Michael (Mikey) G. Atkin, of Langhorne, PA, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023. He was 66 years young. He will be sadly missed by his family, neighbors, and friends. He was a loving husband to Kathy for nearly 20 years and a devoted brother to Kim (Owen of Hop Bottom), uncle, nephew, cousin, godfather, friend, and dog father to Daisy, Sadie, Mr. Wilson, and Bubba. Predeceased by his father, John, and his mother, Ruth (Mrs. A).
Michael grew up in Levittown, PA, attended Neshaminy High School and a brief college experience at Bucks County Community College. He worked at Slazenger’s “selling tennis balls by the containerful” and recently, as a property manager in Bordentown NJ. But he most enjoyed his life as a chef, preparing meals at Tomatoes, Luigi’s, the Speedway, and many other local restaurants.
To Michael, cooking was not just a job, it was his passion. He loved to cook for friends, and his spirit was immersed in everything he brought to the table! It wasn’t so much the food, but his love that made each dish special. There were mornings he would wake and say, “I had a vision!” and then proceed to create whatever dish he had dreamt about and share it with friends and loved ones. Friends and family of both Michael and Kathy always anticipated receipt of the Christmas jar of the spectacular Mikey’s Wing Sauce he had been preparing for the holiday by the case.
Michael was larger than life and was the life of the party. He hosted countless pool parties that were enjoyed by 4 generations of friends and family where Michael created the nickname “card heads” for the bridge lovers that filled several tables inside and out. Oversaw the pool which was filled with all ages of party guests. The food was also unforgettable and was well planned and executed under the expert guidance of Michael with lots of help from his friends.
The Levittown location was deemed “Bushwood Country Club” and also was the site of the musical talents of local musicians and talented friends. The stage was made of wooden pallets and the cars were parked ‘round the block. Only Michael could get away with such disruption of a quiet neighborhood. That is how much he was loved in the neighborhood. Not only the ones that had been living there while he was growing up but also the new neighbors that were invited to join the club with open arms. That was Michael, he included everyone, no exceptions.
He rode enthusiastically through life, and so many could not help but join his ride alongside. He was loved by all who knew him well, and equally by those who only met him for 5 minutes. Michael was declared Mayor of the Dog Park, where he and Kathy brought their canine companion, Mr. Wilson, and where they made unforgettable friends.
He was an amazing storyteller. Michael kept every concert ticket stub in a box and could pull any stub out and tell you all the details of that concert, including the full playlist. Michael also was an avid Philadelphia sports fan. He had season tickets to the Phillies, Sixers, and Eagles. He told of many adventures he had with the teams, the friends and family that were alongside him, and all the games they attended.
Michael was kind and generous. He was incredibly loyal. He had a sweet nature about him. He was a man of amazing strength and great patience, endless patience these past 5 months. He fought with dignity and had the most kind, peaceful soul. He never uttered an unkind word. He never ever made a complaint.
Michael’s life was pedal to the metal that came to an abrupt stop. But in his 66 years, he lived double that of the rest of us! Michael is a hero, a warrior to the end.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Saturday, May 27 (Memorial Weekend) from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Hong Luck, 2221 Veterans Highway (Route 413 just before New Falls Road, Levittown; 215.943.3566).
Memorial contributions in Michael’s name may be made to Bucks County Cystic Fibrosis Alliance, (www. http://bccfa.org; 705 E Parker Street, Langhorne PA 19047) or to Nor’wester Therapy Dogs (485 Worthington Mill Rd., Richboro, PA 18954; https://norwestertherapydogs.org).
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