John Arthur Atkin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend, John Arthur Atkin, age 75, who suddenly left us in the early morning of August 20, 2026, far earlier than anyone was ready to let him go. John, or Johnny, to those who knew him was born to Helen Dalton Atkin in 1951 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

John graduated from Granger High School in 1969, where he met Mary, his high-school sweetheart and unquestionably, the love of his life. They married in 1971 and spent 55 wonderful years proving that true love is equal parts devotion, patience, laughter, choosing each other again, every day and saying, “yes dear”. Mary was John’s favorite person, his soulmate, and the center of his world. Together they raised three children, welcomed five grandchildren, built a home full of love, and created the kind of family bond that will continue long after his passing.

In 1973, John began a 27½-year career with the Salt Lake County Fire Department. He retired as a paramedic after dedicating almost three decades to helping people on some of the hardest days of their lives. Being a firefighter and paramedic was more than a job to John, it reflected who he was: dependable, selfless, calm when it mattered, and always willing to show up when someone needed help.

John was deeply invested in his children’s lives. He volunteered with many of their sports teams and served as president of the Ute Conference’s Judge Memorial Little League Football. He generously sacrificed countless hours to make sure the football fields were in excellent condition and that uniforms and equipment were ready for practices and game days. More than the work itself, John loved the people who came with it, the players, families, coaches, and friends he met along the way. Whether he was preparing the field, cheering from the sidelines, or talking with families after a game, he made people feel welcome and helped turn a football program into a community.

That devotion did not end when he retired. John had a lifelong habit of dropping whatever he was doing to help family, friends, neighbors, or, quite honestly, anyone who looked like they might need an extra hand. He never seemed to keep score, ask for credit, or make a big speech about it. He just helped—because that was John.

When he was not serving his community or rescuing someone from a household project, John loved the outdoors. He enjoyed landscaping, hunting, fishing, and making sure things were growing, fixed, maintained, or, generally, better than he found them. In later years, he took special pride in his garden, where his flowers brought color and beauty to all who saw them, and his tomatoes seemed to multiply faster than his family could possibly eat them.

He also enjoyed a good card game with family and friends, sudoku puzzles, computer games, and the simple pleasure of time spent with the people he loved. He thrived as a host; never taking no for an answer. He would grill you a meal, go out of his way to ensure you had a batch of Christmas toffee, hand you a drink and give you a jar of pickles. If John was sitting down for a game, working in the garden, or solving a puzzle, chances were good he was exactly where he wanted to be.

Above all else, John loved his family with his entire being. He was a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, a loyal brother and uncle, and the kind of person whose love was shown not only in words but in every ride given, every field prepared, every garden tended, every problem solved, and every time he put someone else first. John will be deeply missed by Mary, who was always his greatest love; by his family, who could always count on him; and by everyone fortunate enough to know a man who made the world better simply by showing up, lending a hand, and making every gathering a little warmer

John is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his children, Angela (Chris), Chris (Leandra), and Jason (Michelle); his grandchildren, Hailey (Jake), Nathan, Caleb, Cody, and Abigail; his sister, Tonya (Brett); and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen; his mother-in-law, Thelma; his brother, Thomas; and his sister, Nanette (Bill).

A viewing will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 3688 West 12600 South, Riverton, Utah 84065. A second viewing will take place Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 10:40 AM at the same location. Funeral services will follow from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM at the same location. Graveside service will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, 84102