1933 – 2024
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Norman Atkinson on December 22nd, 2024.
Born in Kent, England, and growing up in Cambridge, he developed a lifelong love of music and aviation. After his national service in the Medical Corps, he began his career in the airline industry.
In the late 1950s, he accepted a position at the Dar es Salaam Airport, East Africa, where he met the love of his life, our mother, Joy. In 1973, the family moved from Reading, England to Dorval, Quebec, where Norman continued his career in the aviation industry, retiring as a partner at Porter Enterprises.
In retirement, Norman and Joy traveled to many interesting areas of the world, including Turkey, Tunisia, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Columbia, and many others. Norman and Joy were happily married for almost 60 years, until her passing in 2017.
Norman’s love of music touched many lives. He made lasting friendships with both local musicians and visiting international organists whose concerts he recorded in several of Montreal’s historic venues, and continued to support and correspond with them for decades after. The number of ‘thank you’ letters he received from the organ community throughout the world is a testament to the genuine, thoughtful impact that Norman made on so many.
Norman is survived by his children Julia (Neil), Richard, Neil (Nancy) and by his grandchildren Alasdair (Janelle), Cameron, Carlyn, and James.
A celebration of life will be held at J.C. Cardinal Funeral Home, Dorval, on February 16th from 2:00PM to 4:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to the Old Brewery Mission.
3 Comments
Dear Neil and family,
Sending you again my deepest condolences to you and your family, relatives, friends on the passing of your Dad. May Norman RIP in Heaven with his beloved wife Joy.
Loreta and family
Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family. May God give you strength through the difficult days ahead.
My deepest sympathies to all of Mr. Atkinson’s family & friends on the passing of such a wonderful man. I have many fond moments of Norman & Joy from Concerts Lachine as he recorded the many concerts, especially the organ concerts . May his memory bring his loved ones peace and comfort.
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