Christopher George Atkin

Published 3:46 pm Tuesday, December 27, 2016

June 19, 1943 – Dec. 20, 2016

Christopher G. Atkin, of Bend, Oregon, died peacefully on Tuesday morning, December 20, surrounded by his wife and family members.

Chris was born on June 19, 1943, in Lakewood Ohio, to parents, Jean and George Atkin. He was a graduate of Northern Illinois University, and a retired VP from the Williams Companies in Information Technology.

Retired Lt. Colonel, USAF, he served in Thailand during the Vietnam War and as Base Commander in the Utah National Guard. He married his high school sweetheart, Ellen, and they had two daughters, Carrie and J. Chloa, raised in Wheaton, Illinois, and later in Salt Lake City, Utah. Chris was a loving brother, husband, father, and hands-on grandfather. He was devoted to the nurture and support of his family and to principals he held dear. One guiding principal, to care for our beautiful planet. It was out in nature that he found joy and renewal. His pursuit of nature took him down many paths, skiing, trekking, and mountain climbing in Utah. Here in Oregon, he pursued sailing and kayaking. Biking and tennis rounded out his favorite pastimes. He enjoyed participating in “Pole, Pedal, Paddle” with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons.

He was blessed with a ready sense of humor, a cherished family trait. He possessed an endless curiosity and love of learning. A man of integrity, he was admired by many, as he also took a keen interest in the support of others. In retirement, he was a member of the Florence Planning Commission and active in the Florence, Oregon Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Here in Bend, he was on the board of the Bend Community Center.

Immediate survivors include, Ellen Atkin, his wife of 50 years; daughters, Carrie Atkin of Vancouver WA, and J.Chloa and husband, Malcolm Ulrich of Bend; brother, Randy Atkin and wife, Elizabeth of Boston; sister, Bonnie Faulkner of Ohio, and sister, Debbie Atkin of Illinois; and grandsons, Devin Atkin, Heath Ulrich, and Karl Ulrich.

We are indebted to Dr. William Schmidt and the Oncology team at BMC and Partners In Care Hospice. Chris fought a two- year terminal cancer battle with courage and grace. He was positive throughout, affirming that his had been a rich and full life. His legacy will burn bright in those who were most fortunate to know and love him.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for Saturday, January 7, 4:00 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 61980 Skyline Ranch Road. A reception will follow at 5:00. In lieu of flowers, donations welcomed at Partners In Care Hospice. www.partnersbend.org