ATKINSON, Richard Alan

Richard Alan Atkinson, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 1, 2004, at the age of 57. Rich was the third child of four children born to Edgar "Lee" and Ruth Atkinson on March 27, 1947 in Marion, Indiana. He is predeceased by his parents and older sister Julaine Beckham. In 1981 he met his best friend, soulmate and love of a lifetime, Lynne Caudle. They wed in 1986. Rich spent many years in the restaurant business, beginning with management at Burger Chef and ending with owning his own restaurant, Rich's Pizza. He then entered his career in the elevator industry as a Mechanic's Assistant. He progressed on to Inspector and Supervisor for the City of Phoenix, Chief Elevator Inspector for the State of Washington, and his current position as Executive Director of the National Association of Elevator Safety Authority (NAESA). Rich is also survived by his brother Ray (Esther) Atkinson, sister Valerie (Scott) Randall all of Tucson, AZ, three sons Joseph Lee Atkinson, Michael Christopher (Julie) Atkinson all of Phoenix, AZ, Scott Ronald (Jennifer) Caudle of Scottsdale, AZ, and four precious Grandchildren. We are all grateful for the time we had with you Rich. You touched so many lives, and our memories of you will endure forever. We love you very much and you will be dearly missed by all. May your spirit be eternal and everlasting. Services were held at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary Park, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 on Wednesday, April 7, 2004. Published in the Arizona Republic from 4/4/2004 - 4/5/2004.