Derek Norman ATKINSON

ATKINSON , Derek Norman October 9, 1947 - September 30, 2009 Derek Atkinson, loving husband of Christine, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2009, with his three children and brother at his side. He is survived by his children, Deb, Tom (Gabbi) and Paul (Cate), his precious grandchildren Jane and Liam, as well as his brother Brian (Sheila). Derek was born in North Shields, England, to Norman and Gladys Atkinson. He earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Leeds, where he met his true love, Christine. They moved to Leicester after Derek finished university and started a family in Middlesbrough. In 1981, Derek and Christine moved their young family to Calgary where they established an amazing network of friends and extended family. Derek was employed in the oil and gas industry for many years and worked for Imperial Oil from 1985 until his retirement. Derek's commitment to his family and friends was unwavering. He was a family man, deeply committed to providing his children with the best experiences in life. Whether it was coaching soccer, or driving to the ski hill every weekend, he was always there and involved in every aspect of his children's lives. Derek was a man of upstanding character with a strong moral code, who touched many people. He engaged, challenged and influenced a number of individuals throughout his lifetime, acting as a mentor to many friends and colleagues. Derek was a man of diverse interests. His hobbies ranged from multiple athletic activities such as rugby, squash and skiing, to woodworking and tending roses in his prized garden; he particularly enjoyed spending time working on his model trains, especially the Flying Scotsman models. Derek was a devout Newcastle United football fan, often rising in the middle of the night, Calgary time, to catch a live game. He could always be counted on for sharing a pint and a good laugh. If anyone put on their walking boots, Derek was always there. The Lake District in England held a tender place in his heart and was the source of many fond memories. There will be a private family Committal at a later date. At Derek's request there will be no formal Service. Instead, a celebration of his life will be held at a local Calgary pub. We invite all our family and friends to acknowledge a life well lived on Sunday, October 4, anytime between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. at The Dog & Duck Public House & Restaurant, 5340 - 2 Street S.W., Calgary (one block east of Macleod Trail on 53 Avenue). If so desired, donations may be made to a charity Derek strongly supported, the Stephen Lewis Foundation, a community based organization dedicated to the turning of the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Stephen Lewis Foundation, 260 Spadina Avenue, Suite 501, Toronto, ON, M5T 2E4. Published in the Calgary Herald from 10/2/2009- 10/4/2009