ATKIN, John Thomas

(1951 – 2021) - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at the age of 70.  Proud father of his seven children: John Atkin Jr. (Miranda), Michelle Atkin (Richard), Katherine Tinney (Matthew), Stephen Atkin (Aimee), Caroline Atkin (Jordan), Marilyn Atkin (Christopher), and Thomas Atkin.  Loving Grandpa of his six grandchildren: Katrina Tinney, William Tinney & Lilybelle Tinney (Katherine); Elizabeth Atkin Myers & Philip Atkin Myers (Michelle), and Edward Atkin (John Jr.).  Predeceased by his parents Ada Atkin (nee Wilding) and John Atkin Sr.  Survived by his siblings Nancy Bonham, Judy Menzies, Linda Gawel, and Tim Atkin. He will fondly be remembered by his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and great grandnephews.
John ran his own cottage rental business in Port Elgin during the late 1970s – mid 1980s while he was employed at Ontario Hydro.  Following his time at Ontario Hydro, he briefly ran his own restaurant business, after which he worked primarily in the building trades.  An avid outdoorsman, he retired to the Town of Bruce Mines, Ontario in 2012.  There he enjoyed going for long hikes with his beloved pair of Newfoundland dogs and spending time on Lake Huron. 
In his younger years, John was an all-around athlete, excelling in track, baseball, hockey, and boxing (for which he won a provincial title).  His love of sport and the great outdoors was shared with his children, who he loved to take swimming and hiking.  John had a strong work ethic, and he always insisted on the importance of putting in a hard day’s work.  He was an avid reader, a fantastic cook, a knowledgeable gardener, a great singer, a skilled chess player, an expert Trivial Pursuit player, and finally, a regular pool shark who thoroughly enjoyed playing in the pool tournaments at the local Legion in Bruce Mines. 
John’s children wish to thank Dr. James Boseovski and the many dedicated nurses (Jake, Pam, Tara, Tina, Maddie, Jennifer & Leanna) at the Sault Area Hospital, who provided Dad with palliative care during his final days.  In addition, we wish to thank his dear friend and neighbour, Dan Sutherland, who brought our father to the hospital.  All of you will never know just how much the compassion and kindness you showed to our father has meant to us.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
A celebration of John’s life will be held in his hometown of Palmerston, Ontario in the fall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Royal Canadian Legion, or the Bruce Mines and Area Food Bank would be greatly appreciated by his family. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).