Obituary for Eric Mark Atkins
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Eric Mark Atkins on Friday January 6, 2023 in the Cobourg hospital. Eric was born on July 5, 1933, growing up in Oshawa helping with the family greenhouse business and eventually as owner operator of the greenhouses and nursery. As Oshawa grew he sold the business and moved to Kendal, Ontario. He was predeceased in 2011 by his wife Patricia Atkins and was the father of Sandra and Stephen Langdon. He was a loving grandfather of Tristan, Michaela and Brooke.
Eric “The Man,” was one of a kind, with a very curious mind. At a young age he built a working steam engine that still operated 70 years later. He went to night school to study some of his many interests including machining, wood working, mechanics, and art. He was always experimenting and trying to improve whatever he touched, he mastered many different skills. In Kendal he spent his days mowing, planting trees and pruning bushes to transform his large acreage into what we dubbed as “Eric’s provincial park”. He also enjoyed vegetable gardening, camping, kayaking, baking, star watching and ham radios making friends from all over. He was also a dedicated artist, a skilled photographer an electronics and mechanical genius.
Eric loved being around children and he was an incredible teacher. He helped mentor and educate those around him through all his life experiences. He often hosted camp outs on his property for neighbours to star watch and enjoy some corn on the cob. He would also host pumpkin carving get-togethers in his garage, bringing excitement to everyone. He was always there to lend a hand, coming to the rescue and dedicating himself to others was his lifelong happiness.
Eric will be sadly missed by all his close friends and neighbours. Upon Eric’s request there will be no service, and his remains have been cremated. Donations may be made in Eric’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Signing off VE3HMG
Eric “The Man,” was one of a kind, with a very curious mind. At a young age he built a working steam engine that still operated 70 years later. He went to night school to study some of his many interests including machining, wood working, mechanics, and art. He was always experimenting and trying to improve whatever he touched, he mastered many different skills. In Kendal he spent his days mowing, planting trees and pruning bushes to transform his large acreage into what we dubbed as “Eric’s provincial park”. He also enjoyed vegetable gardening, camping, kayaking, baking, star watching and ham radios making friends from all over. He was also a dedicated artist, a skilled photographer an electronics and mechanical genius.
Eric loved being around children and he was an incredible teacher. He helped mentor and educate those around him through all his life experiences. He often hosted camp outs on his property for neighbours to star watch and enjoy some corn on the cob. He would also host pumpkin carving get-togethers in his garage, bringing excitement to everyone. He was always there to lend a hand, coming to the rescue and dedicating himself to others was his lifelong happiness.
Eric will be sadly missed by all his close friends and neighbours. Upon Eric’s request there will be no service, and his remains have been cremated. Donations may be made in Eric’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Signing off VE3HMG