George Atkinson, 74, of Hingham, MA, passed away on December 9, 2021, at the home of his daughter in Truckee, CA from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He leaves behind his loving family: wife Meredith Atkinson, daughter Rebecca Anderson (Andy), son Geoffrey Atkinson (Whitney), grandchildren Huck Anderson and Georgina Atkinson, his namesake, brothers Charles Atkinson (Sarah Rabkin) and Richard Atkinson (Laura), brothers-in-law Clark Owen (Joanne) and Richard Owen (Chris), and many friends.

George was born June 1, 1947, the son of Clarence and Verda (Dunn) Atkinson of Hingham, MA, and middle brother of Charles and Rich. He met his lifelong best friend, Russ Garland when he was too young to remember, when their mothers placed them in a crib together. George’s childhood was filled with paper routes, Sunday School, Boy Scouts (Eagle Scout in 1963), overnights on Button Island, and remedial band classes. 

George’s love of athletics and fitness began in junior high school and lasted throughout his life. His dedication to “getting a workout in” drove the agenda of many weekends and family vacations and he relished exercising outdoors in even the worst New England weather. George ran track and cross country at Hingham High (‘65) and at Springfield College (‘69), notably breaking the Massachusetts state record in the half-mile in 1:53. George was inducted into the inaugural class of the Hingham High School Hall of Fame in 1999. After college, George discovered cross country skiing, leading to many family adventures on nearby golf courses and around New England, dragging his somewhat reluctant family behind him. The ritual took, however, and now both children are passionate cross country skiers.

George spent his summers lifeguarding at Hingham Bathing Beach and it was there that he met his wife, Meredith Owen. They were married on July 1, 1972, at Hingham Congregational Church and resided in Norwell for over 40 years. In his early career, George returned to the Hingham schools to teach elementary physical education and coach track. He went on to receive a Masters from Northeastern University and an EdD in recreation management at Boston University. George began teaching at Northeastern University in 1973 and continued there for 40 years, as a professor and then as the Dean of the School for General Studies before finishing his career as a professor of health sciences. He retired in 2013 with a lifelong accident-free perfect driving record on the Southeast Expressway.

George held a dual title as Dean and Dad. He unfailingly attended Rebecca and Geoffrey’s countless track, cross country, and nordic ski races, as parent as well as coach through Cambridge Sports Union. He also supported the formation of the New England Nordic Ski Association as a founding board member. In the summers, he was the fearless leader of multiweek cross-country camping trips.

In retirement, George returned to coaching track and cross country at Hingham High and devoted many hours to the South Shore YMCA, an organization whose mission aligned closely with his values of healthy living. George began volunteering with the Y in the 1970s and served on the board of directors since 1991. He also logged countless miles on his road bike and on a tandem bicycle with Meredith.

George was a true gentleman: kind and courteous, caring, warm, approachable, always full of interest in the lives of family and friends. He loved all New England sports teams, especially the Red Sox, yard work, trains, looking at maps, and napping. He was, quite simply, as Russ put it, “The best man I ever knew.” 

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 on January 29, 2021, at First Parish Church of Norwell, followed by a reception at the James Library. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Shore YMCA or the New England Nordic Ski Association.