Mr Richard J. Atkinson (OS 1972)
Stockport Grammar School was saddened to receive notice of the death of Old Stopfordian Mr Richard Atkinson (OS 1972). He died on 27th June 2023, aged 69.
Richard was a popular physiotherapist and set up his first physiotherapy clinic at Oakworth, after settling there in 1983.
He had previously worked in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Australia, on completion of physio training at Sheffield University.
Whilst establishing his Oakworth clinic, Mr Atkinson also worked at Gisburn Park Hospital.
He subsequently relocated his clinic to Oxenhope, before moving to Barnoldswick in 2003.
In the mid 1980s, Mr Atkinson served as physiotherapist for Keighley rugby league club, now the Cougars.
And between 2018-21, he provided physiotherapy for patients at North Street Surgery in Keighley.
Mr Atkinson, who was born in Hyde, Cheshire, was a talented sportsman.
Whilst a pupil at Stockport Grammar School he learned to play lacrosse, and went on to represent England in 1974 and 1978 and again, at veteran level, in 1991-92.
He also played cricket for Oakworth for many years, until 1995.
Mr Atkinson died in hospital on Tuesday (June 27).
His family described him as a “very popular and much loved member of the community, who will be greatly missed”.
He’s survived by his five children, Tom, Lucy, Max, Nick and Tim.
