Richard “Rich” Eric Atkinson, aged 52, not that he would have known what age he was when asked because he just didn't keep track of how old he was, passed away on March 2, 2026 after a 2 year battle with cancer.

Rich was the youngest of 17 children, and that was obvious in his belief that his mom always made homemade chicken noodle soup when he got sick, and not that she just happened to make it one time when he was sick. He was very loved by his brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews. He enjoyed spending time with each of them, even if it was just sitting around a campfire while sharing memories or joking around.

Rich was blessed enough to have met his soulmate, his "Love of A Lifetime" (their song), and was married to Elenior “Ellie” Atkinson for a short 33 years. They had 3 amazing, wonderful, and beautiful children; Denyce Atkinson (33), Jaymie Atkinson (32) and Brandon Atkinson (30). While they were a close knit group of 5 for many years, their family grew to include Rich’s favorite daughter-in-law, Kendra Atkinson (and her purse quesadillas), and Rich was extremely honored to have officiated Brandon and Kendra’s wedding. Rich also had 3 grandchildren, Kato Cale, Kohwen Martinez, and Shayne Cale.

Rich loved his work as a machinist, a career he shared with his son, Brandon, and they had many lengthy conversations revolving around numbers and different machines and techniques. However what he was most proud of in life was his family and the time spent with them. Game nights that got heated and included plenty of good food or themed movie nights. Sneaking away to the mountains with Ellie for a weekend, or getting the whole family together to go to hockey games. Rich will be leaving a legacy of teaching his son and grandson to open doors and making sure his wife, daughters and granddaughters know that they're “not pack mules” and shouldn't have to carry everything on their own. Rich is deeply loved and will be dearly missed, his family seeks comfort in his passing knowing he's reunited with his mom, his dad and other loved ones that have passed before him.

A viewing will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, at Leavitt's Mortuary, 836 36th Street, Ogden, Utah 84403, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A celebration of life will follow at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 W 975 N, Sunset, UT 84015, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM.