Frank Atkinson passed away surrounded by his family on July 15, 2023 after a three year battle with pancreatic cancer. Of his accomplishments, Frank was most proud of his family who were his greatest joy and the center of his life. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He was born on March 7, 1955 to Dick and Dorothy Atkinson, who preceded him in death. He grew up in Des Moines, WA and later attended The Evergreen State College earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Later he attended Western Washington University where he received a BA in Music Education.

He taught music and orchestra in Spokane at Gonzaga Prep before earning a Masters in School Administration from the University of Washington. Over the next 30 years Frank served as a Principal at Oak Harbor Middle School, Mukilteo Middle School, Chinook Middle School (Bellevue), and Frontier Middle School (Moses Lake). Frank's career culminated at the Mount Vernon School District, where he served as Director of Curriculum and Professional Development until his retirement.

Frank was a person of character and integrity. He will forever be missed by his family, friends and colleagues for his intelligence, kindness, humor, and the joy and love he brought to life.

Frank taught, inspired, and mentored many individuals in his professional career in education. He was a man of many talents; a musician playing saxophone and clarinet, a gifted photographer, and a true craftsman and artist in his woodworking. Frank not only built many pieces of custom furniture, but also designed and built many of his own custom woodworking tools for his shop. He loved reading, history, the arts, as well a talking sports and was an avid UW Husky and Seahawk fan.

Frank is survived by his family who he deeply loved, his loving wife, Suellen Atkinson, his daughter Christina Atkinson, son Tim Atkinson, and was the proud Papa of his granddaughter Aurora Mason, all of whom held a special place in his heart. In addition, Frank is survived by his brothers Richard (Sarah) Atkinson, John (Gail) Atkinson, as well as many cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

The memory of how he lived his life will forever be in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Frank Atkinson's memory to either:

The Virginia Mason Pancreaticobiliary Cancer Research Fund:

Virginia Mason Pancreaticobiliary Cancer Research Fund: - Attn: Dr. Vincent Picozzi

Virginia Mason Medical Center

Mailstop Buck 2

1100 9th Ave

Seattle Wa 98111

Or

Skagit Valley College Champions of Diversity Scholarship Fund:

In Memory of Frank Atkinson Champions of Diversity

SVC Foundation

2405 East College Way

Mount Vernon, WA 98273