Eric Anthony Atkinson
November 8th, 2022
Eric Anthony Atkinson went to be with the Lord on November 8, 2022, after a short but valiant fight with cancer. Born in Nanaimo, BC on March 24, 1964, Eric was the second of four children, to parents Dennis Earl and Verna Irene Atkinson (predeceased). They moved to Surrey, BC where Eric enjoyed sports such as soccer, lacrosse, Tae Kwon-do, and graduated from NSSS and was married, soon after to his high school sweetheart.
He is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Rose, and son Michael, daughter Rebecca (Brian, and grandchildren Brian and Faith), daughter Deborah (Tahan and grandchildren Lucas, Eden, and Asher) and daughter Danielle (Brooks and grandchildren Tova and Saoirse), brother Lyle (Sue), sister Mel (Rick), and Sue (Joe) plus numerous nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by family near and far.
Eric invested greatly in the people around him, whether work, home, or church. His legacy of love and loyalty is marked in the people he served. He spent more than 30 years at Coast Mountain Bus Company where he went from bus driver to Supervisor to Bus Services Manager - overseeing a department of over 200.
Eric enjoyed the adventures of outdoor life: camping, RVing, shooting, and fishing. He kept busy with retirement this past year, with hobbies, people, and home projects. Eric loved to travel, go on adventures, and was always planning the next one. He loved food, red wine, and drink pairing. Always trying new methods of cooking, his latest food trend was smoking meats on his "Smoking Gun Grill".
He spent his fifty-eight years understanding the unconditional love of God. Through ups and downs in this journey of life, he found God himself. His final year, he cherished times in prayer, listening to sermons, worship music and listening to the audio Bible. He also enjoyed the Chosen TV series. Even at the end, he had a positive outlook on his life where God's strength carried him right through. Cancer did not take him, but rather Christ called him home. His parting anniversary gift to his wife arrived in a parcel on November 17, a new Bible.
The family kindly requests no flowers please. No specific charities chosen, as he gave to many charities over the years: to missionaries, ministries, churches, orphans, and initiatives advocating for the underprivileged.
The family is immensely grateful for the many condolences and care expressed by meals, calls, texts, and visits.
The Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, Dec 10 from 2-4pm at Kings Community Church in Langley.
Messages:
We were so glad to be included for Eric's celebration of life. I will never forget his generosity and welcoming spirit. In the early years, when Eric and Rose moved into the house Aldergrove, it felt as though he was always part of the family. He was that cousin that had a great sense of humour like poking fun at family functions. He was always supportive while helping fix a car or wrenching on motorcycles. He will be sorely missed.
Dennis Atkinson was working in Nanaimo for The Nanaimo Hospital. Marion saw the add for the Surrey municipality. She sent the ad to Dennis . Dennis applied for the job and was chosen .Life for Dennis Verna and Family is now history, a life well served.
When I think of Eric, I think of his generous hospitality, his authenticity, his love for God and his family, and his willingness to stand for what he believed. Holding you and your family close in prayer, Rose
Please accept my deepest sympathies - may your memories bring you peace❤️ Kelly
Veronika and I are so sad to hear of Eric's passing. He has passed into GLORY, but there is a huge void left behind and we can't imagine the sadness and loneliness it must bring. Eric was still so young. With our Love. Emil and Veronika
Dear Rose our deepest condolences to you and your family, we were saddened to hear of your loss please know that we are thinking of you in our thoughts and prayers. I was fortunate to work with Eric, he gave so many of us opportunities and support. Eric will be remembered. John
My deepest sympathies to you Rose and all of your family! Eric and I worked together for many years and shared many good conversations over coffee. He was a good man!
Our deepest condolences to Rose, kids and grandkids as well as to his siblings, Lyle, Sue, Mel and their families. It’s so sad hearing of Eric’s passing as it was so unexpected. I know he loved his family and will be deeply missed. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to have a nice long conversation with him in the spring when I went to pick costumes from Auntie Verna’s house. He always had this smile on his face that I’ll always remember. It’s comforting to know he was a believer and is now in heaven with Uncle Den and Auntie Verna by his side and one day we will meet him again. Big hugs to the family and praying peace and comfort for all of you.
My deepest sympathies to Susan, Rose and family He was like a brother and will be missed Cindy and Sean
Dear Deb and family. Our deepest condolences to you and your mom and entire family. What a tremendous loss. May the Lord surround you all with His perfect peace and comfort those hard days when it all just seems too much to bear. We love you
I have no words Rose! Sending Love and heartfelt Condolences.
Dear Rose and Deborah, I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Eric. His witty smile and warm heart will be missed. May God be with you and your family during this time and give you peace and comfort. Jon & Pearl
When I think of Eric, I think about him sitting in a lawn chair in the middle of Rock Creek, living the good life. Sending my love to the whole family and praying you all have the opportunity to experience the fruit of Eric's legacy on this side of eternity.
My fondest memory of Eric: About 20-25 years ago one of Eric’s daughters dropped by work, (STC), around midnight lunch break and brought him a birthday cake for him & the rest of the crew. She wished him a very HB-day, kissed him on the cheek and said “I love you” Right there that spoke to me about his character. We agreed & disagreed throughout the years but that moment always stayed with me. I will miss you “Cartman” Keep Heaven neat & tidy for the rest of us when we meet again.
Dear Rose, Deborah and Tahan, and all of your family - so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying God's comfort for you all.
One of my fond memories of Eric, was when he took our grade 1 class on a 'field trip' on his bus! May the Lord hold you all as you walk through this valley. Christine (Romeyn) Wells
Our most sincere condolences to your family. We have many memories of Eric that make us chuckle today. He will rest in Peace Blessings from Uncle Bruce and Aunt Marion.
Atkinson family, I'm so sorry for the loss of Eric. It's a terrible shock for you all and devastating to Rose and the kids and grandkids. He was a kind man who lived well. I pray for God to comfort you deeply, especially as it hasn't been that long since your Mom went home. Praying for peace as you move through this difficult season.
Our heartfelt condolences to you all. Eric was a larger than life personality, and will be missed! Rose & Deb, we are here for you, and your family has been in our thoughts and prayers, during this sad time.
So sorry for your loss sweet lady. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray the peace of the Lord over you and your beautiful family Rose. Much love.
Oh Rose! We hurt with you......... Hugs, Chris and Gudrun
So sorry for your loss Rose. Eric was a fine man. I enjoyed working with him.
Dear Rose, I am so very sorry for you and the children’s loss. Please reach out if you need anything at all. Eric is in good company - my daughter just went to heaven too❤️ ((Hugz)) to all
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Deb and your entire family. May the Lord give you strength at this very difficult time. Faye
Sending Deepest Condolences to you all XO
My heart breaks for you all my deepest condolences to you all
Dear Rose and family, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Eric's passing, and wish I had known in time to attend the memorial service. My sister also passed in November. I'm so sorry for your deep loss, and will be praying that God comforts you as you grieve, and you feel His presence ever near you.