ATKINSON, Keith Sydney Atkinson

 Passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5^th, 2025, in Kitchener, Ontario at the age of 85 – or in his words, “my 86^th year”. He was surrounded by his family and gazing lovingly into his wife’s eyes with a gentle smile on his face.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan, of 50 years; his children, Heather (Timothy), Craig (Kimberly) and Amy (Greg). Cherished Poppy of grandchildren, Tristan, Mason, Grace, Freyja, and Liam. Canadian brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and cousin to his dear family in England. He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley S. and Myrtle Atkinson (nee Gehring), many close family members and life-long friends.

Keith was born in East York, Toronto, on September 28^th, 1940. His childhood and adolescence were spent with long-time friends in the Danforth area, helping at his Father’s British fish & chip restaurant (The Fry Basket) on Yonge Street, and enjoying many fond summers at the family farm in Nanticoke, Ontario. These memorable stories he shared well into later life.

Keith attended East York Collegiate and Ryerson Polytechnic University for Electrical Engineering and Accounting. He had a successful career as an Accountant in the Finance Department of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) for 32 years. While at the TTC, Keith met Susan over a typewriter in 1973, and it was love at first sight. Soon came marriage in 1975 and the beginning of his treasured family life in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Following an early retirement at 53 years young, Keith, Susan and family moved to Kitchener to help support his children’s post-secondary education. To keep busy, he worked part-time as a Crossing Guard to help young children get home safe and sound.

Keith enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially hockey. As an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan, he spent many Saturday nights watching Hockey Night in Canada with a cold beer. Also, he was a proud supporter of Newcastle United FC to pay tribute to his Father’s heritage and the Toronto Argonauts. He had many life pleasures and hobbies spanning classic cars, including his 1940 Plymouth Deluxe sedan, gardening, reading, country music, fishing, Sunday church services, visits with family and friends, road trips, and cottaging.

Keith was a family-man through and through, always putting his family’s needs first. He led with honour, dignity, strong principals, charity and chivalry – a true gentleman and inspiring Freemason. He will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

Special thanks to the many doctors, nurses, care partners and friends over the years that helped Keith battle his Parkinsons Disease.

A Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., with a Funeral Service in the funeral home’s chapel at 2:00 p.m. A Reception will immediately follow in the Fireside Reception Room. Interment will take place at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 2700 Kingston Rd, Scarborough on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

Condolences for the family or donations to Parkinsons Canada, Food Bank of Waterloo Region, or Honorary Trees by Grand River Conservation Authority, may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.