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
My thoughts are with Glen’s family in his passing. Mr. Atkinson changed my life in regards to studies in Biology. I will always remember him bringing our class to his home to pass around fossils, he thought outside the box when it came to learning. A great loss and great man.
Dear Pat and family
Glen will be so missed by so many of us. Right from being my biology teacher and then as an adult hiking with Pat and Glen and then ballroom dancing classes, Glen will be in our hearts forever. Glen was always an inspiration to us in so many ways and his wonderful smile will remain with us in our hearts forever.
Gerry and I send our condolences and thoughts to you Pat and your family
Nancy and Gerry Trueman
I am so sorry to learn of Glen Atkinson’s passing. Mr. Akinson was generous with his time. I remember he and his wife and the children took me to China Beach for a picnic. Maureen was my best friend at the time. I have very many fond memories of the Atkinsons. Mr. Atkinson was also easy going. I remember being a very bossy friend of Maureen’s; I was two years older and Maureen was a very kind lovely child who could put up with almost anything. Friendships come and go and unfortunately that’s what happened but the memories I have of the Atkinsons and especially when I was a child I will always endure. Margot Ling
I have very fond memories of Mr. Atkinson from my years at Oak Bay too. He was very encouraging about learning biology and I enjoyed the free block to do some ‘assistant’ work which seems much grosser to me now than it did then. It was wonderful to hear him sing with Jim Mainguy, at my friend Di’s wedding, then meeting him again many years later. Sing up a storm Glen. Fondly, Sue (Holmes) McDonald, from 1968.
Dear Pat and family:
George Dey kindly forwarded a message that Glen had suddenly passed away. My Pat and I send our sincere condolences on his untimely passing to you Pat and the family.
Glen and I met at Vic College in September 1954 – he from Esquimalt and me from Mt View. He was sciences and I was Arts. But we shared the common goal of becoming teachers and working with kids. Our friendship grew at UBC when we shared the enriching experience of MUSSOC and singing in the Boyfriend together and coping with the perils of Teacger Training. Glen met his Pat and I met mine. Glen returned to the island and as my Pat was a Vancouver girl, I applied for and got a teaching job in Vancouver. Sadly, we lost direct contact as we became fathers. But I always followed Glen’s career from afar and knew about his Aussie adventure.
We all have regrets. Once my parents moved to the North Shore to be closer to us and the grandkids, my Pat and I rarely travelled to the island and hence was I was not able to keep the connection going. I am sincerely sorry for that.
Pat – please know that you are in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Very sincerely,
Bob and Pat Pearmain
Please accept my deepest sympathies, it is very true the good die young. Glen was VERY good and I count myself blessed to have known him for even the short time I did.
I was a fellow new Tenor with Glen in the Peninsula Singers and I soon discovered Glen to be one of the kindest men I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
During our short breaks, I was fortunate enough to have a bit of time to chat with Glen. During one of those occasions Glen and I got talking about age, family, etc. He told me he was totally happy with where he was in his life…he cherished his wife, Pat, his children and his grandchildren. He said he had a great life and wouldn’t change one single thing about it.
On another break I remember telling Glen I was taking water colour lessons, but wasn’t sure it was my medium. He said, “Let me ask you this, are you having fun?” I replied that I was indeed having fun. Glen gave me a knowing grin and I thought what a very wise fellow he was. I continue to go to my class, but with a refreshed attitude, as my goal now is to have fun.
I am so saddened by the loss of Glen, but will always remember what he taught me. Seize life, family, friends, have fun. Glen most definitely did not have any regrets..
Sincerely, Judy Elliot
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Catherine, Anne-Marie and Alastair revered Mr. Atkinson as an engaging, inspiring and dedicated teacher and remember him also as a warm, understanding older friend who took a personal interest in each of his students. As parents we too gratefully remember Glen’s insights and kindness when he spoke with us of our children. What a full life he led and what a wonderful legacy he leaves behind.
I will remember how much of a positive force Glen was in my life. A MASTER teacher and a wonderful person he has touched so many. my condolences to all that feel his loss….richy t
Well I was very surprised and saddened by this news. I was always impressed and jealous of Glen’s magic ability at teaching. I have been buoyed up by the good old days memories of working together. I’m sure there will many good stories.
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Atkinson’s passing. He was my favourite Basketball Coach and Biology Teacher. I played for him from 1966 to 1968. I would like to thank the family for sharing Glen with so many students. His leadership and caring was much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mona Leggett