was with. I will sorely miss her. Roni
Gary Brunson
March 26, 2015
A beautiful, caring and compassionate person/ED Doc. My life, both personally and professionally is better because of Kathy's influence. I will always remember you fondly!
March 26, 2015
Kathy gave the best hugs. I will miss her but I am so fortunate to have shared time with her.
Victoria Hegewald
Karla Houseeper
March 26, 2015
Kathy was an amazing doctor to work with. I will never forget my time working from her at the VA, and the love, compassion, and patience she had for even the most difficult patients. She was also a great teacher, who I was privileged to learn from. I will miss her smile, laugh, and positive outlook, but am glad that I was able to cross paths with such a soul.
Karen Danenhauer
March 25, 2015
I will miss Kathy's ubiquitous smile, her laugh, her presence and her patience. I always hoped to be like her as a physician. I'm grateful that my last memory of her in the hospital was of her smiling, very resilient. If she could have kicked pneumonia and ARDS with attitude alone, they would have been whooped, but sadly this was not meant to be. My greatest condolences to Tracy and Will. It can't be easy to go on with such a void, and I truly feel for you. Kathy's death has shocked me into the realization of how fragile life is. I will do my best to live mine to the fullest, as Kathy did.
Colleen Walker
March 25, 2015
I will miss her delightful smile, the memories from our Holy Cross days, and the hugs we shared.
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