Obituary of Joseph "Joe" Atkinson

Atkinson, Joseph "Joe" It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear father, Joseph on Thursday, September 15, 2016. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Eleanor "Ellie", last November after almost 65 years together. Greatly missed by his kids, Larry & Judy, Ron & Phil, Tim & Lori, Amber & Paul Hoy and their families, and by Ellie's family, Elfa & Bud Coulter, Carol & Bob Rahm and Marge Anderson. Fondly remembered by his special lifelong friends, Larry & Georgean Sinclair, who rarely missed a week visiting him after he moved into Copper Terrace and as well as many other friends and family. Now silent, the sound of his wonderful singing voice, which he didn't pass down, lives on in our memories. Dad was born in Merlin, in the same house he lived in for most of his life. His birth mother was Agnes Wright, but he was raised by his aunts and grandparents from age 3. Even though their religion didn't allow dancing, dad was drawn to it. He later met and married his "Ginger Rogers." He and Ellie twirled their way across many a dance floor, from here to Miami. Besides his love for Ellie, family and dance, his other passion was stock car racing. He raced for many years in Ontario and the U.S., and in 1971, along with many friends and family, built Raleigh Raceway Park (South Buxton Raceway). He spent many hours, after his shifts at International, building and fine tuning race cars with his 3 sons, as well as maintaining and managing the track. He retired from International in 1981 after 30 years as a lift truck mechanic. After retiring, he brought his mechanical genius to Luken & later Cove Marina, where he worked on boats for almost 20 years. His knowledge & skill were highly sought after. He and mom loved spending time at their place in Daytona Beach where many weary travelers camped out for a night or two. Over the years they made many friends, one who traded use of his model A for dad's expertise. He loved cruising around in that car, which reminded him of the one he owned when he met mom. Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, ON, on Monday, September 19, 2016 from 2-4 p.m and 7-9 p.m. There will be a Celebration of his Life held at the Merlin Community Hall on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 3 p.m. Interment in Merlin Cemetery at a later date. Donations to the Parkinson's Society, in his memory, would be greatly appreciated. A heartfelt thanks for the kindness showed to our family during dad's hospital stay. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com