Neil Richard Atkinson

Neil Richard Atkinson was born on May 30th, 1959 in Kipling Saskatchewan, the youngest of 3 sons born to James and Dorothy Atkinson. Neil passed away at Saskatoon, Sk on April 23rd, 2021.

Neil was predeceased by his parents James and Dorothy (Fieldsend), his in-laws Ross and Marjorie Carter.

Neil leaves to mourn his wife Rosanne (Susie). He also leaves brother Denis (Ellen) and their children Eric (Grace) and family, Kyla, his brother Floyd (Cheryl) and their children Kristopher (Sonia) and family, Laurel (Gage Huber) and family.

Neil was raised on the family farm east of Kipling and often reminisced about the adventures he had in his youth. He did all of the typical things a young farm boy did like riding horses, playing with his dog Katie, visiting his uncle Roy and family who’s farm yard was very close by and driving tractors years before he was old enough to have a drivers license. Neil had a very strong bond with his    parents. His upbringing and rural roots were evident in his strong work ethic, nothing was ever done half way, and he liked to be busy. Neil was quite a bit younger than his brothers, and recalls going to Montreal with his parents to see Denis, Neil recalls doing so during Expo 67. Neil went to school in Kipling and after graduation continued on with full time employment at Leggett’s Store. Neil also enjoyed playing hockey, he was a goalie and his idle was Ken Dryden. Neil played for a number of years for the Kipling Rec. team. Neil also enjoyed playing ball and golf, he played many rounds of golf at the Windthorst course with his Uncle Roy and many friends. Neil was also a very good    billiards player, many noon hours playing at the pool hall. Neil liked to be busy and many hours were spent helping family with projects like shingling with Floyd, or building and fixing stuff with his friends Earl Kovach and Dale and Norma and family. Neil and his family and friends often   reminisced about the many mishaps etc., while doing some of these projects, like the time the ladder blew over and left Floyd and Neil stranded on the roof while shingling at Floyd’s. Neil was an avid hunter, and an excellent shot, he loved to be in the valley. Neil also enjoyed many hours camping and visiting with Floyd, Cheryl and the kids, and Dale and Norma and the kids. Neil also liked to cook, was very good at it and enjoyed sharing this talent with friends and family.

Neil met Susie in Kipling in the early 1990’s. Susie was new to Kipling and worked across the street from Leggett’s. Neil and Susie soon moved to Spy Hill and Neil began a long career with the  Rocanville Co-op. In 1992 Neil and Susie married and purchased a home in Spy Hill. Neil and Susie both continued full time work and took an active role on the Carter farm, working in the field and doing chores. Neil also enjoyed snowmobiling and riding his Honda ATV.

Neil was well known for taking the time to talk, visit and help customers at the store.

All who knew Neil, also know that he was a man who didn’t concern himself with material possessions or the newest and best of everything. Neil was very comfortable with a modest home, his GM truck, and was happy to make do with fixing and tinkering.

Neil retired from the Rocanville Co-op in the fall of 2019. Neil spent hours in his old GM truck  touring about, looking at the scenery and the wildlife. He liked the rural life, and stayed true to his rural roots.

Neil’s family is very thankful for the support and friendship that Neil had with Allan and Donna Hartell. Neil will be deeply missed by Atkinson family, Carter family and his many friends and neighbours.