Glen Atkinson passed away suddenly at home on December 28, 2014, leaving behind his wife of 54 years, Patricia; his sons, Michael (Marlys) and Peter (Lorinda); daughter, Maureen (Mike); granddaughter, Shanae; grandsons, Kieran, Graham, and Finn and his brother, Brian and sister, Susan.
What a full life Glen led! He was a native Victorian, living here nearly his entire life. He earned his BSC at UBC, where he met Patricia, and was soon teaching biology at Oak Bay High School in a career full of high points. He coached Reach for the Top, including the 1968 team that won the Canadian championship, and also coached successful girls’ basketball teams. He became a Mr. Chips of Oak Bay and was greatly loved by the over 7,000 students he taught or had in his home room during his 36 years at the school. He never failed to notice a new haircut and greeted students he encountered in the halls. He excelled in the classroom, inspiring many students to pursue careers related to biology, and was considered by many students to be their favourite teacher.
Glen brought the family of five to Northern Queensland, Australia in 1974, where both he and Pat taught for two years. Aussie friends have visited them in Victoria every year since. A three month backpacking trip home through Southeast Asia (with the kids) kicked off a lifetime of adventure travel for Glen and Pat. Together, the two visited far-flung places such as Zanzibar and Papua New Guinea, spending time in tropical rain forests (where they could add to their bird count) and connecting with fellow travellers and local inhabitants wherever they went.
Glen was blessed with a beautiful tenor voice and was a singer throughout his life. He won trophies at the Victoria Performing Arts Festival as a boy, sang solos at UBC, performed in musicals and sang solos at Oak Bay High School. He was a member of the Arion Male Voice Choir and enjoyed his practices and performances with the Grandview Quartet/Trio over the last 10 years.
Glen retired from teaching in 1996 and spent the next eight years mentoring student teachers through the UVic Education program. On retirement he also began a life full of new activities. He became a master wood turner, a member of a wood turner’s guild, and a wood turning teacher at the Juan de Fuca seniors centre. Interested in photography throughout his life, he became more keen in retirement, learning techniques with the camera and also with Photoshop.
Glen loved to keep up with his many lifelong friends. He and his wife Pat hosted many memorable parties over the years, including their annual musical Christmas Eve party for family and friends. Glen had a great capacity for love and adored his wife, children and grandchildren. Glen lived life truly and deeply and will be greatly missed by his family and the many other people whose lives he enriched.
There will be a celebration of Glen’s life at Centennial United Church, 612 David St, Victoria, BC on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
65 Responses
Mr. Atkinson was the kindest of men. I’m sure he could tell that I had trauma in my past and he would go above and beyond – not only being the most wonderful of teachers in biology, but after school he would sing to me, knowing that I loved listening to people sing (what a wonderful voice he had). I’m sure he went through all of his Roger Whittaker repertoire with me. 🙂 He was so kind and would tell me stories from his life that spoke of hope. He is a major reason why I felt Oak Bay High was a safe space. He is missed.
I realize that this message comes many years after Mr. Atkinson’s passing but I will leave it here in case his family is still checking in and also as a record of his influence on my life. He was one of the most brilliant teachers I have ever had, bringing biology to life with his obvious passion for the subject and his gift for story telling. I will never forget how riveting his “alimentary canal races” were when he was teaching the human digestive system. He inspired me to go on to study biology in university.
Sir, I apologize for being late with my condolences but only today found out of your passing. You are one of the fondest memories I have about high school, that awkward period between untold ignorance and acknowledged ignorance. You taught me two things, first – avoid the sciences, while I had the curiosity, I lacked the discipline; second – to embrace and encourage that which you enjoy so that it overshadows what may perceived as a liability. I recall your singing at our commencement ceremonies in 1977 – that was inspiring. Not the song, as I have forgotten it, but the force of the singing and the depth of the love that shone through bright enough to affect the heart of a child who used to mimic you in an unflattering way before he heard it, but admired your bravery afterward. Thank you for that gentle push on the tiller. That has made a significant difference in MY life and that is what we can all hope for on this journey, that we leave betterment in our shallow wake of passing.
I only just found out that my favorite teacher from high school has passed away. He was one of the reasons why I went on to study biology and why I love being out on lakes so much. Coming from five years in the German school system he made me believe in myself again. He went out of his way for me. He got me and a friend to run the school saltwater aquarium, he allowed me to use his office to sculpt animals in my free time, he took me to the BC Museum to meet their sculptor, he took me on extra field trips to collect newts and on my one and only fishing trip. When he found out that I was not planning on attending graduation, he insisted I go and his wife altered their daughter’s dress so it would fit me. It was a beautiful dress and I felt like the prettiest girl there, he showed me that marking rights of passage is important and I will always have that memory. He was the most amazing person, so full of life, fun, the joy of living and most of all kindness. I will never forget him.
To the Atkinson family,
Like so many others who have shared their memories of Glen on this page, I was shocked and deeply saddened by his loss. But what a legacy he left his school, his community, his friends and his family.
Out here on the east coast in Lunenburg NS, I don’t get the Victoria news as quickly, so learning last week about his death was a great shock. Immediately, I went back to the old yearbooks and sat for hours on the floor of my office reminiscing. Science department pictures, dress up day candids, Oak Bay barbeques on the front lawn. Glen was a part of them all.
I was privileged to be a colleague of Glen’s from1986 when I joined the Oak Bay English Department until 1996 when he retired. At Christmas assemblies, staff meetings or soirees – the Great Murder Mystery of 89 is one that comes immediately to mind; no plan was ever too bizarre or difficult to execute. No matter what hat he was wearing, Glen wore it with charm, aplomb and dedication.
The Glen Atkinson years at Oak Bay will forever be remembered.
Warm thoughts from Nova Scotia
Jill Martin Tag 14