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
Dear Pat and Family,
Our sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family.Glen’s sudden death was a shock to so many who were fortunate to know him. I just regret that I had not been in touch with you both in several years.
I have such happy memories of our years at UBC–fun times at the Campus Cupboard,serious times in the Library,and musical times with MUSSOC and the UBC Choral Society. Glen’s voice stood out for all to enjoy. We auditioned and succeeded in being selected for the chorus of THE BOY FRIEND, CALL ME MADAM. Quite a group of us– such fun !
Your marriage was characterized by its deep love and recognized by us all. Caring and sharing your love of teaching, and people met in travel adventures. The students you met were treated to your enthusiasm and experience–a lasting memory of a fine teacher.
I particularly like the reference to ” Mr. Chips “. Glen loved teaching and consistently delivered his best to his students.
Although we know our time on earth is indeterminate, we choose to think that we will live forever.We are neverprepared for our time of calling. We are leaving behind a host of happy memories of the times we shared together.
Surround yourself with your own inner strength, coupled by the support of your family and friends.
Our thoughts are with you in this time of grieving.
Rest in peace dear friend.
George and Marlene Dey
We were very upset and saddened when we picked up a Times Columnist when we were on Galiano Island last weekend and read about Glen’s death. Although we only met Glen and Pat for a couple of days every June at Yellowpoint, we always looked forward to their arrival there. Glen was one of those people that one instantly likes and respects. His vitality and his enthusiasm for everything in nature have really added to our enjoyment of our stay at Yellowpoint every year. We will never again play a game of bochi or see a moon snail without thinking of Glen. Pat, we send you our very deepest sympathy and wish you and your family all the very best at this very sad time. We hope that we see you again one day at Yellowpoint.
Thank you to Mr. Atkinson’s family for sharing him with the rest of us. He was so generous with his time and so nice to be around. I was in his biology classes and on his basketball team from 1966 to 1968 and learned many valuable lessons about competition and life from him. He was the best of teachers and role models.
Dear Pat and family
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time for the loss of Glen. I only met him recently when he sang with the Crystal Singers at our concert. He has touched many lives . In the loss of such a special man, may precious memories fill your heart and ease your pain.
Hugs:
Mariana Chapman
You know that security question for financial institutions that asks “Who was your favourite teacher?” I wonder how many of us have “Mr. Atkinson” as an answer! He was, by far, my favourite teacher at Oak Bay (class of 70), and he tipped the scales in influencing my choice to study biology at university. I continued on to graduate school and am still working in the biomedical sciences. His warmth, enthusiasm and humour radiated throughout everything he did. I hope his family takes comfort in knowing that Glen Atkinson truly made a difference in the lives of others.
My sincere condolences,
Ann
I never had Glen as a teacher but I knew him because he was one of the really cool people who taught at Oak Bay. I would joke with him and he joked back which made me feel kinda special – I thought I was funny, he appreciated it and contributed his own humour to our conversation. I remember him coming into CFAX, years later when I worked there, to do an interview and he greeted me like an old friend. Which is how I felt about him. I’m sad to hear of his passing but inspired by the details of his full life. Glen was, without question, one of those people who leave a mark on this world. Bless him.
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. I am one of the over 7,000 students who was impacted by Mr. Atkinson (class of 73), in class and in his home. He is one of the reasons that I transitioned from a “resistant” student to becoming an educator. I hope it is some consolation to you that so many small pieces of him will live on in the impact he has had on so many, all over the world.
I have many fond memories of Mr. Atkinson. He and Mr. Hunt got me so interested in science that I spent many hours in the science lab while skipping out of other classes. Of course he knew I was there and always gave me things to research. (I suppose he thought that my time was much better spent there than it would have been down at Bowker Creek).
I remember he was allergic to formaldehyde and he suffered greatly when pig dissection came along. I know he also felt very badly for the frogs whose brains were scrambled for our edification.
He was a a great human being and taught so much more than science. He will be missed by all who knew him.
I would wish that every student has at least one teacher like him in their lifetime. He was a treasure.
Sherri Morgan. Grad 1974
Deepest sympathy to the Atkinson family. Glen and I go back many years to Craigflower Elementary School, Grade one. Even as a youngster, he had a most wonderful voice and how he loved to entertain! Such a loss. Rest in peace and sing with the angels!
Pat and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Glen’s sudden passing. It was my great joy to spend time with both of you in the Arbutus Singers and more recently to see you both at Mike’s concerts. Glen was an incredibly warm, friendly and giving person as well as being a lot of fun. He will be missed deeply.
Lisa