Robert Atkinson

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert (Bob) Albert Atkinson announce his passing at age 101 on December 21, 2025. Bob was born in Regina on October 21, 1924, to parents John (Jack) and Marie Atkinson, and was raised on a farm near Dinsmore, Saskatchewan. In 1937, the family moved to Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, where he attended public school.

In 1939, the family moved to Saskatoon, where Bob attended Bedford Road Collegiate until 1942 when he enlisted in the Canadian Army for service in Canada, England and Western Europe, eventually joining the Canadian Grenadier Guards, part of the 22nd Canadian Armoured Regiment (tank). He fought in some of the bloodiest battles in that conflict and was proud of his part in the liberation of Holland. During the fighting, Bob was badly wounded and suffered numerous gunshot wounds and burns while escaping from his burning tank. He was treated in Holland, England and eventually repatriated to Canada in late 1945. He commenced employment with the Veterans Land Administration in 1946, later transferring to the Canada Department of Agriculture and eventually Revenue Canada-Taxation, retiring in 1979.

In 1948, he met the love of his life, Rose Rees, a stunning Welsh beauty, who had emigrated to Canada in 1947. They were married in Saskatoon on December 27, 1949, and shared a life of 45 years together, raising a family, building a home in Montgomery Place, and watching their legacy grow as children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born. Dad enjoyed many activities during his lifetime. He and Rose travelled to the United Kingdom and Europe a number of times as well as to Hawaii, Arizona, Oregon and on cruises. The family's trips to British Columbia and eastern Canada in the 1960's are memories his children remember vividly to this day. He was an active member of Knox, Grace and Trinity United Church congregations, active in local community organizations and was particularly proud of his membership in the Royal Canadian Legion, for which he devoted countless hours in helping his branch, chairing various committees and supporting the Legion's efforts in assisting veterans. In 2009, he was awarded the Royal Canadian Legion's Meritorious Service Medal, the only veteran member in Canada to receive the award that year. In 2011, he was awarded the Saskatchewan Veterans' Medal by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, and in 2015, the Veterans Affairs Canada commemorative medal for veterans of World War II. In 2019, he was awarded a long service award from the Royal Canadian Legion for 75 years of membership. In 2022, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal. In 2025, he was awarded his 80-year Royal Canadian Legion membership clasp.

He was a very proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather, spending countless hours at school plays and sports activities, and of course, numerous family dinners and special events.

Left to cherish his memory are a son, William [Bill] (Valerie), two daughters: Lois (Glenn) Wagner and Linda Atkinson; and sister-in-law Marie Atkinson. He was predeceased/preceded in death by his wife, Rose, and his parents, Jack and Marie Atkinson, brother, Edward Atkinson, brother, Donald Atkinson, his long-time partner, Irene Shepherd and son-in-law, Bob Lague. He also leaves to mourn seven grandchildren: Lori Karlsson (Keith), Rob Atkinson (Kathryn), Andrew Wagner (Jilaire), Curtis Wagner (Janet), Jeff Wagner (Mandy), Bobby Lague and William (Bill) Lague (Kendra) and ten great-grandchildren, as well as numerous relatives in Canada, Wales, England, The Netherlands, Australia, and friends at Primrose Chateau, Legion Branch #63 and Bugsy's, his favourite neighbourhood pub.

Memorial donations may be made to: The Royal Canadian Legion, Trinity/St. David's United Church, The Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan and the Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to:

The staff of Primrose Chateau, former Director of Primrose Chateau, Dale Wallis, current Primrose Director Andrea Hayford, Sharon Fenez, Primrose Chateau, Andrea Parenteau, Golden Wellness manager and the Golden Wellness staff at Primrose Chateau.

A Service of Remembrance with Legion rites will be held at the Saskatoon Funeral Home on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. A private inurnment will take place at the Veterans Section, Woodlawn Cemetery, at a later date.