Donald Ray Atkinson

He was born on February 16, 1936 at Sacred Heart hospital in Spokane, Washington to Raymond Atkinson and Dorothy Horton Atkinson. His summers were spent at Hayden Lake with Grandma and Grandpa Horton. Family moved to Bremerton where Don attended public schools graduating in 1954. After a year at Olympic College, he attended UW graduating with BA in communications. He remained a strong Husky supporter throughout his life.

His early work years were at Bremerton's KBRO as a newscaster then sales manager. He also worked for the public school district helping them pass a levy to build new schools. For the next several years he worked his craft in Everett, then Tacoma returning back to Bremerton.

With his affable nature and ability to engage others in conversation, it was natural that his remarkable communication skills took him into public relations and advertising. He was a pioneer in the development of the Bremerton Athletic Roundtable (now the Kitsap Athletic Roundtable) and he served as president several times. He also served as president of the Bremerton Unity Church and remained an active member. He helped Bremerton Main Street Association in developing Blackberry Festival. His recorded commentary can be heard on the USS Turner Joy tour. Don was the first paid executive of the North Mason Chamber of Commerce. He was active the beginning of the Salmon Center in Belfair. He worked for the Tacoma Dome District to help the businesses survive as the Transit System was being built. He worked on several political campaigns. Always the public speaker, he was asked to speak at various events, even celebrations of life.

He is survived by his children Sue (Kenny) Duncan of Granite Falls, Wa, Gregg (Barbara) Atkinson of Deer Meadows, Wa., Todd (Elsa) Atkinson of Peoria, Az, and Mark Atkinson of Mazalan, Mexico, 9 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Also surviving him is his brother Lonny Folger (Marilyn), sisters Sheryl Folger Suldan (Greg) and Penny Folger Ward. A sister, Roxie, died in childhood. He also leaves behind his longtime companion Laurel Sayers of Belfair.

A celebration of this life well lived will follow this summer.