Spencer Earl Atkinson

Spencer Earl Atkinson was lifted and his spirit carried upon wings of a great blue heron October 7, 2021, just one week shy of his 28^th year.   

Spence is loved by so, so many...his whole life was spent gathering in, supporting and loving family, friends, strangers and animals of all kinds.  We all have talents and gifts to grow and share...Spence was blessed with an open and welcoming heart.  Relationships came naturally to him, from the very core of his being, and he shared his gift generously.  

Animals became a lifelong love for Spence. Family trips always included a zoo or aquarium visit.  He especially loved Potter Park Zoo camp and attended multiple sessions each summer as a young boy.  

He leaves behind a great void in the hearts of his parents, Deb & Al Atkinson, his brother Miles, and his Grandparents Marge and Earl Tomlinson, Aunts and Uncles; Dort and Scott Cornell, Meme & Joe Barden, Mark and Rachelle Tomlinson, Katie Atkinson and all the beautiful cousins that come with these families.  Quinn D’Isa, Heath Russel, and Peter Katauskas are much more than just friends, they are family to Spence... brothers from different mothers.  

We are all grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many who mourn and will miss Spence’s brightness, kindness, silliness, imagination and compassion. Contributions in memory of Spence are welcome and will support ongoing scholarships for children to attend Zookambi summer camp at Potter Park Zoo.  For Spence, we want to “Keep it movin.”

Spencer Atkinson Zoo Camp Scholarship Fund
Tri-Star Charitable Foundation
3511 Coolidge Rd. 
East Lansing, MI, 48823

A gathering to celebrate Spencer’s life will be planned and announced when the immediate and overwhelming grief has begun to lift.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Brian Reed]

Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

[Carol and Richard Merchant]

Sending prayerful, loving thoughts to your family.

[Raf, Rima, Alex, Andrew, Amanda & Alison Addiego]

We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear this news. All words fall short. We will always remember Spencer’s sweet dimpled smile and his kindness he showed to all people and animals. Such a sweet boy. We are terribly sorry…

[Hannah Lewis]

I’m so sorry. I went to high school with Miles and Spencer. Two years ago one of my younger brothers died by suicide. Life has never been the same. My heart goes out to your family. You are not alone ❤️

[Coleen and Todd Moyerbrailean]

We are incredibly sorry for your loss. There are no words. We will always remember Spencer as the sweet, towheaded little boy we met at Glencairn. Sending peaceful thoughts.

[Lori Strouse]

Katie Atkinson, I’m so very sorry for your loss 🥀. It’s heartbreaking to lose a family member💐

[Jeff Chaney]

Very sorry for your loss, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Nancy Collins]

Deb and Al I can’t begin to think of how you may feel. I hope you can find comfort in wonderful memories! You will be in my thoughts and prayers for a very long time!

[Cathy Kerwin]

I can't imagine the pain your going through, just know we all love you and wish we could do something, anything to offer comfort.
With Love & Hugs, Cathy Kerwin