JOHN THOMAS (JACK) ATCHISON P. ENG.

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JOHN THOMAS (JACK) ATCHISON P. ENG. November 16, 1923 - January 3, 2013 We are saddened by the passing of Jack Atchison, our father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother-in-law, in Winnipeg at age 89. Dad (Jack) was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England in 1923, the youngest of four children. He was predeceased by his wife Muriel, and is survived by his four children Neil (Margaret), Howard, Anne (Alick Watson), Peter (Cheryl) and seven grandchildren Troy, Tannis, Julia, Fiona, Gillian, Kyla and Sydney, three great-grandchildren Ashley, Jade and Riley, and sister-in-law Gwenneth Nicholson. While apprenticed as a young machinist, his talent in engineering was soon spotted, enabling him to study and qualify as a professional engineer in both electrical and mechanical engineering. In 1947, he met the love of his life, Muriel, at a church youth dance; they married in 1950 and were together for 55 years. Seeking adventure and opportunity, Jack and Muriel, along with young sons Neil and Howard, immigrated to Canada in 1956, settling in Winnipeg. Happy in their new home, daughter Anne and son Peter arrived within a few years. Dad (Jack) held progressively more senior positions during his 32-year career with Manitoba Hydro, retiring in 1988. He took great professional pride in his contribution to developing Manitoba Hydro's first DC transmission line between northern Manitoba and Winnipeg, then the world's longest; creating its export services division; and, establishing the high voltage research laboratory at University of Manitoba. Not one to be idle in retirement, Dad (Jack) was, for several years, president of Creative Retirement Manitoba, a not-for-profit organization providing opportunities and activities for seniors, as well as a volunteer installer for Victoria Lifeline. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast; mountain climbing and playing cricket and tennis in his youth, while golfing and curling well into his 80s. He was active in the Anglican Church throughout his life, serving first in the choir and for many years on the church vestry, first at All Saints and later at St. George's Crescentwood. Jack and Muriel had a lifelong love for Victoria Beach on Lake Winnipeg, where the Atchison family cottage remains. Dad (Jack) spent many a happy hour there always renovating or repairing something. We miss Dad (Jack), but will never forget him. Our special thanks to the staff and residents of The Waverley, and the staff of Riverview Health Centre for their care and friendship. A memorial service and reception for Dad (Jack) will be held at St. George's Anglican Church - Crescentwood, 168 Wilton St., Winnipeg on Saturday, January 12 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation, One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 2P4, Ph. (204) 478-6271. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2013