Kenneth A. Atkinson

1934 - 2021

Kenneth A. Atkinson, 87, passed away peacefully on November 9 , 2021, after a valiant three plus year battle with lung melanoma with his family by his side.

Ken was born June 10, 1934 in Lawrence to the late Harold C. Atkinson and Sarah (Ogden) Atkinson. Raised in Lawrence, he attended Lawrence Public Schools, graduating as the Lawrence High School Class President of the Class of 1953. Ken served in the U.S Army from 1957-1958, serving in Germany.

Ken found passion in athletics, he was an outstanding basketball player, holding the Lawrence High School single game scoring record at 36 points, before there "was a 3-point line". His personal record stood for many years following his graduation. Although his desire was to play basketball in college, the premature passing of his dad found Ken seeking employment following high school to support his mother and disabled brother who had been stricken with rheumatoid arthritis.

Ken married his high school sweetheart, the late Joan (Reichel) Atkinson, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2016 and were blessed with two sons.

Ken was employed as a salesman at many companies including his brother's Sun Ray Greetings in Methuen, culminating in becoming Sales Manager as an owner of Unifab, Inc. from where he retired in 1995. In retirement, he continued to work, and was still employed by the City of Methuen (MPD) as a cell monitor at the time of his passing.

Ken, always with Joan by his side never lost his passion to keep the Class of 1953 alive. With the assistance of his dedicated committee, Ken successfully organized the Class of 1953 reunions every five years, right up until their last in 2018 even after Joan's passing.

Ken was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Lawrence, where he was baptized, served as an acolyte where he was awarded the Heald Cross and later raised his family.

Ken was especially proud of his grandchildren, and was a regular attendee of their academic, athletic and social events. A longtime member of the Salem Athletic Club, Ken was known to play racquetball weekly for hours. He was an active member of the Ray-Fre Senior Center in Raymond, NH where he had many friends, driving there three times a week to play cribbage and bingo. He enjoyed traveling, golf, bowling, and card playing, including 45's, poker, and cribbage. Ken enjoyed his summers on the shores of Lake Winnisquam welcoming family and friends for fun and relaxation. Ken was always known for a joke or a one liner, using it as an ice breaker to engage others in conversation.

Ken is survived by his sons, Kenneth A. Atkinson, Jr. and his girlfriend Martha Bolis of Lawrence, his son Dana R. Atkinson and his wife Angela of Haverhill, and his cherished grandchildren Joshua and April, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Saturday November 13,2021 immediately followed by a funeral service at the Carrier Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 38 Range Road, Route 111, Windham, NH 03087.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ray-Fre Senior Center, P.O. Box 252, Raymond, NH 03077 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To send a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com