In memory of Bob Atkinson

Remembering Bob …


Bob passed away peacefully on 24 February 2017 in Ajijic, Mexico, at the age of 66.

He was born and raised in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Bob was the elder brother to Carol, his only sister. He graduated from Dalhousie University.

Though highly analytical, Bob was a creative soul with a passion for music and performance, science fiction, emerging media and great food paired with great wine.

He shared these passions by playing in bands and then nurturing new talent, contributing original music to his friend Jeanne Robinson’s dance choreography, serving as a scientific and speculative sounding board for Spider Robinson’s fiction, founding the science fiction convention Halcon, collaborating with Sarah Jackson on her xerox art, and helping Nova Scotia spots like the Blomidon Inn build an impressive wine list.

Bob cared passionately about how digital tools and platforms were shaping our world. He taught at St. Mary’s University before building a successful consulting career in the advertising and marketing, newspaper, publishing and online learning industries. He advised his clients on offline and online strategies as digital innovation disrupted these sectors.

In his own world, of course, there was only one platform. Bob was an avowed Apple devotee and had one of the first Macs in Canada.

Bob travelled widely for his work and loved to spend time in New York, his favourite city above all.

To his friends, Bob packed a lot of living into his day to day world, but always had time to share his knowledge and advise colleagues and friends alike.

In 2014, Bob moved from Halifax to Mexico, where he enjoyed the temperate climate, painting the astonishing scenery and the range of good Riojas and Malbecs. He was sorry to leave his blue and gold macaw, Stanley, behind after almost 25 years, but thrilled to have found a new home for him before moving.

In Mexico, Bob and his partner Sue Garnhum made many friends and he was active in the Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club, serving as their Public Relations Chairman.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Jim and Olive (Ollie) Atkinson, of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Besides his sister Carol and partner Sue, he leaves a wide circle of friends that remember his encyclopaedic knowledge and generosity.

Bob’s passing has left Sue with major unexpected costs since his medical care and other expenses were not covered by insurance or savings. Since Bob’s passing, Sue has continued to look for work, and moved into a small one-room apartment to ease her financial burden. All funds will be first directed to these expenses. Any additional funds will be entrusted with Sue, who not only lost her partner but her income source, since she worked  with Bob.

I hope that everyone will remember Bob fondly, and raise a glass of wine to celebrate his life!  Thank you!