F E AT U R E
Celebrating the Life of
Tom Atkinson Mr Charles Martin Old Boy MAU14
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n February this year, the school community came together to mourn and celebrate the life of Thomas Atkinson, in particular the many roles he served during his time at The Southport School. Described by staff as a gentleman and a passionate sailor, his service to the School spanned the years 1959 to 1992. However, the years prior to his employment at TSS were anything but smooth sailing. Thomas (Tom) Capel Atkinson was born on 25 June 1927, at Glenelg, Adelaide. He was the son of Annie Atkinson née Clapperton and international butter judge, William Leslie Atkinson. While Tom was still very young, the family moved to Queensland and were among the first settlers in the South Burnett region. Tom attended Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) until 1938, before the family moved to London where his father had been transferred for work. There, Atkinson was enrolled in Durston House, an independent preparatory school, where he remained for two years before moving to King’s College for secondary school during the time of the Blitz. By 1944, Tom was readying himself for tertiary education at London University, but the family was again forced to move upon his father being transferred back to Australia. Aboard a coal-burning steamer, the Atkinson family embarked on the treacherous
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Band of Brothers
