Steve Atkinson

Peacefully, on October 23, 2026, after a courageous 13-year battle with cancer, Steve passed away with his beloved wife, Christine, by his side.

Born and raised in London, Ontario, Steve was the younger of two sons of John and Beverley. He was a man of remarkable determination, quick wit, generosity, and zest for life. He approached every challenge with conviction, every relationship with sincerity, and every adventure with enthusiasm. Above all, he will be remembered for his big laugh, sharp sense of humour, and unmistakable presence.

Steve began his academic journey at the University of Western Ontario, earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989. He then attended the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law, earning his Bachelor of Laws in 1992 and meeting the love of his life, Christine.

Following law school, Steve articled at Harrison Elwood. While completing his Bar Admission Examinations in 1993, he was hired by Dave Williams of Pensa and Associates, who became a trusted mentor and lifelong friend. Steve became a partner at Pensa and Associates in 1999, the year the firm merged with Harrison Elwood to become Harrison Pensa LLP. He remained with the firm throughout his distinguished legal career.

Steve initially practised civil litigation, where his determination, tenacity, and competitive spirit served him well. Over time, he discovered a talent for mediation, which grew into a true passion. In pursuit of excellence, he completed the Mediating Disputes program through the Harvard Negotiation Institute at Harvard Law School in 2012. During the final years of his career, mediation became his primary focus.

Never one to shy away from a fight, Steve relished working with both sides of a dispute and challenging each party to find common ground, sometimes well into the evening. He took pride in helping people resolve difficult matters and cared deeply about the outcome. When an agreement was reached, he celebrated with those involved; when one remained elusive, he shared their disappointment. For Steve, mediation was more than a profession; it was an opportunity to use his formidable skills and passion to help others find a way forward.

Beyond the courtroom and mediation room, Steve found his greatest pleasures in life’s adventures and the people with whom he shared them. He loved to travel, but his heart was happiest on the water. For many years, he and Christine enjoyed boating throughout Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes, both on their own and with friends. Together, they took in the beauty of the rocks, trees, and water while creating treasured memories.

Fishing held a special place in Steve’s heart. He particularly enjoyed walleye fishing on Lake Huron and in Erieau, as well as the annual perch fishing trip to Pefferlaw with his dad, brother, and the guys. These traditions were about more than the catch; they were about camaraderie, laughter, and time with the people who mattered most. In January and February 2025, Steve and Christine checked off a bucket-list adventure by trailering their fishing boat to the Florida Keys, where they enjoyed wonderful times with family and friends.

Steve also had a lifelong appreciation for cars and trucks. He delighted in trips to the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale and took part in a couple of memorable, sometimes wild, car rallies with clients who had become close friends. Whether on the water, behind the wheel, or among friends, Steve had a remarkable ability to turn an experience into a story worth telling.

Steve was never one to fade quietly into the background. He lived boldly, spoke his mind, laughed loudly, and embraced life in his own way. Those who knew him will remember his humour, determination, love of adventure, and genuine connections. His absence will be deeply felt, and the space he leaves behind cannot easily be filled. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, cherished memories, and a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Christine; his parents, John and Beverley; his brother, John, affectionately known as Sam, and Sam’s wife, Glynis, and their family; his parents-in-law, Tony and Audrey Gmitrowski; and his sisters-in-law, Wendy (Al) Gmitrowski and Bonnie (Paul) Gmitrowski, and their families.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, John and Verona Thomson, Bob and Doris Atkinson, and Margaret Atkinson, as well as his loyal and very spoiled Golden Retrievers, Timmy and Riley, who no doubt held a special place in his heart.

Christine wishes to extend her heartfelt gratitude to the many compassionate individuals who cared for Steve throughout his cancer journey. Special thanks go to the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre at London Health Sciences Centre, particularly Dr. Scott Ernst and his team, including Nurse Practitioner Matt Parezanovic and Nurse Aida; Dr. Bauman and his team; and the Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Team, especially Dr. Swiha and nurses Jeremy, Karen, and Paul. She also recognizes the nurses, scheduling clerks, and support staff in the Chemotherapy Unit and Oncology Day Unit, with special appreciation for Nurse Sean Wharton. Sincere thanks are extended to the Palliative Care Team through Ontario Health at Home, particularly Dr. Van Dam and Nurse Nisha, as well as the Medical Care Team at London Health Sciences Centre. Their kindness, expertise, and unwavering support brought comfort to Steve and his family throughout an incredibly difficult journey.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family service has been held. A Celebration of Steve’s Life will take place in early 2027, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Steve’s memory are invited to consider a donation to the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre or another charity that holds special meaning for them.

Steve’s life was marked by determination, adventure, laughter, and love. Though his 13-year journey with cancer has ended, the memories he created, friendships he treasured, and love he shared will endure. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by the many people whose lives were enriched simply because he was part of them.