The death occurred in Wellington on 27 April of Roy Atkin, aged 93, the father to Bill, and grandfather of Matt.
Roy was elected a Life Member of Karori Cricket Club, and of the Karori Cricket Foundation at the AGM held in 2010. He showed considerable interest in the fortunes of Karori cricket through the years, and used to come with son Bill to matches played by the Pearce Cup and Hazlett Trophy teams. In the latter years, Roy’s eye-sight let him down and so he relied on Bill to talk him through the match. He used to come to the Clubhouse for a beer and a chat.
In his business life, Roy worked for forty years for the Post Office, interrupted by WWII service. During his retirement Roy served as secretary of the Wellington Cricket Association from 1975 to 1983, when he was elected a Vice-President of WCA. From 1976 to 1990 he also worked at Parliament, firstly as a select committee clerk, and then in the Bills Office.
In the 1991 New Year’s Honours List, Roy was awarded the Q.S.M. The citation mentioned his departmental career, army service, and sporting associations.
Roy became known, through his longevity, as a ‘treasure’ of Karori Cricket Club, and spent many hours at cricket matches with his ‘mates’, most of whom have passed on over the years.
We will remember Roy as a devoted husband to his late wife June over 66 years; as a real gentleman, and a really nice man to sit and chat with.
Our sympathy goes to Bill and his wife Virginia, and to Matt and his wife Julie.
Congrats to this years Grade winners: 1A bakery, and 20/20 Div 2 PSH. Good on ya lads!
