Jim Atkinson taught at the U of G for nearly 50 years and was a legend in Canadian varsity rugby, having coached Gryphon teams for 34 years
An important part of the University of Guelph community has died.
Jim Atkinson, a longtime rugby coach and faculty member for almost 50 years, passed away last Monday at the age of 76.
Whilst serving as a faculty member at the school for 44 years, he also made a name for himself on the fringes of the rugby field.
He was coach of the Gryphons women’s rugby team for 11 years and led the program to six OUA championships and one CIS championship in 1998.
His work in women’s athletics led the organization Canadian Interuniversity Sport to name an award after him in 2010 – the Jim Atkinson Award for Women’s Rugby Coach of the Year – an award that is still awarded today.
Prior to that, Atkinson coached the men’s rugby program for 23 years, winning multiple OUAA Coach of the Year awards and leading the program to an unbeaten regular season in 1986.
His contributions were recognized in 1994 when he was inducted into the Gryphon Athletics Hall of Fame as a Master Builder.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and colleague Jim Atkinson,” Scott McRoberts, U of G athletics director, said in a press release.
“He will be remembered as an incredible coach, professor and even better person. The student-athletes he coached during his coaching career were fortunate to have known him.”
He was also an adviser to the College Royal for 30 years.
Atkinson is originally from Leeds, England. He came to U of G in 1970 to do his PhD and never left the university. During his long career he received numerous awards as a teacher.
Atkinson was a faculty member in the U of G’s College of Biological Science before moving to the Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences.
He is survived by his wife Susan, children Rebecca and Daniel, and four grandchildren.
Later this year there will be a private family service and celebration of life.
“Gamer. Introvert. Problem solver. Creator. Thinker. Lifelong food evangelist. Alcohol advocate.”