With heavy hearts, the family of Robert (Bob) Albert Atkinson shares the news of his passing at age 101 on December 21, 2025. Bob was born in Regina on October 21, 1924, to parents John (Jack) and Marie Atkinson, and grew up on a farm near Dinsmore, Saskatchewan. In 1937, the family relocated to Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, where he attended public school.
In 1939, they moved to Saskatoon. Bob went to Bedford Road Collegiate until 1942 when he joined the Canadian Army for service in Canada, England and Western Europe. He eventually became part of the Canadian Grenadier Guards within the 22nd Canadian Armoured Regiment (tank). He fought in some of the fiercest battles during that time and took pride in helping liberate Holland. During combat, Bob sustained severe injuries from gunshot wounds and burns while escaping his burning tank. He received treatment in Holland and England before being repatriated back to Canada in late 1945. In 1946, he started working with Veterans Land Administration before moving to Canada Department of Agriculture and then Revenue Canada-Taxation, retiring in 1979.
In 1948, he met Rose Rees, a beautiful Welsh woman who had emigrated to Canada in 1947. They tied the knot in Saskatoon on December 27, 1949, enjoying a life together for 45 years as they raised a family and built their home in Montgomery Place while welcoming children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren into their lives. Dad loved many activities over his lifetime. He traveled several times with Rose to places like the United Kingdom and Europe as well as Hawaii, Arizona and Oregon along with taking cruises. Family trips to British Columbia and eastern Canada during the ‘60s remain vivid memories for his kids even now. He was actively involved with Knox, Grace and Trinity United Church congregations as well as local community groups; he was particularly proud of being a member of the Royal Canadian Legion where he dedicated countless hours supporting his branch by chairing various committees aimed at helping veterans. In recognition of his service efforts, he received several honors including: The Royal Canadian Legion’s Meritorious Service Medal awarded in 2009-making him the only veteran member across Canada to receive this award that year-followed by being presented with the Saskatchewan Veterans’ Medal by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan in 2011; then came a commemorative medal from Veterans Affairs Canada for WWII veterans awarded in 2015; also receiving an award for long service from Royal Canadian Legion marking an impressive membership span of over seventy-five years back in 2019; finally adding Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal recognition by 2022 and concluding with an eighty-year membership clasp from Royal Canadian Legion bestowed upon him in 2025.
He took immense pride as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather too-spending countless hours attending school plays or sports events alongside numerous family dinners filled with love during special occasions.
His memory is cherished by son William [Bill] (Valerie), two daughters: Lois (Glenn) Wagner & Linda Atkinson; plus sister-in-law Marie Atkinson. He is preceded by wife Rose along with parents Jack & Marie Atkinson; brothers Edward & Donald Atkinson; long-time partner Irene Shepherd along with son-in-law Bob Lague. Surviving him are seven grandchildren: Lori Karlsson (Keith), Rob Atkinson (Kathryn), Andrew Wagner (Jilaire), Curtis Wagner (Janet), Jeff Wagner (Mandy), Bobby Lague & William (Bill) Lague (Kendra); ten great-grandchildren; plus numerous relatives scattered across Canada, Wales , England , The Netherlands , Australia , and friends found at Primrose Chateau or Legion Branch #63 alongside Bugsy’s-the neighborhood pub he enjoyed visiting most.
If desired, memorial donations can be directed towards The Royal Canadian Legion, Trinity/St. David’s United Church, the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, the Salvation Army or any charity you choose.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to:
The staff at Primrose Chateau including former Director Dale Wallis, current Director Andrea Hayford, and Sharon Fenez along with Andrea Parenteau from Golden Wellness management team whom provided exceptional support throughout this journey at Primrose Chateau.
A Service of Remembrance featuring Legacy rites will take place at Saskatoon Funeral Home Saturday January10th ,2026 starting at2:00 p. m., followed later by private interment occurring within Veteran Section Woodlawn Cemetery sometime thereafter.
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