I had no idea that Alison had passed away as we lost touch for a few years and I was just trying to reach out to her to invite her to spend a day together while in Ottawa. She was such a wonderful human being. The fact that I didn't stay in touch saddens me beyond belief. She was always there to have a laugh, lend a shoulder, or provide words of encouragement. We have lost a beautiful soul here on Earth, but no doubt she continues to find ways help others wherever she may now be.

I first met Alison in the summer of 1973 in Quetico. We became fast friends, and spent time together for many years. She was an amazing light in the world! Just learned this news and I’m a little heartbroken.

Alison and I fell in love at first sight when we met via Maya. They both talked about my work and she and I desperately wanted to have one of those deep conversations that Alison was so brilliant at. This is an example of her loving and poetic style from an email she sent me in August. " Your note is a wafting breath of nurturing fresh air!!! Your energy sounds buoyant, and your invitations are such ripe gifts bursting with love!"
Sadly we never did get together just us. Her life was so filled with doing what she does best, loving and taking care of others.
We will get a chance to meet in the other world. Until then, I will miss her.
Gita

I have never met anyone so willing to give so generously , her time and service to others as Alison . She was truly remarkable in her passion to help others in need. She took good care of a mutual friend of ours going above and beyond the call of duty . Her kindness and compassion and ability to reach out to others helping them through a challenging time will always be remembered . With much gratitude ~
Alison ~

The short time I had the priviledge to know Alison made me appreciate her great generosity and devotion to others.
Please extend my most sincere condolences. Her departure is a great loss to many.
Warm regards,
Joanne

I have always subscribed to the belief that no one is irreplaceable. I was wrong!
I have such pleasurable memories of the many times I profited by the experiences and opportunities to more adequately fulfill my obligations as an early President of Pal Canada because of Alison Atkins' sharp, lasting dedication of her life for others. How much so many have benefited from her presence -and how much we have lost in her leaving. God be with her and may her family and friends find comfort in the manner she would want.

Kind, a formidable presence, friend, major caregiver for her father, attentive, spirited, beautiful, a welcoming friend. There are other words to describe her, but we can all go on forever with them. Two things we all have in common with her: 1.  We loved and knew her.
         2. She will be greatly missed.

Alison Atkins died September 4, 2021, at her home in Ottawa, finally relinquishing control of her to do list. Ali described herself thus: “My Value is Love and my Purpose is Service.” She truly lived this mantra in her contributions to all she came across, whether at work, with family, with friends, volunteering, or simply out running errands. If she could find a way to offer assistance, Alison would do so, joyfully and with full presence.

Born in Chicago, IL and moving to Canada as a toddler, Alison was a lifelong explorer. She explored the outdoors endlessly through gardening, leading groups through the Canadian wilderness by canoe, cycling, skating, skiing or taking long treks on foot. When required to be indoors, Ali was drawn to explore the vast inner landscape of the beingness of humans. Her infinite curiosity drove her to contribute as a highly effective transformational leadership and executive coach.

Alison’s father, Robert “Tom” Atkins left earlier in 2021 to prepare to welcome her across the veil. Alison was also predeceased by her sister-in-law Judith Schwartz. She leaves her indelible imprint on her daughter Kendra Anne Mari Atkins, son-in-law Jay Forest, beloved granddaughters Addison and Willa, mother Virginia (Gorman), brother Andrew (Patti), sisters Sara (Paul McFarlane) and Emily, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and –nephews, and countless friends.

All are welcome to join in celebrating the life that Alison led, the light she shone and the impact she had on Sunday, May 29th from 1-4pm at Billings Estate grounds, 2100 Cabot Street, Ottawa, ON. There will be an informal, non-denominational program, followed by an opportunity for those in attendance to share their memories of how Alison touched their lives. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to PAL Ottawa, where Alison served from its idea stage in 2008 through incorporation and operations until her death.