JOHN WILLIAM ATKINS

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JOHN WILLIAM ATKINS John passed away quietly and peacefully on Sunday, July 10, 2016. John's memory will be cherished by his wife, Clare, their son, Scott and wife, Lisa, and their children, Wyatt and Kassidy; their daughter, Lisa Monney and husband, Paul, and their children, Noah and Kendall. Also remembering John is his sister, Carole Lowe of Kanata, Ontario, and her family and sister-in-law, Doreen Bagrie of Portage la Prairie and her family. John was born in Winnipeg in 1939 and lived most of his life in Winnipeg. He was well known in the business community and enjoyed going to work every day. John was a lifetime member of the Winnipeg Squash and Racquet Club, and also devoted many years as a volunteer with the South Perimeter Ducks Unlimited committee. John always loved the outdoors. John and Clare owned a cabin at Falcon Lake, which is where John built his own pontoon boat, known as John's Ark, perfect for containing their two young children. It was also at Falcon Lake where John enjoyed spear fishing with friends, Dick and Orest. Yearly trips deer hunting were highlights for John and Scott. Many Novembers were spent at the trailer in Miniota with friends. Favourite family holidays were road trips to Eaton's Ranch in Wyoming. John, Clare, Scott and Lisa enjoyed horseback riding through beautiful countryside, meeting people from around the world, and lazing around "cowboy style". Other memorable family holidays included skiing with friends in Colorado. After a long day at the office, John would arrive home, change from suit to boots and jeans, and spend the evening cutting the grass, cleaning the barn or riding his horse. John found the cowboy in him later in life, following Scott's lead. John and Scott shared a love of team penning. Although Clare and Lisa thought it was like "watching paint dry", the boys enjoyed their weekends together. A proud moment for John was when his team won a year-end award. The trophy belt buckle he won he wore every day with pride! At John's request, cremation has taken place and no formal service has been planned. A Toast to John will be held at the Winnipeg Squash and Racquet Club on Friday, August 26, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 16, 2016