Richard Atkinson

Richard Atkinson of Caro, age 86, passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Dick was born October 18, 1935 in Owosso, the son of the late Elmer & Martha (Thelen) Atkinson. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Harrison, where he graduated from high school with the class of 1953. Dick furthered his education at Central Michigan University and was one of the school's first wrestlers, graduating in 1957 with a Master of Education degree. Most of his working years were spent as a junior high school history teacher with Akron-Fairgrove Schools in a career that spanned thirty-eight years. Dick was also passionate about advancing Akron-Fairgrove athletics and spent thirty years as the school's varsity football coach and over twenty years as the junior high track coach. He was an avid University of Michigan fan and enjoyed playing golf, reading, and visiting the Caro Area District Library. He and Judy also spent many years traveling the country by bus and enjoying parties with family and friends. Dick was a gentle soul, always ready with a story, and was available anytime for his grandchildren. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly thirty years, Judy K. Atkinson of Caro; two children and their spouses, Kathy & Peter Winters of Bay City, Nancy & Brian Bondarenko of Arizona; two step-children, Craig & Kerrie Stout of Lapeer, Mark Stout of Lapeer; nine grandchildren and their spouses, Lauren Bondarenko of Texas, Alec Bondarenko of Arizona, Jacob & Ramanda Stout of Caro, Josh Stout of Caro, Cameron & Jackie Plowman of Lapeer, Juliana & Joel Lowe of Holly, Rocky & Ally Stout of Lake Orion, Logan & Shana Stout of Richland, Krystal Headley of Houghton Lake; nine great-grandchildren, Colton and Cadence Stout, Gavin and Gibson Lowe, Quinn Plowman, Norah, Henry, and Evelyn Stout, Declan Headley; two siblings and their spouses, Jan & Dave Paul of Beaver Island, Jim & Alma Atkinson of Florida; sister-in-law, Barb Atkinson of Holt; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Atkinson, Tom Atkinson and his wife, Judy. In keeping with Dick's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro. Burial will follow at a later date at Rich Township Cemetery in Mayville. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to make donations to Judy Atkinson to be distributed to Great Start Tuscola Imagination Library or the Caro Area District Library. Visitation Information Date: Saturday, November 13, 2021 Time: 2:00 pm End Time: 7:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro.