Michael James Atkinson

Peacefully, with family by his side at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound on Saturday, October 17, 2020 in his 74th year. Mike, beloved husband of the late Alexina “Zine” (nee Nuttall) for 40 years; and special friend of Betty Earnshaw. Loving Dad of Tony, of Port Elgin, Rob and his wife Debra, of Port Elgin and Todd of Innisfill. Loving and dedicated Poppa of Kayla and Dillon, proudly following and running them to their sporting activities. Dear brother of Doug of Paisley, and John and his wife Beverly of London.  Mike will be deeply missed by his many nieces and nephews, and by Betty’s daughter Julie, her children Sarah, Jordon, and Caitlyn and the entire Earnshaw Family.  Lovingly remembered by his sisters and brothers-in-law.  

Mike was very dedicated to his community. He served as a volunteer firefighter for the town of Port Elgin for 30 years as well as a proud, dedicated Legion member holding many positions over the years. 

The Atkinson family cannot thank Betty enough for the companionship and care she provided to Mike over the past few years as his health was failing.

Unfortunately due to COVID restrictions a private family funeral service for Mike will be held and live streamed on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 1:00pm at the T.A. Brown Funeral Home, 510 Mill Street, Port Elgin, 519-832-2222. Friends and family wishing to view the funeral service may do so on facebook @BrownFamilyFH or in the service details below.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Cenotaph Park Fund would be appreciated by the family. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date when public health rules allow.

Accomplishments 

Offices/Chairmanships:  Branch:  Executive Member 1983-85, Chairman, 1984-86, Served under Jack Frost who was President at the time.  It was the only time Branch 340 had a Chairman, 1st Vice President, 1986-89, President, 1988-90, Past President, 1990-92, By Laws Committee, Cenotaph Restoration Committee Chairman, Cenotaph Perpetual Care Chairman.

Zone C-4:  Membership, 1986 to 1993; Co-Membership 2001 to 2005; 1989-91 Deputy Commander, 1991-93, Commander

District: Deputy Commander, 1993-1995; Commander, 1995-1997; Membership, 1993-1995 and 1997-1999 Commander, 1995-1997; Past Commander, 1997-1999; ABC Hospital Committee, 1993-1999; Chairman since 2001, Resolutions, 2001-2003; Dominion Track & Field LAC member (Master of Ceremonies), 2001-2003 and District Chairman 2001-2011, Reappointed District Chairman 2013 to present.

Provincial:  Leadership, 1997-1999; Membership, 1999-2004 and 2004-2007; Honours & Awards Committee 2001-2004 and 2004 to 2007.  Was appointed Honours & Awards Chairman in 2006 upon the death of Steven McGuire then re-appointed Honours & Awards Chairman 2007-2015.

Dominion:  Leadership Committee of the Whole (1997-1999), Membership Committee of the Whole (1999-2004) and Membership Committee 2007 to 2010, Represented Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command at Dominion sponsored sports events at Base Borden and CFB Trenton 2010, 2011 and 2012, Dominion Sports 2012-2014.

Legion Awards received have been Certificate of Appreciation from Branch, Zone, District and Provincial Commands.  Life Membership June 1993, Officers Medals, Branch, Zone, District, Provincial.  Past Zone Commander, Past District Commander, Branch President, Canada 125th Medal, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Queen’s Golden Jubilee, MSM (2005), Dominion Past Officer Medal 2010 and District Large Plaque (16 years) in 2013, Queen’s Jubilee Medal 2013, 90th Anniversary Medal, 2015.
MSM Palm leaf.

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