Tom Atkins, VE3CDM (SK)

Former ARRL Canadian Division Director and IARU Region 2 President Tom Atkins, VE3CDM, passed away Tuesday, September 18. He was 81. Atkins was the last Director of the ARRL's Canadian Division before the Canadian Radio Relay League (CRRL), a predecessor to the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC), began to operate independently in 1988. He served as ARRL Director from September 20, 1982-January 1, 1988.

Atkins also served as President of IARU Region 2 for two three-year terms, 1995-2001, after holding every other office in Region 2 -- Treasurer, Secretary and Vice President -- in succession between 1983 and 1995. He also served on the IARU Administrative Council and as an IARU Expert Consultant.

According to his children, Atkins' proudest accomplishments occurred in the world of Amateur Radio, not only serving on the international front, but in Canada in various Ontario ham radio organizations. He led the communications team on the Canadian side of the joint Canada-USSR trans-polar ski trek in 1988, leading to a number of lasting international friendships. In recognition of his many years of service to all these various organizations and initiatives, Atkins was elected Canadian Amateur of the Year in 1991 by his fellow hams, and was named to the Radio Amateurs of Canada Hall of Fame in 2003.

IARU Vice President and fellow Canadian Tim Ellam, VE6SH, said, "Tom was a mentor to many amateurs, especially those who worked with the CRRL in the late 1980s. He encouraged me to become involved with the Canadian Radio Relay League and the IARU, and was very helpful to me personally when I became General Counsel of the CRRL. Tom will be sorely missed."

A memorial service to celebrate Atkins' life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 22 at St Matthew The Apostle Oriole Anglican Parish, 80 George Henry Blvd, North York, Ontario, with refreshments to follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Atkins' memory be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Alzheimer Society of Canada or St Matthew The Apostle Oriole Parish.

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