Posts to the tribute of Ian Angus Atkinson

Alisha R donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Frances Isobel Field donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Ronnie Lowrey pledged to donate to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Robert Howard donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Saturday, September 23, 2023
We are thankful for the impact that Mr. Atkinson had on our children, especially our son, Craig, who greatly enjoyed his English classes with Mr. Atkinson, and who was a recipient of the Ian Atkinson Award in 2000.
Susan Freeborn donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Friday, September 22, 2023
Joyce Jeffreys donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Susan and Stuart McTavish donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Carl Dahmer pledged to donate to MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ONTARIO
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Shirley Dueck pledged to donate to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Bonnie Rylance donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Ann and George Kittler donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Friday, September 15, 2023
Marilyn Coxon pledged to donate to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Elaine King pledged to donate to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Barbara Hallman pledged to donate to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
My sincere sympathy.
Todd Buhrows posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
I remember Ian teaching English at Bluevale and taking one of his classes in Grade 13. I remember him and another English teacher being avid runners. Sympathy to his family and friends. Sincerely, Todd Buhrows
Todd Buhrows donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
David Parrott pledged to donate to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Kevin Bray donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Friday, August 25, 2023
Evelyn Jackson Bergerson posted a condolence
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Sending warm condolences to Ruth & the family on Ian’s passing , remember sharing memories of Lefroy & times at the BDHS reunion . Sincerely Evelyn & Dean Bergerson
Larry Clement posted a condolence
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Ian was a formidable opponent in a road race. If you managed to pass him, get ready as he was going to come right back at you. He forced you to be your very best. After the race, he could converse on almost any topic and always with that Atkinson twinkle and humour. You've made the finish line, Ian. Time to rest.
Tracey C. posted a condolence
Thursday, August 24, 2023
I had the pleasure of being in Ian’s English class at Bluevale. He was definitely one of my favourite teachers. His students always knew that he truly cared about them. I appreciated his calm and gentle nature. Deepest sympathy to his family. May he rest in peace.
Larry and Barb Kelly donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Lynsay Wellhauser donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Bill culbert posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
So sorry to hear of Ian’s passing. Always looked forward to seeing you both at the BDHS reunions and catching up….Ruth our sincere condolences to all the family. Bill and Jackie Culbert
Armand Caenen donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
The day I had arrived at Bluevale C.I. in 1981, I was introduced to the troupes by Mr. Ian Atkinson. Ian has supported me throughout my career at Bluevale as well as Jacob Hespeler S.S. He was a very special, unique man who always knew where my shop door was for an uplifting chat.
Lynn Lovell donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Dorothy Fisher pledged to donate to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Condolences. Ian was a great addition to the Bluevale community. Dorothy Fisher, Business
Miriam Trump donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Marny Morrison donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
John Israel donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
I had Ian for a 9th grade teacher in one of his first years at Eastwood. He was a great teacher who took an interest in everyone’s well being and made learning fun. May peace be with his family who he loved very much and may you Rest In Peace Ian.
Ken Coffin donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Ruth, we are sending our most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family for the loss of Ian. I have many fond memories of lunches and running with Ian. Ken and Cathy Coffin
Ben Miethig uploaded photo(s)
Monday, August 21, 2023
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Mr Atkinson, "Atky", was my Cross Country and Track and Field coach in high school. Despite being years retired, he would always show up to coach and mentor students for Bluevale Athletics. He was the most consistent participant in practice, constantly running the drills with the students and making us look bad despite being 70 years old at the time. I remember one year there was no teacher to coach the cross country team and he took sole coaching duties over to ensure we could still compete. All of this while maintaining a calm and gleeful attitude, probably with a Coca Cola in his hands. I feel lucky to have had him as a mentor throughout high school and my sincerest condolences to his family. He was truly one of a kind.
Sylvia Richardson donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Monday, August 21, 2023
Dianne darling pledged to donate to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Monday, August 21, 2023
Kathleen Leeder donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Monday, August 21, 2023
Chris and Garry Wellhauser donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Monday, August 21, 2023
Mary Angela VanKoughnett donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Jody Pfaff posted a condolence
Sunday, August 20, 2023
To Elaine and the entire Atkinson family, It has been many years since we went to school together and I had your father as my teacher for Grade 10 English but I have fond memories of Ian and those times. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. All the best to you! Jody Pfaff
Rose Suljak donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Sunday, August 20, 2023
My sincere condolences to Ruth and her family. I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Rose Suljak
Gordon and Reta Rice pledged to donate to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Sharron and Bryan Kieswetter donated to KIDSABILITY CENTRE FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Sunday, August 20, 2023
David McDonald posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, August 20, 2023
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Condolences to Ian's family on his passing--the world is a better place having been graced with his presence! In 1970 we were both first year teachers at ECI(No beard then) and I can remember our chats in the lower work room. He would say to me "I got into teaching rather late" There was the day he drove his BUG into the brick wall only to exit with a shrug/chuckle "a bit of a bounce"--Hmm--English teacher!!---I believe Mike Ferguson(X-Country coach who I replaced) introduced him to running and he became a veteran road racer and marathoner as well as a very fit guy. He was a noisy runner--I called him Locomotive Ian as he pantingly passed me with a' good race' greeting!--He was NOT A JOCK coach. He buzzed about shouting words of encouragement to his "FLOCK"--It was the needle nosed scholar who glanced from the pages of a book to offer passionate words of encouragement!! Rest well Ian. You have definitely earned gentle peace! I will be there is September for a formal adieu--I never allowed ball caps in my classroom!! Warm Regards, David
Ewa KLimczak donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Sue Spencer Gagne posted a condolence
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Dear Ruth and Family, I was so saddened to read about Ian's passing. He was retired by the time my kids were at Bluevale, but were so fortunate to have him as their coach for cross-country and track. He was a frequent topic around our dinner table ,especially after meets. I was also fortunate to have gotten to know him and Ruth in the past few years. Always a pleasure. He was such a kind gentleman. I've missed seeing him running through the streets of Waterloo, his beard flowing behind him. Godspeed, Mr.Atkinson Sue Spencer Gagne, Westmount Place Pharmacy
Jane Hamel donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Michael Ferguson posted a condolence
Saturday, August 19, 2023
19 August 23 Dear Ruth, Elaine and Janet: My heartelt prayers and love to you all. Without Ian and Ruth helping me after my return from England to teach with Ian at ECI in January 1970 and all the years after, I would not be where I am today. Running with Ian all those miles and races made me stronger and happy. Ian was the quiet and strong presence in our lives and no one had so much energy as he did. We have lost a fine person and great friend. Love and God be with you all. Michael Ferguson
Myrianthi Lucas donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Barb and Art Weiler donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Friday, August 18, 2023
Heather & Ted Wakeling donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Friday, August 18, 2023
Peter & Elizabeth Moffat posted a condolence
Friday, August 18, 2023
Thinking of Ian with appreciation for the inspirational teacher and coach he was to many Bluevale students. May Ruth find strength for the days ahead and that blessing of peace for the future that passes all human understanding'. Sending love and offering prayers, Elizabeth and Peter Moffat
A Wright posted a condolence
Friday, August 18, 2023
Mr. Atkinson, Grade 10 English, That was my favourite English course. I never missed a class. What a great human being. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. RIP A Wright.
Meredith de Ruiter uploaded photo(s)
Friday, August 18, 2023
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Mr Atkinson was technically retired by the time I started at Bluevale, but you never would have known. He was there constantly, supply teaching and coaching. Seeing him run through Waterloo always brought a smile to my face. I was honoured to be given the ‘Ian Atkinson’ award when I graduated from Bluevale. Such a privilege to have won the award honouring such a great person. Rest peacefully, Mr Atkinson. (Photo from June 2006)
Liz Boghossian posted a condolence
Friday, August 18, 2023
Mr. Atkinson was a wonderful teacher and role model to me in those crazy early 70’s at Eastwood CI. He helped me to be an independent and critical reader of so many classic pieces of English poetry. I to took that with me to university and beyond. Thank you “Sir” as we used to call teachers then. Say hi to Coleridge for me and please ask them what they were really on when they wrote that stuff-you know what I mean! To the family-please know your husband, dad, grandfather made a significant impact on the minds and hearts of many many young people. There is no greater contribution to society.
Jennifer Lamb donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Friday, August 18, 2023
[Erb and Good: I don't have an email address for Ruth Atkinson but would appreciate it if you could please pass along this message to her. Thanks.] Dear Ruth and family: Mr. Atkinson was one of my favourite teachers at Bluevale. He helped me after class to improve my poetry by being more succinct. I will treasure memories of him running along Lang Crescent in Bridgeport in the last century. He made a positive difference in so many lives.
Jack Zupko posted a condolence
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Mr. Atkinson was a great teacher in a school of great teachers, all hired by Mr. Chilton, who knew a thing or two about good teaching. I only had him for one course (“The Bible as Literature”) but it was outstanding. Equally noteworthy, I think, is his work starting and building the Debating Club at Bluevale, beginning (if memory serves me correctly) in 1974. I was a charter member and learned so much from Mr. Atkinson, as we went from tournament to tournament, about who I was and what I was capable of. In retrospect, I can see that so much of my own career, such as it is, was shaped by what I learned from him. My only regret now is that I didn’t get a chance to tell him in person. Godspeed, Mr. Atkinson. You will never be far from my thoughts. Jack Zupko, BCI alumnus (1973-78) and Professor of Philosophy, University of Alberta.
Ryne Melcher uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, August 17, 2023
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Carole McKeogh donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Dear Elaine - in memory of your wonderful dad. With my sincere sympathies to all your family. Carole
Joe Chappell posted a condolence
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Ian was always so happy and positive to see all of us various coaches at xc meets over the years. Thank-you for that spirit!
Peter Tucker posted a condolence
Thursday, August 17, 2023
I shall never forget that warm July day back in the mid 1970s driving across the Canadian prairies and coming upon Ian running along the shoulder of the highway! We each expressed our surprise at meeting as neither of us knew the other had planned a trii west. Ian explained Ruth would be along shortly to pick him up … he was getting his daily run in! A wonderful man and well respected teacher. Ian will be missed by many! Condolences to Ruth and family.
Mary Lapp donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Kevin Bray posted a condolence
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Janet - Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Anne twyford posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Dear Ruth and family I am so sorry to to see that Ian has passed. He was lovely gentleman, and it was a privilege to have got to meet him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Marion Richardson donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
The family of Ian Angus Atkinson uploaded a photo
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
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