Chesley Atkins
August 5, 1932 to August 23, 2024
Obituary
In the early morning hours of Friday, August 23rd Chesley Atkins, a dear friend to all who knew him, passed peacefully away from a brief illness. On this occasion he was quietly and peacefully promoted to glory to be forever with the Lord.
August 5th, he celebrated his 92nd birthday, an honor he felt delighted to attain. In his younger days Ches was quite a sports enthusiast and played baseball with the Guard’s Athletic Association. Even a few days ago it was difficult to get him away from watching a Baseball game. He was a member for over 50 years of the Regatta Committee and attended each event with great pride.
To say he will be missed among his many friends and family would be an understatement. Especially by his A&W morning coffee buddies and those of his longtime friends at the St. John’s Salvation Army Temple, where he worshiped. Many years ago, at a men’s camp in Musgrave town Ches knelt and committed the rest of his days to the God he loved and worshipped.
He is predeceased by his parents Clement and Mary Atkins (Earles); his wife Margaret Atkins (Melendy); and his first wife Dorothy Atkins (Benson).
Mourning his loss are his stepdaughters Eva Branton (Keith), and Dawn Drodge (Tony); step-grandchildren Ryan & Stephanie (Mario), Chase and AJ; brothers-in-law Gerald (Ruth) Benson, Tom (Shirley) Benson; along with his special friends Peter Kelsey, Cecil Thorne, Dave and Rose Ivany, and Winse and Cora Dodge. Also leaving behind are nephew Rob Hellings (Trudy); great nieces Chelsea and Lindsey; and great nephew Rory.
Ches also had a large circle of family and friends, that will miss him dearly.
Carnell’s Funeral Home has been entrusted with Funeral arrangements.
The visitation will be on Wednesday, August 28th from 2-4 pm & 7-9 pm, as well as Thursday, August 29th from 2-4 pm & 7-9 pm at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road.
The funeral service will be held at the St. John’s Salvation Army Temple, 101 Torbay Road, on Friday, August 30th at 10.30 am.
Interment to follow at the Salvation Army Cemetery, Blackmarsh Road.
Flowers graciously accepted or a donation in Ches’ name can be made to the Salvation Army Temple Band (Torbay Road).
Please note: Carnell’s Funeral Home is a nut-free building, due to a staff member with a severe allergy. Thank you for your cooperation.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4pm & 7-9pm on August 28, 2024
2-4pm & 7-9pm on August 29, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
10:30am, Friday August 30th
Salvation Army Temple (Torbay Road)
Internment to follow at Salvation Army Cemetery on Blackmarsh Road.
To the Atkins family
I was sorry to hear of Ches’ passing. I met Ches for the first time when I was in my teens in the mid sixties. Rob lived across the street from my Aunt Joan on Field Street. Ches would frequent as many of us would George Cook’s store and there would be a lot of good natured ribbing going on in the store especially if the Leafs got the best of the Habs. Ches and I were Habs fans and Mr.Cook and many of his buddies were not so that led to a lot of teasing and a good many laughs.. Those times I miss and I will never forget them.
I’m sure Ches is now at peace in his heavenly home.
God watch over you all.
I first met Ches when I was about 17 or 18 years old working at Sobeys over 50 years ago. He was a true gentleman who treated everybody with respect and as an equal. May he rest in peace.
Fred Robbins
Our sincere sympathy to all family members. Ches was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Clyde, Sylvia & Keith Pretty
To the Family of Ches. Sincere condolences on his passing, a true Gentleman, who lived his life on the Christian Principle, Do unto others as you would have them do on to you. I met Ches more than 55 years ago, when he was associated with The Guards Athletic Association. When I was invited to join The Royal St John’s Regatta Committee in 1981, Ches was the perfect mentor and his advice on all matters was freely given. He will be missed and fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched. God Bless.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Ches was always there to greet you as we walked into the temple doors. We came to know him as a very active in the church. He will surely be missed.
I have many fond memories of the youth group being hosted by Ches and Dot Atkins. They loved the youth of our corps and actively encouraged us as we grew up and had families of our own. I hope that you get to hear Dad play for you in heaven.
My sincere condolences to family and friends. Ches sponsored me into the Royal St. John’s Regatta in 1999, I am forever grateful for this. He was a gentleman and well respected. I had the privilege of knowing him in the food industry as well.My prayers and thoughts are with you all .
Our Sincere Condolences to all
Family & Friends:
Lo & Shirley Hindy
Our Sincere Condolences to all
Family & Friends:
Lo & Shirley Hindy
Condolences to his family
Our condolences to all family & friends of Ches.Atkins.
Sincerely
Dave & Sylvia Hudson
Condolences to Chess’s families, he was a great man and friend to all , he will be missed.
Peter