In Memory of Gary Atkinson

On the evening of October 7th we lost my father, Gary Atkinson, to a long and hard-fought battle with COPD and Pulmonary Hypertension. 

My father was born on August 26, 1956, in Melton Mowbray, U.K. Despite his upbringing on the other side of the pond, my dad felt most at home on his little slice of America with us, his family, in New Castle, Colorado. 

The many people who knew him may remember him as charismatic, funny, stubborn, and more often than not, the smartest guy in the room. But, above all, he was a loving husband and a devoted father, and his passing has undoubtedly left a huge hole in all of our lives. 

However, in part to complications from COPD and Pulmonary Hypertension, my father's capacity to work was severely limited after his diagnosis six years ago. My mother has struggled ever since then to serve as the sole breadwinner for our household. 

The amount asked for is the price of cremation. In doing all the things one has to do when saying goodbye to a loved one, my mom hasn't had much time or energy to work. This, in combination with the ceasing of income from my father, has made finances tighter than usual. It is my hope that through this campaign that the financial burden posed upon my mother can be lessened as she says goodbye to her husband and best friend. 

 As my mother is a proud woman, I'd like to keep the bulk of this fundraiser a secret. All money raised through this campaign will go to me, Lisa, given to my mother in a lump sum after one week. Any additional funds will be donated to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs.