Franklin Rollen Atkins

Franklin Rollen Atkins 89 was called to Heaven on July 27th 2015 with his loving wife of 66 years, Mariella Atkins by his side, at their home. He was born July 18th 1926 in Bennington, Vermont, to Jane and Merril Atkins. He had 4 siblings Betty (Jim) Craig, Nancy (Earl) Coombs, Merril (Joanne) Atkins, and Deanna (Alden) Dana. Along with the love for his Brother and Sisters and their spouses, he had a great love for his wife's Sisters and husbands: Mamelou (Scooter) Hanscom, Joanne (Lloyd) Best and Cheryl Lee Proctor (Jim) Woods. After his father's death, he was brought up by a loving stepfather, Dean McArthur. He was devoted to his loving wife, and best friend of 66 years, he was married on Dec 18th, 1948 to Mariella Proctor of Gaysville, Vermont. Their love was one that only comes once in a lifetime. Franklin graduated from Windsor High school in Vermont, his mother had to receive his diploma for him as he signed up for the Air Corp and joined at 17 years of age while he was a senior in High school. He went in to be a pilot, and navigator. He received his pilot's license and enjoyed flying when he could. He started working at Hartland Telephone Company in Vermont with his step dad. He worked for the telephone company until his retirement from General Tel, at age 57. After retirement he started a small construction company with his son-in-law Frank Guy, "A & G Construction. He finished his many years of employment with his great friend Jim Blaise working at the mountain he loved Royal Mountain Ski Area. Franklin had many hobbies; He had a love of Model airplanes, and enjoyed building and flying them with his two sons Frank and Dean. He was a life time member of the "Lazy Eights" flying club. He cherished his time on the Great Sacandaga where he and Mariella lived for over 40 years. On the Sacandaga he taught just about anyone that came there how to swim and water ski. Boating and camping was a great passion of his. Until the age of 85 he skied every weekend that Royal Mountain was opened. He even kept up with his great grandchildren on the slopes. He was a very proud member of the Royal Mountain Ski Patrol in the 1970's. He was a member of the Kingsboro Presbyterian Church. Franklin was forever thankful for everything and everybody in his life. Every day of skiing was the "Best day Ever!" and every meal his wife cooked was the "Best Meal he Ever Had" Franklin was married to his loving wife, Mariella Proctor on Dec 18th 1948 in White River Junction, Vermont. They met at the New England telephone company where Mariella was employed as an operator. At the time of his death they were married for 66 years. They raised a family of 7 children, Franklin (Connie) Atkins, Deborah (Danny) Conyne, Michele (Leonard) Mariano, Suzanne (Frank) Guy, Natalie (Gino) Calandra, Dean (Jennifer) Atkins and Shannon (Brett) Stergas. They were blessed with 11 Grandchildren, David (Leslie) Atkins, Jessica (Matt) Gifford, Anne (Steve) Rose, Peter (Beth) Conyne, Crystal (Bradlee) Gillen, Angela (Aaron) Adair, Leonard (Jillian) Mariano, Brandon (Liz) Calandra, Elysse (Victor) Calandra, Helaina (Tyler) Stergas and Austin Stergas. 15 great grandchildren, Siena, Landree, Brynn , Michael, Emma, Katie, Petra, Sophia, Conner, Nature, Miracle, Willow, Blaze, Arbor , and Sawyer. Along with several much loved nieces and nephews, And Many, many very cherished friends. Franklin's faithful dog "Joe" (Proud Dog) was by his side until the end. A memorial service to celebrate Franklin's life will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2015 2 P.M. at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville with Rev. Dr. RW Williams officiating. Calling hours to which relatives and friends are invited to attend will take place at the funeral on Saturday from 12 P.M. until time of service. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Franklin's memory to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078 or to the Royal Mountain Ski Area C/O Jim Blaise 3072 NY-10, Caroga Lake, NY 12032. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, Gloversville. Online condolences are available at www.brbsfuneral.com