Obituary of Arthur Sheridan Atkinson

Arthur Sheridan (Sherry) Atkinson, with his daughter and grandson at his side supporting him on his final journey passed away peacefully at the Assiniboine Centre on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 (granddaughter Victoria's 29th Birthday) at the age of 83 years. Sheridan was born on November 14, 1927 in Winnipeg; he was the eldest son of Henry Sheridan and Constance Gladys Atkinson. Sherry is survived by his younger brother, Terrence and sister-in-law Florence. After graduating from high school, Sheridan attended the University of Winnipeg he then began his working career with the CIBC in Elgin, MB. In the 1950s, Sherry moved to Saskatoon with the CIBC, where he attended the United Church and met Della Holmes. Sherry and Della were married in Saskatoon and shortly after moved to Richmond, BC, where Sherry took a job with the Canada Revenue Agency. The couple were blessed with two children, Linda in 1962 and Dan in 1964. They resided on Ainsworth Crescent, the neighborhood which held 75 kids, all just a couple of years apart in age. With the great climate of the lower mainland Sheridan grew a variety of fruit trees, and he generously shared the harvest with all his neighbours. He became known in the area for his outstanding rose bushes, which he pampered. People would often come to get his gardening secret, and often took home cut roses. He claimed the secret was in the compost that he maintained all year. He always found the time to be involved in his children's activities; including Dan's soccer, being a Cub Leader and also coaching the softball teams that Linda played on. Sheridan was always encouraging, and he never hesitated to help in any way that he could manage for both his kids. This quality never changed with Dan, Linda or anyone else. Sherry and Della took in one of Dan's friends after moving to Manitoba, and to this day that man remembers fondly the care and welcome that was given to him so freely. Sherry and Della were avid curlers and belonged to the Gulf of Georgia Curling in Richmond for many years. They both sang in the choir at the South Arm United Church and participated in many forms with many of the church organizations. In 1975, Sheridan took a job as area manager for Health and Welfare Canada in Brandon, MB. Sherry and Della joined the Central United Church and again lent their voices to the choir and served in many volunteer areas. One of Sheridan's passions was stamp collecting and he was a member of the Philatelic Society in Brandon. This interest soon became a family affair. Sheridan was a volunteer with the museum at the Brandon Airport for many years, and helped with the Boundary Commission when it was in its infancy. He was also an active member with the Brandon Rotary Club for many years. Sheridan retired from the government when he was 55 years old and became even busier then before, and was the manager of the newly developed Library Arts Building in Brandon. Sherry and Della were blessed with four grandchildren; Victoria, Blake, Sarah and Sadee. In December of 1993, Sherry sat by Della's side while she passed away from ALS. Sherry while enjoying one of his favorite activities, swimming, met Margaret Majcher and they were married in 1995. Sheridan welcomed his new family with open arms, Margaret's son Will and wife Susan, and daughter Jan and husband Wayne Johnson, as well as gaining an additional four grandchildren; Andrea, Mark, Natalie and Blake. Sheridan and Margaret enjoyed golfing, playing cards in a fun league, and during the summers they loved to tend to their yard and travel in the winter months. In 2007, Sherry was devastated at the passing of his son Dan. Sheridan was a man who always had a kind word, a smile and a laugh that was contagious. He was eager to help his grandchildren with whatever they needed, but was stern and diplomatic when they stepped out of line. He will always be remembered for being honest and compassionate. Prior to his passing he spent much of his time chatting with the budgies on the third floor of the Assiniboine Centre and with the sparrows outside. He certainly had a special way with birds, including the ones in his backyard. A celebration of his life was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 with Mrs. Bonnie Zimmer of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, 8-940 Princess Avenue, Brandon, MB, R7A 0P6 or to the ALS Society of Manitoba, 493 Madison Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3J 1J2.