Retired firefighter Roy Atkinson dies at 85
A friend says Roy Atkinson Jr. will be remembered in Rancho Murieta as “the old guy with the little red truck.” Mr. Atkinson, who worked as a firefighter in Southern California before moving to Rancho Murieta in 1991, died Wednesday at age 85.
Mr. Atkinson served in the Navy during World War II. He met his wife of 57 years, Patricia McKinney Atkinson, during this time, and they had two sons.
He joined the Los Angeles fire department in 1956 and served 26 years, advancing from firefighter to captain. He later worked as a fire safety officer for several movie studios.
In retirement in Rancho Murieta, Mr. Atkinson enjoyed his dogs, driving around the Gold Country and shopping in Jackson.
He was a Mason for more than 50 years.
He is survived by his sons, Roy Atkinson of Warden, Wash., and Lt. Col. Donald Atkinson of Yorktown, Va.; his brother, Tom, of Plano, Texas, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his good friend, Erin Reed of Rancho Murieta; his sister-in-law, Georgia Froman of Tucson, Ariz., nieces, nephews and many friends.
Services will be held 1 p.m. Monday at Denari Mortuary, 415 Broadway, Jackson.
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I know your wife was everything to you, and you felt that your life was so empty when she passed away. I was always happy to hear your stories of your life with her and how much she meant to you. I am proud to have known you, and I was always happy to help you with all your postal needs, filling out your paperwork, and the such, and to just be there for you to have someone to talk to.
I appreciated that time you took me to lunch with you in Plymouth. And that you shared so many stories about your military life and your career. And I appreciate your confidence in me to be your friend, too. You made me feel like a son to you over the years. I'm sure you came to see me just about every other week, even if it was just to pick up your mail, and wave "hello" to me.
Take care, my friend. May God welcome you with open arms. Again, I am proud to have known you.
Roy, my cross streight neighbor and I hope friend.
Admire your spirit. Early on (some 10 years ago), when we dropped the development petition at your door, and later returned for signature pickup, you queried "Somebody dropped this here and I don't know what the hell this is all about. Your wife in the background was heard to say "Roy, these are good guys and just sign the damn thing", which you did, and thanked us for looking out for you. Later, when you had your classic Silver Streak RV trailer alongside your house from storage for upkeep, you told me " Been around the U.S. in this damned thing and gotta' sell it since my kids just have no respect for what it is". Then got into a discussion about L.A. Fire Department from whence (LA) I much earlier came, and family affiliation with military. Roy, you won me over. We need many more like you. Farewell my friend. T.