WATERTOWN, NY — Shaner Graham Atkinson passed away from natural causes on June 28, 2019.
He was born in Watertown, NY, on April 8, 1963.
He is survived by his three daughters, Elena, Mary Grace, and Kate Elizabeth; a brother, Todd; two sisters, Gay and Leslie; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
His loving parents, Elizabeth G. Atkinson Roe and John G. Atkinson and his loving stepfather, Thomas B. Roe are predeceased.
Graham was an ‘81 Trinity Pawling graduate and then went on to graduate from Syracuse University in 1985. He worked in Newtown, PA, and then moved his family closer to his hometown to Manlius, NY, in 1991. There he started a staffing company with much success, and enjoyed his life in Upstate NY raising his beautiful daughters with his wife Amy VanEenenaam Atkinson.
Graham loved his three daughters, who were the most important part of his life. In the words of his daughters, Graham was “the most doting, dedicated, and compassionate father we ever could have wished for. He taught us how to love with his whole heart as he did with us.”
He will be remembered not only as a great dad but also by his friends for his quick wit and great sense of humor. His greatest gift was bringing laughter and love everywhere he went. He lit up any room with his lighthearted and comforting presence, and will be remembered fondly by those lucky enough to know him.
Graham also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, spending time on Carleton Island with his family, and skiing ~ he just loved it! He was a passionate Syracuse basketball fan, an avid golfer, and an artist. Most importantly, he was a friend to all. His one-of-a-kind wisdom, exuberance, and kindness will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
Services: 10 a.m. Friday, July 5, at First Presbyterian Church, Watertown.
“In lieu of flowers, Graham’s family would suggest a charitable contribution to the Carleton Island Swallow-wort program at the Thousand Islands Land Trust. https://tilandtrust.org/support.
Arrangements are with Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay, NY.
