Margaret Atkin

( NEE RITCHIE)

On February 8, 2014 Margaret Atkin passed away peacefully at the Riverview Health Centre at 91 years of age.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Percy, her parents Gibson Ritchie and Christina Kelso Ritchie, and her brother-in-law Bill Perchaluk.

Margaret will be lovingly remembered by her two children Kathy and Fred, her two sisters Elizabeth (John) Glavin of Vancouver, and Ethel Perchaluk of Winnipeg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Margaret was born on October 6, 1922 at Ritchfield Farm in Tummel, Manitoba. The eldest of three sisters, Margaret excelled in both academics and athletics, receiving the Governor General’s Medal for outstanding achievement in Grade 12. Margaret attended United College

(University of Winnipeg) and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1944. She received her teacher training at the Normal School in Winnipeg and began her early career teaching in rural Manitoba and Regina, Saskatchewan. In 1948, Margaret joined the staff at St. John’s High School in Winnipeg where she taught physical education for 10 years. In addition to coaching girls’ volleyball and choreographing the school’s Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, many former St. John’s students will remember Miss Ritchie for their first instruction in ballroom dancing.

Margaret married Percy Leonard Atkin, and together they built the family home in St. Vital in the late 1950’s. They also maintained a residence at Flat Lake (Madsen) near Red Lake, Ontario where Percy owned and operated Fathom Drilling Inc. After raising her children, Margaret returned to teaching at Chancellor School in 1978, where she was teacher-librarian until her retirement in 1992 at age 70.

Margaret was a loving and dedicated wife and mother. Her extraordinary personal work ethic and unwavering commitment to family life were unrivalled. Education always played a significant role in her life, and she shared that passion with both her husband and her children by encouraging active participation in reading, music, art, sport and travel – providing many new learning opportunities that enriched all their lives. An avid gardener, she took great pride in planting and tending her flower beds and landscaping her yard. Margaret was also an accomplished dancer who studied and enjoyed performing ballet, folk and ballroom dances.

A celebration of Margaret’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14 at Thomson “In the Park” 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Interment to follow at St. Vital Cemetery, 236 River Road.

Our sincere thanks to the staff of A2 and B1, and companion Cindy for the special care they provided to our mother during her time at Riverview Health Centre.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Margaret’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba: 10 - 120 Donald Street Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2