George Edward Atkinson

Jan 3, 1957 -

Jul 15, 2023

George Edward Atkinson III died on July 15, 2023, at his home in Baltimore, Md., with his family by his side. George was born on Jan. 3, 1957, in Anchorage, in the Territory of Alaska. He was always so proud to share his birthday with the State of Alaska when it was granted statehood on his second birthday! George graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1975. He grew up working in his parents' construction company, A&G Construction, building roads and bridges around the state. He had a reputation for being super fun, a big risk taker, extremely resourceful and a friend to all. He loved his snowmachine and spent countless hours running loops around Lake Otis, running over neighbors' trees, crashing through windows and having his foot halfway cut off while hooky bobbing on the back of one!

After a few years of college George dabbled in agriculture - way before his time - and then continued to work in the construction and mining industries until his move to Baltimore in 1992, with his wife, Miye Schakne and two children, Alicia and Robert. George invested in and ran Jiffy Lube Stores in the Baltimore area. As an Alaskan, he was a little out of his element there, but quickly surrounded himself with a network of friends and neighbors to create a community that his family could thrive in. He kept his Baltimore community regaled with stories of his colorful life in the far north and always was there to help out whoever might need it, whether they knew it or not. He loved the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles and wished to inspire the youngest of the Orioles fans by coaching many aspiring baseball players for over 25 years with the Roland Park Baseball League. He was inducted into the RPBL Hall of Fame in 2021.

George was the kind of guy that everyone liked. He had a broad smile and unruly hair. He had a huge heart and a helping hand. What he lacked in luck he made up for by being a part of a supportive community of friends and family.

During his last two weeks of life his friends and family were by his side, sharing stories of George's many adventures. It was truly a celebration of his life and a demonstration of his gift for creating a loving community of friends and family.

Per George's request he was cremated and his ashes will be spread this summer at Troublesome Creek in Alaska.

George was preceded in death by his first wife, Anne Garrett. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Miye Schakne; children, Alicia Atkinson and husband Ryan Hinojos and Robert Atkinson; grandson, Bishop Aereaux; five siblings, Suzanne Villiers, Patricia Atkinson, Joyce Watts, Jane Atkinson and Jim Atkinson; many nieces and nephews; dog, Arlo; and a reindeer in Fairbanks, George Edward Atkinson IV.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Roland Park Baseball League, P.O. Box 26255, Baltimore, MD 21210, attn: Caroline McSherry.