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 Ralph Esmond Atkinson 1932 – 2008 Ralph was born April 19, 1932, in Wynyard, Saskatchewan. Moved to Dawson Creek with his parents in 1943 where his family began Dawson Creek Industries. Ralph started apprenticing as a machinist under his father and uncle at the age of 16. When Ralph wasn’t working he could be found at Harry Morrow Ball Park, the arena or the bowling alley. And this is how our “CHAMPION” was born. When the name Ralph Atkinson was mentioned around the sports celebrities, the first sport which comes to mind is bowling. In 1950, at the age of 18, Ralph was the youngest to capture the Western Canada Men’s Singles; Funny Grandpa always said “I would have won the Canadian Championship if the West would have met the East. Seven years later he won the Western and Canadian Men’s singles title. In taking the Western Canadian Championship for the second time Ralph chalked up the third highest score in the thirteen year history of the event and topped all bowlers with a score of 408 on his 25th Birthday. Ralph first met Doreen at the Vogue Movie theatre and then married Feb 8, 1958. They had three children Joanne, Robbie and Michelle. Ralph and Doreen enjoyed their time with their children whether it is at a variety of sporting events or sitting around the table playing cards. Now, Ralph’s life wasn’t without pressure and that pressure came on Friday nights. Ralphs 3 children knew that if a bowler got six strikes in a row he won a 6 pack of pop. Not only did Joanne Rob and Michelle wait anxiously for their pop they all expected a bag of potato chips. If you’ve ever bowled you know 6 strikes in a row isn’t easy. The kids wonder now did he always get 6 strikes or did he buy the pop, because they were never disappointed. We always knew Ralph was a great bowler, but what we didn’t know was that there was another sport he was even better at; Uncle Ken, Ralph’s brother, told us that he was a phenomenal hockey player. And we thought he only like to watch it on TV. His dedication to the Toronto Maple Leafs will live on in his son and Grandson. He must have been a dedicated Leafs fan because the leafs haven’t won the cup since 1967. Maybe next year hey Grandpa. Ralph loved his family, he loved his sports and he loved his work. People have often said Ralph was one of the best machinists in Dawson Creek. His nick name was the “BIG LATHE”. In the mid 90’s Ralph retired from DC Industries where he worked for 48 years. Ralph will be greatly missed by all, including his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother, sister in laws, brother in laws, nieces, nephews and friends. Ralph was at home with his 3 children and Rob’s wife Jody, at his side. We told our dad to go and be with our mother and tell her we love her and we will miss them greatly, he passed away very peacefully and will be joining his wife Doreen, who passed away Sept 16, 2008. Letter from the Grandkids: Dear Grandpa, all the grandchildren want to thank you for leaving us with such fond memories of you. Your kind eyes and gentle way we will keep with us always. We love you Grandpa. You will always be my oldest Best Friend. A Memorial service was held on November 12, 2008 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, officiated by Peggy Bergeron. Inurnment of the urn followed the service in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery Columbarium. |
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Dawson Creek: (250) 782-2577 Fort St. John: (250) 785-2872 |
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