Jerald Dee Atkinson

Jerald Dee Atkinson passed away in Rexburg, Idaho, on August 10, 2018. He was born July 16, 1930 in Seattle, Washington. While an infant he was adopted by Wando and Vaun Atkinson. He moved with his parents to Boise, Idaho, then Salt Lake City, Utah eventually settling in Southern California. He graduated from Monrovia Arcadia Duarte High School and also attended Los Angeles City College. Jerry was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and he served as a missionary in Monterey Mexico. In September 1955 he married LaVerne June Pohlman of Sherman Oaks and they settled in the San Fernando Valley. They started a family in 1960, eventually having four children, three sons and a daughter. Jerry worked in various administrative departments for CBS Television until 1972 when he was offered the position of Personnel Director for the motion picture equipment company Panavision. Hollywood and the entertainment industry were Jerry's passion as well as his livelihood. LaVerne and Jerry divorced in 1977 but remained good friends. In 1989 Jerry and LaVerne purchased Donna Tours, a small travel agency in Santa Paula, California. They operated the business together until 1997. Jerry loved to travel and used his business perks to visit many places. He was particularly fond of ocean cruises and was very pleased to have the opportunity to make a transatlantic crossing on the QE2. Jerry is survived by two brothers: Don and Lon Atkinson; his children, David (Amber), Brian (Marie), Darren, and Lynne (Ruben); six grandchildren: Jenessa, Christopher, Galen, Tasha, Cameron and Garrett; and one great grandson: Tanner.
Jerry and his family wish to thank the nurses, aides, staff and administrators at Carriage Cove in Rexburg, Idaho for making his final months pleasant and comfortable.
Following Jerry's wishes there will not be a funeral. He has asked to have his ashes scattered at sea.