One of Canada’s pioneering farm broadcasters has passed away in Wiarton.
George Atkins — a commentator for the former CBC Farm Radio Forum — died at Bruce County’s Gateway Haven home on Monday at the age of 92.
In 1979, Atkins helped start Farm Radio International, a service designed to provide agricultural advice to farmers in developing African countries.
Gateway Haven Administrator Charles Young says the broadcaster was always present in Atkins — who often had a tape recorder handy to document his reflections on life — right until the moment he died.
Young says his final message on tape was “this is George Atkins, signing off for the last time, goodnight and God bless.”
Atkins wife Janet is also a resident at Gateway Haven.
Young says a memorial service for George Atkins will be held on January 23rd starting at 2 PM at Zion United Church in Sauble Beach — where he and his wife lived for part of their retirement.