It is with great sadness that we must announce the death of ATKINSON, Owen David of Wedgeport, who passed away on January 8, 2026, at Veteran’s Place, Yarmouth. Born in Clark’s Harbour in 1923, Owen would have been 103 on January 19, 2026.

The son of the late Russell Levi and Philomène (DeViller) Atkinson, Owen is himself survived by three sons: Brad (Susan) Atkinson, Wedgeport; Philip (Rejeanne) Atkinson, Plymouth; James “Royden” (Thea) Atkinson, Plymouth, as well as grand daughter, Brittany Atkinson (Chad Cottreau) and great grandchildren, Vivian and William.

He leaves behind his sisters, Rose Marie Surette, Wedgeport; Rose Emma Fox, Wedgeport; Corinne MacKenzie, Yarmouth; Eleonora d’Entremont, Wedgeport; Agnes Robicheau, Yarmouth.

Owen was predeceased by his step mother Jennie Marie (Cottreau) Atkinson; wife, Marie Agnes (LeBlanc) Atkinson; son, Gregory Alan Atkinson; brothers, Warren James, Warren Andrew, Chester, and Felton.

Those who knew Owen knew a strong-hearted man whose life was shaped by the sea, family, and the church. Having lost his mother when he was eleven, he was pulled out of school the following year to fish with his father as a means to help support the family. When, a few years later, he was called to serve his country, training as a Royal Canadian Engineer, and later as a heavy truck driver, he was again summoned home to help support his brothers and sisters without having the chance to serve overseas.

After the war, he bought a lobster license for twenty-five cents, and took a skiff out onto the ocean. In an age before guided electronics and long range forecasts, he was acutely in touch with the variances of tide and weather, and used this skill to become a successful and well-respected lobster fisherman.

Drawn to the outdoors and nature, he filled his spare time at Ellenwood Park with his young family, an activity he continued to enjoy for over thirty years with his wife Agnes and community of close camping friends.

And when he wasn’t fishing or camping, Owen wiled away many contented hours in his shed, piddling from morning till dusk on small projects or entertaining himself in a chair with a pocket knife and a piece of wood.

He was also an avid pool player and gardener, as well as a proud lifetime member of the Wedgeport Legion Branch 155 from the time of its inception. Later, he earned fourth degree membership in the Knights of Columbus.

In his 100th year, Owen was able to make a last annual trip to his beloved Deep Cove Island, a place he always called home from the time he was relocated there at the age of one.

In his long life, he filled each day with joy and enjoyment with both family and friends, taking delight in his granddaughter and great-grandchildren. He remained well-respected and well-liked by his community.

Funeral arrangements for Owen are under the care and direction of Huskilson’s Funeral Home, 29 Albert Street, Yarmouth. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in St. Ambrose Co-Cathedral Church, Yarmouth. The reception will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Wedgeport, following the Burial in St. Michaels Catholic Cemetery, Wedgeport.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to the staff and nurses of Veteran’s Place in Yarmouth, who provided Owen not just with exceptional, loving care, but an environment that he felt at home in.

They also greatly appreciate Dr. Webster’s experience and guidance with his health and well-being.

Donations in memory of Owen can be made to the Gilles Boudreau and Friends Cancer Help Fund.