David Wayne “Woody” Atkinson of Lucknow, died peacefully at the Wingham Hospital, with his family at his side, Oct. 25, 2024. He was 85. Loved husband of Carol (Helm) for 63 years. Dear father of David and Karen of Auburn, Steven, Ken and Linda, all of Lucknow, and Debra of Waterloo. Cherished grandpa of Jonathan (Samantha), Teresa, Melissa (Beth), Emily (Frank), Rebecca, Justin (Ashley) and Jessica (Dalton). Proud great-grandpa of Sadie, Nora, Parker and Charlotte. Also survived by his brothers-in-law, John Helm, and Evans (Barb) Helm. Predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Glen Atkinson; and sisters-in-law, Eunice Dunsmuir and Mary Helm. Wayne and Carol married in 1961 and built their lives together in Lucknow. Woody spent his entire career running up and down the roads, both locally and all across North America. He made friends wherever he went and always had time to chat. He was an avid reader and was always looking for his next book. After retiring in 2004, Woody could be found taking in one of his grandkids’ sporting events and hardly missed one once he was retired. He was a fixture in the warm room of the arena for many years. Woody also enjoyed keeping up on local current events with his many friends at Mary’s Restaurant. We will miss him. The funeral will be held at the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at 1 p.m., with visitation two hours prior to the funeral (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Linda Roberts officiating. Interment, Greenhill Cemetery. Donations to the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation, the Diabetes Association or the Canadian Cancer Society, are appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Condolences and donations on-line at www.mackenzieandmccreath.com. |