James "Jim" Atkins

            It is with sorrow and love, we the family of James Ernest Atkins, announce his peaceful passing, the morning of Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the age of 97.

            Dad was born in McCreary, MB. Soon after the family moved to MacGregor. He started his education there and finished it in Carberry when his family moved there in 1938.

            Dad enlisted in the Navy at HMCS Chippawa in 1944, then had further training at Cornwallis. He served on a destroyer in the North Atlantic and off the coast of Norway. After his discharge in 1945, dad had a variety of jobs in The Pas which included the Post Office and CN Rail.

He started his utility career in 1948 in the diesel plant working for electric foreman Jack Walker.

It was while working in The Pas, dad met the love of his life Gwen Prior. They were married here April 15, 1947. Their sons Rick and Neil were born here. In 1952 dad was offered a job with Sheritt-Gordan Mines to work as an operator at the first Laurie River Generating Station. He moved his family to Laurie River to begin his new position. He became Chief Operator in 1954 and Superintendent of operations February 1958.

It was here in Laurie River their daughter Laurie was born and their family was complete. Laurie River was truly dad’s “happy place”. The whole family loved this little community.

Manitoba Hydro acquired these generating plants in 1970 and dad was offered a position in Gillam as Operating Supervisor for Kettle/Kelsey. His next move was to Thompson becoming Superintendent of the Churchill River Diversion. It was in Thompson that dad became very involved with the Anglican Church and studied to become a Lay Minister working alongside Rev. Ron Risley.

He finally retired from Hydro in July 1983 and moved back to their cottage at Clearwater Lake. He was now able to enjoy those retirement years golfing, sailing on the lake, and many gatherings with family and friends.

He continued with his church commitments through several ministers over the years and became fast friends with them. The last one he worked alongside was Rev. Grahme Spear.

Dad also became very involved in The Legion and worked as a service officer for other veterans to help them get their benefits.

You are back where you longed to be dad, beside the love of your life Gwen. 

Jim is survived by his children Rick (Simone), Neil (Val), Laurie (Keith) Mennie; grandchildren Greg (Shawna), Mark (Rayna), Anthony (Allison), Jason (Laura), Rianne (Peter), Leslie (Stacey) and Dean; great grandchildren Aaron, Mackenzie, Ryan, Richard, Alexandra, Raydan, Ethan, Jake, Madison, Tyler, Emily, Jakob and Tobias; sisters-in-law Trinette Prior and Jenny Atkins; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his wife Gwen; parents Gorden and Marjorie; in laws Gorden and May Prior; siblings Mel, Ramona, Sylvia, Emily and Morris.

Our family would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Marie Noel and the staff of St Paul's Personnel Care Home for their great care and kindness towards dad.

In keeping with family wishes, cremation took place and a service of remembrance to celebrate Jim’s life was held Tuesday May 2nd, 1:00 pm, at Christ Church Anglican, The Pas, with Rev. Grahme Spear and Rev. Jann Brooks presiding. Music ministry was provided by Rochelle Rydberg. Eulogy was delivered by Rianne Quiring and scripture readings were proclaimed by Leslie Mennie, Simone Atkins and Laura Atkins. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 19 tribute.

A reception was held after the service at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, The Pas, followed by interment at Lakeside Cemetery, The Pas.

            In lieu of flowers, donations to the Christ Church Anglican Memorial Fund, Box 125, The Pas, Manitoba  R9A 1K3, would be appreciated by Jim’s family.