June 24, 1931-June 20, 2017 Colin George Atkins was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England to Harry and Helena Atkins.
At age 11, Colin began attending Leeds Grammar School, a boarding school for boys. During WW11, the students were moved out to the countryside to keep them safe from bombing.
Between the ages of 18 and 20, he served with the British army.
At the age of 20 he immigrated to Canada. He would spend his first year in Toronto and later move on to Vancouver.
In Vancouver, Colin became a believer in Christ. It was also in Vancouver that he met Norma Jacobson, a school -teacher. They were married on July 16, 1963 in the Souris Gospel Chapel.
Colin attended Full Gospel Bible Institute in Eston Saskatchewan for three years.
Seven children were born to Colin and Norma; five in Vancouver and two in Souris. In 1977, they moved their family to Souris, Manitoba. The push to move to Souris came from Colin. He felt that it would be beneficial for his kids to have grandparents in their lives. Norma’s parents, Maurice and Alice Jacobson lived in Souris.
He enjoyed playing soccer with his children and long walks around town.
Over his lifetime, Colin had about 50 different jobs. In Souris, he worked for 17 years at Saputo Cheese factory. He also kept active in Souris Gospel Chapel and the Christian Heritage Party. At age 65, he retired from the cheese factory but continued working for the CHP. He ran for office in several elections.
He is survived by his wife Norma (nee Jacobson); son David (Anita), Jeremy (Bronwen), Michael, Luke, Rachel, Joseph; son Peter (Dasha); son Stephen (Marnie), Javan, Judah, Jacob; son Paul (Amalie), Oskar, Rupert; daughter Mary (Collin) Fox, Joshua, Cameron, Elizabeth, Donovan, Courtney, Caleb; son Daniel (Jaimie), Katherine, Jane; son Philip; sister Margaret (Peter) Worth; brothers-in-law Jim (Betty) Jacobson, Roger (Joyce) Jacobson and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Helena Atkins, daughter Elizabeth Ruth, sisters and brothers-in-law; Kathleen and her husband’s (Tom Barrie, Dean Soderstrom), Dorothy (Harry) Whitfield, and Joyce Atkins.
Funeral service was held on Monday, June 26, 2017 at St. Paul’s United Church in Souris, Manitoba. Interment was at the Souris Glenwood Cemetery. In memory of Colin, donations may be made to any one of the Christian Churches in Souris.
We are sad to hear of Colin’s passing he was a lovely fellow our sincere condolences to Norma and family at this difficult time.
~ To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord
Norma and family..I was saddened to read of Colin’s passing. A great neighbour for mom and dad (Rilance and Eileen) for many years. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Very sorry to hear of Colin’s passing. My condolences to Norma and the entire Atkins family.
WE were very sorry to hear of Colin’s passing. Our condolences to Norma and family. Laurie and Jeannie Sutton
Dear Norma and family,our hearts and prayers are with you So sorry for your loss,I know the Lord will be your strength.Gary and I would so much like to be there with you,we are praying for you.
My Condolonces to the Family
From Mr. Land J