Beryl Atkinson

Beryl Everett Atkinson of Steamboat Springs and Franktown, CO, passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 22, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Asher Atkinson, and survived by her younger brother, Seymour Everett of Crested Butte, CO; her six children: Timi (Dave) Davenport, Asher (Maria Lisieski) Atkinson, Ellen (Tom) Campbell, Elizabeth (Chris) Wright, Anne (Randy) Hyre, and Mandy Atkinson; and her ten grandchildren: Janelle, Curtis and Christine Davenport; Thomas, Zachary and Alex Campbell; Schuyler and Arthur Wright; and Asher and Elena Hyre. Beryl was born in 1934 in Geneva, Switzerland, to a U.S. Diplomat father who married into a large Swiss family. Beryl lived in Switzerland, France and Portugal before leaving Europe during WWII, being among the last Americans to leave Europe as the war escalated. She lived in Toronto, Canada during the war and then returned to Switzerland and Ireland after the war. She moved to the U.S. permanently at age 17. In 1956, Beryl graduated from St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, where she met Asher on the college ski team. She had a successful 40-year real estate career in Las Vegas, NV and Denver, CO, while raising her six kids. She also obtained her Master's degree in counseling. Beryl was an avid skier, hiker, equestrian and accomplished pianist, and enjoyed playing bridge, golf, tennis and pickleball. She and Asher adored their horses, Ace and Dante, and their rescued dog, Bernie. Beryl was a native French speaker and always valued her Swiss roots. She was the key link between the U.S. and Swiss relatives, visiting often and arranging multiple ""cousin swaps,"" solidifying the family ties over three generations and beyond. She was dearly beloved around the globe. A celebration of Beryl's life will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Inn at Hudson Gardens, 6115 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Bud Werner Memorial Library, 1289 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487; Routt County Humane Society, P.O. Box 772080, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477; or Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding at Kent Hill Farm, 10272 Democrat Road, Parker, CO 80134.