Robert Craig Atkinson went home to be with his Gracious Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 7th, 2021. He was 74 years old and a faithful servant to Jesus Christ his entire life. Craig (as he was best known by his friends and family) had a genuine commitment to and love for God’s Word. He pursued Truth with all of his heart, mind, and soul and with every breath he gave constant praise and thanks to His Heavenly Father, taking every opportunity to share the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s saving work on the cross with everyone he met. Craig was truly happiest when he was writing poems and stories or coming up with a new song on his keyboard or guitar. He loved great music, old movies, and reading good books, but most of all he loved his family. The stories that he told and retold about growing up in New Kensington with his wonderful parents - Robert A. Atkinson and Margaret Ruth Adams-Atkinson - and his brothers R. Kim Atkinson (Peggy), D. Kris Atkinson, D. Kevin Atkinson (Johanna) and his sister whom he adored Kathleen-Gail Atkinson (his sweet Katrinka) brought him much happiness and were a source of much laughter and entertainment at the many family gatherings that he loved to host. But Craig would be the first one to tell you that the best years of his life were spent living in Saltsburg, working on the railroad and providing for his family whom he loved and cherished for so many years. He often said that he was the most blessed man that he ever new and that nobody had more fun than he had throughout his lifetime.
He was an amazing father to his three children – Jennifer L. Mesick (Brian), Robert C. Atkinson, Jr. (April), and Amy R. Hutchinson (Brian). He was a loving grandfather to his eleven grandchildren – Brianna, Steven, Alicia, Lacey, Robbie III, Kylee, Kolton, Mark, Ashleigh, Mia, and Matthew and great grandchildren – Rylie, Chase, Jude, and Tanner. Craig was also known as a fun-loving uncle by numerous, beloved nieces and nephews. He was gifted by God with an enormous and generous heart and he supported many local charities and even made regular donations to those less fortunate.
Craig was loved by many people, but most importantly He was loved by God and loved Him with all of his heart. Our hearts are broken to lose such a generous, joy-filled man filled with deep and abiding love for the Lord and his family and friends, but we give thanks knowing that he is face to face with our Lord Jesus Christ and that we will see him again. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you make a contribution to any of the charities that Craig so faithfully supported. Some of his favorites are St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Ravi Zacchiarias ministries, The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and the local Salvation Army of your choice. John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."
Viewing will be from 10 AM until time of service at 12 PM on Tuesday, January 12, 2020 in the Ross G. Walker Funeral Home Ltd., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. A memorial service celebrating Craig's life will be announced at a later date.
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