Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1950

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Bruce Atkinson Obituary

Bruce Atkinson
10/15/1950 - 02/01/2024
Treasured father, brother and friend passed away February 1st in San Mateo, Calif., at the age of 73.
Bruce lived most of his life on the Peninsula in Burlingame, Hillsborough, and San Mateo, but drew frequently on experiences living in Georgia, Cherry Valley, Calif., and Germany. Bruce attended Crocker Middle and San Mateo High Schools making many friends that he kept for life. After a tour of service with the U. S. Army in southern Germany, Bruce attended Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo graduating with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture.
Bruce's early horticulture career included positions with Bay Area landscaping design firms and with wife, Marsha founded GardenHouse, a gift and floral design shop in Burlingame. Bruce went on to practice landscape design with Blue Sky Designs of Half Moon Bay for 25 years until his retirement in 2022, after creating award winning garden designs for Peninsula homes.
Bruce was a natural designer, communicator, and what we call today a "maker." Photography, drawing, watercolors, woodworking and of course his own garden were all areas of skillful practice. The garage workshop may have been Bruce's favorite place to be with many cars refurbished, rebuilt, and raced in collaboration with friends or his son William.
Bruce will always be remembered and loved by family and friends for his great sense of humor, generosity, and friendship. He is survived by his son, William B. Atkinson; and William's mother, Marsha Garey Atkinson; sisters, Nancy A. Habgood and Mary D. Atkinson; and brother, George H. Atkinson.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 3, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Atkinson

Sponsored by CLOSED-Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Ann CASTRO

June 10, 2024

Just heard the very sad news about my long-time neighbor, Bruce. So creative and inspiring! A kind, wonderful neighbor. Deepest condolences to William and the entire family.

Guy Atkinson

May 6, 2024

Cousin Bruce was a quiet but strong voice in our family. I had no idea he was ill, but that he evidently kept that quiet, well, oddly "fits" the man. He always gave great advice, and got me "into" motorsports (strictly as a fan, unlike his devotion). He will be, IS, missed

Marsha Atkinson

May 6, 2024

Judi Basolo

May 4, 2024

Rest in peace dear childhood friend and thanks for all those years of friendship. My condolences to Bruce´s family.

MJ

May 3, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Patric Powell from bloomers

May 3, 2024

Remembering fondly many early morning meetings while shopping at the San Francisco Flower Market. Regret not maintaining a friendship. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Bruce Atkinson's name

Memorial Events
for Bruce Atkinson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

CLOSED-Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Funeral Home and Cremation Service

2 Park Road, Burlingame, CA 94010

How to support Bruce's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Bruce Atkinson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more