Keelan Laird Atkinson

It is with the most profound sadness that we share the unthinkable news that Keelan Atkinson has unexpectedly passed away at the age of 29.

Keelan was born in Surrey, BC to Rob and Jennifer and was the second of four children to make up the Atkinson clan. From his first moment to his last, Keelan was “Larger than Life”. His glorious red hair and genuine smile and dimples made you forget that he resembled a fierce Finnish Viking but was in fact a gentle giant at heart.

Keelan excelled at everything he tried and his fearlessness led him to live life to the fullest, where he accomplished and experienced more things in his short life than most people could ever dream of.

Growing up in Surrey, Keelan participated and enjoyed hockey (CMHA), soccer (Surrey United), karate, platform diving, fencing, rowing (Nikomekl Club), rugby (Surrey Beavers, FPSS) with boxing and Muay Thai interests later in life. He played trumpet, sang and treasured his cast mates and performances on whatever stage would have him. As a child, Keelan was a popular young actor and had numerous credits in Worldwide and North American TV commercials as well as various spots in TV series and film roles. Keelan avidly participated in model UN where the seeds were planted to serve, debate and envision a change for the world and he loved a good political debate.

Keelan went on to graduate from SFU with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Development with credentials in Bilingual Communications and combined with his love of travel and global culture, he set off to his next adventures in Toronto, ON, Montreal, QC with a few stops in the UK, Ireland and Europe before returning to the Lower Mainland where he worked for the Engineers and Geoscientists of BC until his passing.

Keelan is survived by and dearly loved by his Dad Robert (Crystal) Atkinson, his Mom Jennifer (Jeff) Haamers, his siblings Devon (Nina) Atkinson, Cameron Atkinson and Aidan Atkinson. He will be remembered by his Uncle Darren and Auntie Alison Atkinson, his Auntie Suzanne Atkinson, his cousins Brina Atkinson and Amber Atkinson, as well as many other extended family members and friends both near and far. Keelan was predeceased by his Grampa and Gramma Garnet and Janet Jackett and his Grandma Lee McLeod.

Keelan, you were one of the rare people who left this world a better place, and for that we are all grateful.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future, where all will be welcome.