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Marsden House Funeral Services

41 Nile St East

Nelson, Nelson

Conal ATKINS Obituary

Died on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at home in Atawhai, New Zealand. He was seventy seven. Born on April 18, 1947, Conal grew up in Christchurch. In 1986 he married Irene Desirée de Jong, and together they had two children, Daniel Paul and Alexander Guy. Conal pursued a career in education initially in New Zealand culminating as Head of Primary at Scots College, Wellington, before becoming a prolific international educator at International and United Nations schools. He lived in nine countries and worked in several more, leading the accreditation of International Schools, creating and developing curriculum to provide foundation, innovation and support to communities across the globe. A talented golfer and keen gardener brimming with charm, wit and affection, Conal made his family, friends, colleagues and students a priority. His unwavering love, support and constant inspiration will be greatly missed. Conal is survived by his wife Irene, sons Daniel and Alexander, daughter-in-law Kendall Marie, son-in-law Justin Matthew and two grandchildren, Henry Kai and George Wellington. A memorial service will be held at Marsden House, Nelson, on November 12, 2024 at 1.30pm.


Published by Nelson Mail from Nov. 5 to Nov. 8, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Conal ATKINS

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17 Entries

Jane Lourie

November 16, 2024

I am so very saddened to hear of Conal´s passing.
A man with integrity, compassion and wit.
I remember when he was first introduced to the faculty in Beijing and he spoke of Winnie the Pooh.
In Conal´s presence you were assured there was good on the world!
He will have inspired and encouraged many.
It was an honour and a pleasure. Thank you.
Aroha nui ki te whanau, Irene, Daniel and Alexander

Graham Cormack

November 13, 2024

I am saddened to hear that Conal has passed away. Working under him as a teacher in Beijing was both a privilege and joy. Whilst a man of class with great articulation, he displayed immense humility and kindness to those less fortunate. The world is losing both an achiever and wonderful human being. My condolences to his family.
Our fond memories of Conal will never fade.
Graham Cormack. (Australia)

Carol Duval

November 12, 2024

I only recently corresponded with Conal and had no inkling anything was amiss. I´m so sorry to hear this. Conal and I met teaching at Sunningdale School in Berkshire, and helped each other through much. To Irene and the `boys´ ( that´s how we remember you), our deepest condolences. Carol, Richard and Andy Duval.

Mark Alderson

November 12, 2024

Sending our thoughts and love to all the family
Mark, John and Dot xxx

Kevin Page

November 11, 2024

Both Christine and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Conal. We first meet Conal when he was Elementary Principal at Scots College. Our friendship and professional relationship developed when Conal began working in international schools in Europe. We would meet at conferences and recruitment fairs during this time. It was always refreshing to sit down and talk with Conal. Wee will miss him!

Kim Percy

November 11, 2024

Forever in my memory as one who made life safer, happier, better.

Kim Percy

November 11, 2024

Mr Atkins was my first teacher. I will always remember his compassion, his guitar playing, sense of humour and his cool suade shoes. He will live on forever in my memory as someone who made my world a much safer and happier place, leaving an indelible impression that set me up in a way that no one could put a price on. I don't doubt that he touched a great many lives in a very important way. I am so grateful for him, that he shared of his heart. Thank- you Mr Atkins, I will remain forever grateful.

Saji and Sarath Weerasinghe

November 11, 2024

Very sorry to hear about the death of Conal. The family can take comfort in the fact that he led a full life. Please accept our condolences Irena. Our thoughts are with you and the family. Love Saji and Sarath Weerasinghe

Ronny Percy

November 10, 2024

I am very sad to hear of his passing. He was a teacher at a country school called Ihuraua ,wairarapa. Loved and liked with a fun sense of humour. He came from teaching at a preparatory school Hadlow in masterton and said best thing he did was come to Ihuraua country school, think probably only 15 children then.our thoughts and condolences to you Irene and family Ronny Percy xx

maria luisa

November 8, 2024

On behalf of the Urbinati family, please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of Mr Atkins. He was an incredible teacher and an excellent role model to the students at ISB. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.With love Urbinati family

maria luisa urbinati

November 8, 2024

On behalf of the Urbinati family, please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of Mr Atkins. He was an incredible teacher and an excellent role model to the students at ISB. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.With love Urbinati family

maria luisa Urbinati

November 8, 2024

On behalf of the Urbinati family, please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of Mr Atkins. He was an incredible teacher and an excellent role model to the students at ISB. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends. With love urbinati family

Silvia Bedodi

November 8, 2024

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Principal Comal. I was fortunate to know him and have always admired his dedication and ability to create a welcoming school environment. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

Marcella

November 8, 2024

I'm deeply saddened to hear about Conal's passing. I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with him in my life-he was the one who hired me for my position at ISB, and I'll always be grateful for that opportunity. Conal's care, professionalism, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on me. His impact was far beyond the workplace, and I will always remember him with great respect and affection. My thoughts are with his family and all who were fortunate to know him.

Maija Makela

November 8, 2024

My deepest condolences to the family.
I am Maija Makela, the music teacher at the International School of Bologna. The position Conal offered me in 2010. I have fond memories of him. He was always kind and he cared for the staff and students at ISB.
Thank you Conal for everything. You will definitely be missed.

Jacquie Pender

November 8, 2024

So sorry to hear this very sad news. I worked with Conal at Vienna International School. He was always kind, caring and had time for people. He was encouraging and genuinely cared for the students and staff. He lightened the day with his humor and smile. I´m very grateful to have known and worked with him. Wishing his family and friends peace, and may his memories bring comfort.

Sally Fisher

November 6, 2024

In 1971, a class of enthusiastic and slightly unruly 10 year olds at Hadlow Preparatory School in Masterton, had the great honour of being taught by Conal Atkins. He was full of energy and high expectations. He stretched us, encouraged us and gave us a glimpse of our better selves. I was one of those 10 year olds and have so much to thank him for. An extraordinary teacher and unforgettable man. Heartfelt condolences to Irene and his family.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Memorial Events
for Conal ATKINS

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Marsden House Funeral Services

41 Nile St East, Nelson