Merrick Atkinson; Retired Civil Engineer

Merrick Atkinson, a retired civil engineer who managed an apartment building in Studio City, has died in Toronto. He was 78.

Atkinson traveled the world as a civil engineer for Taylor Woodrow of London, an international construction firm.

While visiting his son in Canada, he suffered a stroke on July 8 and died on July 10, his widow, Bernie Atkinson, said.

A native of Manchester, England, Atkinson served as an officer in the British Merchant Marines during World War II. He later became a civil engineer and worked in West Africa for 20 years. Failing eyesight forced him to retire in 1973. Two years later he moved to California. Considered legally blind, he was unable to take a written citizenship test and never became an American citizen.

Atkinson and his wife managed apartment buildings in Studio City for Ramco Investments. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Burbank Chapter 625 and the I.O.O.B. Trip Seekers.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years; sons Merrick Atkinson Jr. of Toronto, Patrick Atkinson of Santa Monica and Neil Atkinson of Venice, Calif.; a brother, Cyril Atkinson of Manchester; sisters Mary Bradshaw and Kath Wakefield of Manchester; and seven grandchildren. A funeral service was held this week, with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. Arrangements were made by The Valley Funeral Home in Burbank.