Obituary of Robert J. Atkinson

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Bob passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.  Bob fought a long and courageous battle with cancer and even through this very tough time he managed to keep his positivity and keen sense of humour.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, best friend and soul mate Mary (Taylor).  He is survived by his daughters Judy (Ted) Stratas and Janice Frank) Cook; his grandchildren Matthew (Helen), Greg (Jess), Shannon (Brett), Bryan (Sarah), Chris (Tara) and Ashleigh (Brad); his great grandchildren Hope, Carter, Easton, Daniel, Ava and Isabel and his sister Phyllis (Gord) Leslie.  He will also be missed by the Taylor Family Anne, Maureen, Mark (Gloria), Lorraine, John and Karen.  Bob was fortunate enough to be surrounded by the love of many nieces and nephews. 

Bob was predeceased by his parents Charles & Celena (Dale) Atkinson and his brother Dale (Marilyn) as well as The Taylor family Jack & Arvella (Powell), Michael, Carmen and Kevin.

Bob’s love for his family and friends was first and foremost.  He always encouraged people to be the best they could be and to fully reach their potential.

Although Bob did not have a lot of free time, when he did he loved tinkering with antique and classic cars, boating and being on the water, travel and dining out with family and friends.

Bob had an amazing career.  Most of it spent in the high tech industry, where he held many different executive rolls. He ended his career as Chairman and CEO of Lumonics Inc. as well as  a board member of other high tech companies.  Bob spent 27 years at Lumonics acquiring companies and building the company to be bigger and better.  It was not just a business it was a family. Bob never stopped mentoring in both his business and his personal life. 

He will be dearly missed by so many, all who knew him or interacted with him. What greater tribute could there be to a man.

A very special thank you to Mary’s sister Anne Taylor, her niece Erin Walsh and nephews Matthew Walsh and Ryan Taylor (Emily).  We were truly blessed to have your love and support over the past five years and especially the past few months. 

We would also like to thank Dr. Canil, Dr. Oake and Dr.Tiberi for their support in Bob’s determination to beat the prognosis given to him, which he did.  A very special thank you to Dr. Jennings, Dr. Spacek and Dr. Capello as well as the nursing staff from Home Community Care for their kindness, compassion and assistance in helping Bob spend his final days comfortably at home. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Pinecrest Visitation Centre, 2500 Baseline Road. If friends desire, memorial donations made to the Ottawa Hospital, Irving Greenberg Cancer Centre would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at colefuneralservices.com.