Obituary for Kenneth Robert Atkinson
On December 8th, 2020, Kenneth Robert Atkinson passed away at 73 years of age.
Born January 19th, 1947, in Winnipeg Manitoba, he is predeceased by his parents Harry and Daisy Atkinson and Brother Donald (Barbara) Atkinson.
Ken is survived by his two nieces Jennifer (Darrin) Halabuza and Shannon Atkinson (John Parsons); Great nieces Rhea, Darian, Laney and Rickay; Great nephew Logan; and Great-great nephew Hunter.
He grew up in Fort Garry, Winnipeg, and at the age of 19 enrolled as a student of ballroom dance, which later lead to teaching dance. In 1969, he moved to Toronto and appeared on CBC and CTV in numerous programs including “The Pig’n Whistle Show” and “The Bobby Vinton Show”. His career included: an Emmy Award nomination as choreographer for the variety special “The Ice Stars Hollywood Review,” a Dick Clark/Michael Steele Production for the American CBS television network. Ken also went on to create a dinner theatre company called Ken Atkinson Musical Productions (KAMP) as well as teaching private dance classes. He has worked with stars such as Jim Carrey, Johnny Cash, Alex Trebek, Rich Little and Chita Rivera. He worked on five national series including “Stars on Ice” and “Circus”.
Ken earned a living doing what he loved. When he took a break from work he could be found swimming at his lakefront home and simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings of his cottage community.
He found great joy in his relationship with his brother, affectionately known as Nate. He shared many Christmas’s back in his home town of Winnipeg with Nate and his family. He really enjoyed their Sunday night phone calls to talk about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In recent years, the brothers travelled to Nitchequon for a fishing trip as well as enjoying a summer vacation at Ken’s home.
Ken’s kind and humorous nature lead to many lifelong friendships. Many of these relationships included his “Dance Family”. Jennifer and Shannon are so thankful for all the people who welcomed Ken into their lives.
He will be missed dearly; his love and friendship will remain in our hearts.
If so desired memorial donations in memory of Ken to the Operation Smile Canada Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. online condolences are welcomed at www.manganfuneralhome.com
Born January 19th, 1947, in Winnipeg Manitoba, he is predeceased by his parents Harry and Daisy Atkinson and Brother Donald (Barbara) Atkinson.
Ken is survived by his two nieces Jennifer (Darrin) Halabuza and Shannon Atkinson (John Parsons); Great nieces Rhea, Darian, Laney and Rickay; Great nephew Logan; and Great-great nephew Hunter.
He grew up in Fort Garry, Winnipeg, and at the age of 19 enrolled as a student of ballroom dance, which later lead to teaching dance. In 1969, he moved to Toronto and appeared on CBC and CTV in numerous programs including “The Pig’n Whistle Show” and “The Bobby Vinton Show”. His career included: an Emmy Award nomination as choreographer for the variety special “The Ice Stars Hollywood Review,” a Dick Clark/Michael Steele Production for the American CBS television network. Ken also went on to create a dinner theatre company called Ken Atkinson Musical Productions (KAMP) as well as teaching private dance classes. He has worked with stars such as Jim Carrey, Johnny Cash, Alex Trebek, Rich Little and Chita Rivera. He worked on five national series including “Stars on Ice” and “Circus”.
Ken earned a living doing what he loved. When he took a break from work he could be found swimming at his lakefront home and simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings of his cottage community.
He found great joy in his relationship with his brother, affectionately known as Nate. He shared many Christmas’s back in his home town of Winnipeg with Nate and his family. He really enjoyed their Sunday night phone calls to talk about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In recent years, the brothers travelled to Nitchequon for a fishing trip as well as enjoying a summer vacation at Ken’s home.
Ken’s kind and humorous nature lead to many lifelong friendships. Many of these relationships included his “Dance Family”. Jennifer and Shannon are so thankful for all the people who welcomed Ken into their lives.
He will be missed dearly; his love and friendship will remain in our hearts.
If so desired memorial donations in memory of Ken to the Operation Smile Canada Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. online condolences are welcomed at www.manganfuneralhome.com