Obituary of Bud Atkinson

Atkinson, Arthur (Bud) – (June 21, 1933 – January 24, 2022)

Formerly of Jordan Station, Bud passed peacefully this past Monday at River Road Retirement Residence in Niagara Falls. Predeceased by his parents Ruth & Thomas Atkinson, his loving wife, Tina (Peters) (2007) and grandsons Jeff Burns Jr. (2019) and Peter Atkinson Jr. (2020).

Loving father to Peter Atkinson (Carol), Ruth Anne Lambert (Bucky), Jill Burns (Jeff) and Jennifer Atkinson. Bud will be dearly missed by his 9 granddaughters, Lisa, Jeanette, Kimberly, Krista, Jodie, Melanie, Naomi, Kadri and Tessa.  13 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandsons will also be missing their Papa.

Survived by 4 brothers-in-law, 5 sisters-in-law along with many nieces and nephews.  His dear cousin Sheighla Coward and longtime companion Betty Calato have shared many fond memories over the years.

Bud followed in his father’s footsteps and began his career at Anthes Eastern, where he was a welder/shipper receiver for 19 years.  In 1969 he joined the Niagara District School Board and stayed until retiring in 1998 as Head Custodian at Sir Winston Churchill S.S. He was very proud that many of his grandkids, great grandkids and other family members attended “his” school and he was able to watch them grow. After he retired, he learned to drive a Zamboni and cleared the ice at the arena in Jordan Station.  He loved to watch Oldtimers’ Hockey and give them pointers, much like Don Cherry would.

Bud loved to go to concerts and to travel, then in 2009 began wintering in Port St. Lucie, Florida.  Living close to the Sunrise Theatre and the ocean, he had found his own piece of paradise.  He loved sharing how great the weather was to all of his snowbound friends back home.

Cremation has taken place. Interment and a celebration of Bud’s life will be held this summer. The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Manjos, Dr. Lepp, and Dr. Maida for their personal attention and support over the past several years.  Many thanks go out to the staff, palliative care team and caregivers in the Niagara Region for their care and kindness during Bud’s illness.

If desired, memorial donations to the Walker Family Cancer Centre would be appreciated by the family.