Wayne Thomas Atkinson was born on July 5, 1946 in Watrous, Sask to Thomas and Muriel Atkinson. He attended Lyndhurst country school and then chose farming as his life-long career. Wayne worked hard all his life and derived pride and joy from both the grain and cattle aspects of his farming operation. After the death of their father, Wayne and his brother Lawrence continued to operate the family farm. Although Wayne’s health had taken a toll on his physical abilities in the past few years, his passion for farming never wavered and he remained active in his farming operation until his sudden passing. Near and dear to Wayne was his sister, brothers, nieces and nephews. Wayne also had a very tender heart and love for animals, especially dogs. Seldom was Wayne to be seen driving down a country road without one or more dogs as his co-pilots. Heidi, a red heeler, was Wayne’s special companion for many years. After Heidi lost her eyesight when she was relatively young, Wayne took exceptional care of her until she passed away of old age. Wayne was a very private person who loved the country, enjoying the simple things in life. He had a great sense of humour and always enjoyed sharing a story with family or close friends. Wayne passed away peacefully at Royal University Hospital on September 19, 2011 with his family at his side. He was predeceased by his father, Thomas, in 1985, his mother, Muriel, in 2010, and a brother in infancy in 1952. Wayne leaves to mourn his passing his brothers, Douglas (Yvette) and Lawrence, his sister Heather (Scott) Martin, nieces Erin (Craig) Collins, Kelsey and Kailey Atkinson, nephews Terry (Wanda) Martin, Craig (Natasha) Martin, Graham (Jessie) Atkinson, great nieces and nephews Blake, Maddi and Wade Martin, Tyson Collins, and Riel Atkinson.