In Memory

Gordon Campbell Atkinson Sr - Class Of 1933

Gordon Campbell Atkinson Sr

Gordon Campbell Atkinson, 88, of Corona del Mar, a men's clothing retailer, died September 30, 2002, of renal failure. 

Daughter, Melanie La Pointe (SPHS '62) ; sons, Gordon Jr. ('56), Howarth; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

Orange County Register, October 3, 2002

*******************************************

Gordon Campbell Atkinson, Sr (April 12, 1914 - September 30, 2002) was the seventh (and youngest) child of Ralph and Alice Barnett Atkinson. Gordy attended South Pasadena High School and college in Monmouth, Illinois. He was a yell leader at both. He lived the majority of his life in South Pasadena, moving to the Newport Beach area on his retirement. One of his most treasured memories was spending a year in Shanghai, China at the age of 18 where he sold securities.

Gordy founded Atkinson's Men's Clothing on Lake Avenue in Pasadena in 1947 specializing in men's and boys traditional clothing. His passions included sailing (he owned 22 boats over the years - his first large boat was 'Debut', a King's Cruiser built in Goteburg, Sweden), fishing, hunting, world travel, especially cruises, and big band music. Gordy was a member of the Presbyterian Church for 88 years, as well as the Newport Harbor Yacht Club for 54 years. He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Atkinson (nee Howarth). Survivors include sons, Gordon C Atkinson, Jr, Newport Beach, Spike Atkinson (Loranne), Laguna Beach; daughter Melanie LaPointe (John), Chandler, Arizona; grandchildren, Ashley Atkinson, Samantha Karson (Michael), Hilary Gurley (John), Cyanna Atkinson, and great-grandchildren, Hannah and Faith Karson, and many dear and devoted friends.

Pasadena Star-News, October 8, 2002