Demack Atkinson Jr. Obituary (1924 - 2022)

Dad was born in Bremerton WA on March 9, 1924 to DeMack and Susie Atkinson. He was the second youngest of ten children. Dad attended Central Kitsap High School in Silverdale. In 1942 he left school and joined the Navy for WWII. Shortly after returning, Dad met Irene Suder at a dance in the old grange in Kingston. Six months later they were married in Chelan, WA on July 28, 1946. He was called up serve in the Korean War, this time in the Air Force and left our Mom to care for us. On his return, he spent his career working for Boeing. Dad and Mom lived on Vashon Island for sixty plus years. They raised a son Mack III and Daughter Jan on the island. He loved the saltwater and boating. Dad boated most of his life and with Mom they vacationed every summer in the San Juan and Gulf Islands for thirty-seven years. They were life members of the Quartermaster Yacht Club. Dad loved to fish, dig clams, shuck oysters, and catch crab. He hung his hat on priding himself on being a good fisherman. It really was his calling card. After boating, they RV'd for years crossing the US and as snowbirds in the SW. After moving off of Vashon Island, Dad and Mom lived with Bob and Jan before moving into Sound Vista Village, an assisted living facility in Gig Harbor. They celebrated their seventy fifth wedding anniversary in July 2021. Besides Mack and Jan, Dad had an ongoing interest in his grandchildren and spouses as well as his great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his mother, father, and all of his nine siblings. Surviving relatives include son Mack and Glenda, daughter Jan and Bob Martin, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was the nicest, kindest, father/man anyone could know. The family would like to thank Sound Vista Village and Hospice for their care. A celebration of life will be held February 3, 2023, at the Port Orchard Yacht Club from 1-4 pm.