Donald J. Atkinson, a longtime Moscow resident, died February 9, 2010 in Richland, WA. Don was 77.

Don was born June 1, 1931 on a farm a few miles out of Avon, ID to John (Jack) and Sadie (Taylor) Atkinson.  When he was about 5 years old they moved to Gifford, ID where his dad farmed for several years, and most of Don’s schooling was in the Old Gifford School.  His family moved to another farm which put Don in the Lapwai school district where he graduated.  Don worked on the family farm from the time he was big enough to see over the steering wheel of trucks, tractors or anything he happened to be operating.  They always had several cows to milk and Don used to tell many stories about caring for the livestock, whether it was cows, horses, pigs or chickens.

Don attended the University of Idaho for a time before joining the Army in 1952.  He spent several months on the front lines of Korea which he rarely talked about.  When he was 12 years old, Betty Jean Coddington’s parents who also farmed, moved nest door to the Atkinson’s.  Betty was 6 and after the families became friends, Don started babysitting Betty and her younger brother.  Don and Betty were married in 1955 and Don always jokingly said he probably had the longest babysitting job ever!

Don and Betty moved to Moscow in 1959 and Don started farming for Stanton Bursch.  After 16 years with Stanton, he went to work at the University of Idaho as a power plant lead man where he was employed for 14 years.

Shortly before retiring, Don joined the Moose Lodge in Moscow where he became involved with the daily operations of the Lodge, helping to prepare many meals and eventually was voted in as Governor. Don was an avid gardener, and was very proud of his yard.

Later, Don and Betty moved to the Tri-Cities where they have lived since.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Duane J. Atkinson and a sister, Jean Ann Messinger.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Betty, at their home in Pasco, WA, daughter, Yvonne Childs of Yakima, WA, son, Tom and his wife Norma of Pasco, son David and his wife Vickie of Eltopia, WA, son Jim and his wife Mariah of Princeton, ID, and daughter Donna and her husband Duwayne Vickery of Ephrata, WA.  Don also leaves sixteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and a sister, Phyllis (Randy) Weller of Lewiston.

A graveside service is planned for June 26, 2010 at the Moscow Cemetery, followed by a potluck picnic at East City Park.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Moscow Ambulance Fund.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel, Moscow and online condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.