Ivan Charles Atkinson

COL. IVAN CHARLES ATKINSON, RET., USAF (Age 94) Passed away peacefully at The Fairfax retirement community in Ft. Belvoir, VA on August 4, 2011. Beloved husband of Phyllis W. Mason Atkinson, devoted father of Ruth E. Atkinson Jamison Soulier, son-in-law Frank G. Soulier, and grandfather of Charles E. Jamison, his wife Lisa, and Jacquelyn R. Jamison Beaubien. Also survived by three step-sons and their wives, Gary R. Mason (Christie), David V. Mason (Jackie), Robert K. Mason (“Boo”), four great granddaughters (Traci, Lori, Michelle and Kayla), six step-grandchildren, four step-great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. He enjoyed a special bond with his oldest great great grandson Joseph.

His previous marriage ended in the death of his wife Ruth V. Henry Atkinson in 1973, and he was also predeceased by his grandson-in-law Michael L. Beaubien in 2008.

Col. Atkinson received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Case Western Reserve (Cleveland, OH) in 1938 and his Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) in 1953.

He was a career military officer serving as a fighter pilot in the Panama Canal Zone during WWII and later working on the military’s nuclear weapons programs and the Air Force investigation of UFO sightings.

A military interment with full military honors will be held in the Spring 2012 at Arlington National Cemetery. If a memorial donation is desired, please consider one of Ivan’s favorite charities - the National Wildlife Federation, CARE, or the Smithsonian Institute.