Peter Allan Atkins
June 11, 1953 – October 8, 2025
Surrounded by his loved ones, we announce the passing of our father, Papa, brother, and lifelong friend to Judy, Peter Allan Atkins, on October 8, 2025, at the age of 72.
Peter is survived by his children Clint and Kim, JoAnna, and the late Lacy; and by his chosen children Mark and Mary. He will be dearly missed by his eleven grandchildren — Madison, Clayton, Jessica, Clinton Jr., Corlyn, Viktoria, Connor, Viktor, Violet, Olivia, and Parker — and his great-grandsons James and Bryson.
Cherished brother to Robert, Yvonne, Eva, and Ruby, and lovingly remembered by sister-in-law Fran and brothers-in-law Dean, and Ron. Peter was predeceased by his parents Mary and Robert Atkins, siblings George and Teresa, and dear friend Jeff Powless. He was also deeply loved by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
After 50 years of dedicated service, Peter retired from France Compressor Products. He was an avid bowler and baseball player who also enjoyed bingo and visiting the casino. Music was one of Peter’s greatest joys — he was known as the best banjo picker around, admired for his skill, speed, and unmistakable style. He played with Grand River Bluegrass, Peace River Band, The Nelson Family and Sugar and Spice, and was proudly awarded Instrumentalist of the Year by the Niagara Music Awards. His music brought happiness to so many, and he will be greatly missed by his bandmates and fellow musicians.
Peter will be resting at Hyde & Mott Chapel of R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Homes Ltd., 60 Main St. S., Hagersville. Visitation and Open Jam: Friday, October 10, 2025, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. — all are welcome; please bring your instruments. Service: Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., followed by cremation.
Following the service, a meal will be served at Yogi’s Barn, 2318 Chiefswood Rd., Ohsweken, ON. An open jam session will follow, in celebration of Peter’s love of music.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Juravinski Hospital teams for their exceptional care and compassion during Peter’s final days.
Forever loved, always remembered for his unmatched banjo playing and love of music.
www.rhbanderson.com
Condolences
Posted by
Jan
on
Oct 9th, 2025
MY Condolence to the Atkins & Longboat family may he rest easy.
Posted by
Robert Wayne Atkins
on
Oct 9th, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family for your loss. Even though Peter and I had the same Mother and Father we grew up apart. Looks like Peter had a very full life. May you all settle in a peaceful place.
Robert Wayne Atkins and wife Sandra
Posted by
Barry Hesson
on
Oct 9th, 2025
Even though I just started Playing with Pete and and Sandy at their jam for a year I came to know how talented Pete was. I also found he was a gentle man who treated me like he knew me for a long time.The Bluegrass family have lost a friend. Barry
Posted by
Kevin Lafford
on
Oct 9th, 2025
My condolences to Sandy and family.
I am lost for words.
RIP Pete, you will be missed by many.
Posted by
Kevin Lafford
on
Oct 9th, 2025
My condolences to Sandy and family.
I am lost for words.
RIP Pete, you will be missed by many.
Posted by
William Philip
on
Oct 10th, 2025
So Sorry to hear of Peters passing. He was the master of the banjo, and I jammed many a time with Peter, and Jeff, and
was always amazed at his playing.
RIP Peter you will be missed here, but there are a few Bluegrass banjoists waiting in Heaven to play with you.
Posted by
Rob
on
Oct 10th, 2025
Very sorry to hear of Peter's passing. He was a kindly man with amazing musicianship.
Posted by
Brian Melick
on
Oct 10th, 2025
My sincerest condolences to Sandy and family. Pete was an exceptional banjo player with a very unique banjo playing style. Pete had a very quiet personality but always made people feel welcomed. I am honoured to have known him and like so many others, will miss him. RIP my friend.
Posted by
Carol
on
Oct 10th, 2025
My sincerest condolences. go out to Sandy. You were blessed to share a love of bluegrass and each other. You were able to make wonderful memories in your many travel destinations as well as entertain us here at home, whether it was the Hagersville Legion, South Brant or jams at the river. I can hear banjo music in the heavens as Pete plays to a whole new audience. Rest in peace Pete..you were a true country gentleman and will be missed.
Posted by
Carol
on
Oct 10th, 2025
My sincerest condolences. go out to Sandy. You were blessed to share a love of bluegrass and each other. You were able to make wonderful memories in your many travel destinations as well as entertain us here at home, whether it was the Hagersville Legion, South Brant or jams at the river. I can hear banjo music in the heavens as Pete plays to a whole new audience. Rest in peace Pete..you were a true country gentleman and will be missed.
Posted by
Geri Duguid
on
Oct 10th, 2025
My heartfelt condolences, Sandy. It was always obvious how happy you made each other.
Posted by
Mike Higgins
on
Oct 11th, 2025
On behalf of myself, Mike Higgins, and The Bluegrass Music Association of Canada, I want to extend my sincere condolences to Sandy and family on the passing of Peter Atkins. My first opportunity to meet Pete was as I assisted the late Mike Kirley in publishing his "Mohawk Musicians" cover story in the October 2022 issue of Bluegrass Canada magazine. As well, Sandy and Pete were welcomed often at the Bluegrass Jam Saturday afternoons at The Moonshine Cafe in Oakville. It was there that I met Pate and Sandy and came to very much appreciate their the wonderful music they made together. Pete will be missed at all our bluegrass events. RIP Pete.
Posted by
Sister
on
Oct 11th, 2025
Sincere condolences Sandy
Posted by
Arnold & Sharon Beaty
on
Oct 11th, 2025
We send our love and condolences to Sandy and family. We have had the pleasure of many happy occasions with Peter and Sandy. It was wonderful to see Peter so happy and content despite battling his illness. We will miss those good times and will always remember them.
Arnold & Sharon Beaty
Posted by
Sal
on
Oct 11th, 2025
RIP Pete, was always a pleasure gabbing with you. Heaven has gained another angel with a instrument,to join many other bluegrass musicians and jammers. Pete,Len,Marv,Carson W.,Orie, Bun,Bill,,, wat ide give to hear you all together again.
Spread ur wings n fly,Pete.
Condolences to your family,and to Sandy.
Posted by
Linda Leech
on
Oct 11th, 2025
Condolences to Sandy and family. A great loss, keeping wonderful memories in our hearts. RIP Pete.
Linda Leech
Posted by
Janet & Ken Dance
on
Oct 11th, 2025
Our condolences to Sandy. Pete inspired us as co-host of the Oakland Legion music jams. We were impressed by his attention to detail when fine tuning the sound system to perfection. Janet was honored to have played music with Pete at bluegrass jams. Pete will be sorrily missed by all who met him.
Janet and Ken Dance
Posted by
Rose T
on
Oct 11th, 2025
Jamming along side of you all these years has truly been an amazing ride on my journey. I knew when you tried to speed up the rhythm on me… lol couldn’t leave me in the dust though! The attempts to leave me in the dust always reminded me of when Bill tried. Yep, tried! I will definitely miss jamming out with your undeniable skills and talent on those strings. Another NOISE MAKER has claimed his seat at the round table in creators beautiful garden. Rip … naaah pick up your banjo at the pearly gates as you join the rest of the NOISE MAKERS because the welcome party is on!
Posted by
Anne
on
Oct 11th, 2025
Sending my condolences Sandy. The love of music and adventures you shared with Pete will be wonderful memories!
