Gary Clinton Col. ret. ATKINS

1939 - 2022

Col. Gary Atkins has flown off on his final mission and "slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God". Dad passed away peacefully at Hospice House of Spokane with his wife Sally and sons Mike and Mark at his side. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend to many, B-52 pilot, respected Air Force commander, and sportsman. For 30 years he served his country with distinction in the USAF before retiring in Spokane, WA to live out the rest of his life fishing, hunting, skiing, camping, volunteering, and helping to care for the grounds at his church, and trying to boss around us civilians.

A true "Yooper", he was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ml and graduated college from Michigan Technological University. He was predeceased by his parents Clinton and Vera Atkins, brothers Tom and Steve, and sister-in-law Nguyen. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sally, and sons Mike (Dawn) and Mark (Meggan); grandchildren Kona, Aurora, and Oliver; his brother, Harrison "Bud", and sister-in-law, Sally. Thanks for taking care of us Dad. You are loved and will never be forgotten. You drained your tank, you won. Rest in peace.

A very sincere thank you to all the staff of Hospice of Spokane. They made an extremely tough, scary, strange, profound experience all that much better in the end. We suggest that memorials in Gary's name can be made to Hospice of Spokane (121S. Arthur, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210-2215), St. Andrew's Episcopal Church food ministries (2404 North Howard Street, Spokane, WA 99205), or Inland Northwest Honor Flight (608 W 2nd Ave., Suite 309, Spokane, WA 99201). Service at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery will be held at a later date.