Antoine Alan "Tony" Atkins

Antoine Alan "Tony" Atkins 69, passed away during the morning hours of Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, surrounded by his family in Spokane's Deaconess Hospital. Tony began this life's journey on December 6, 1944, to the Seattle, Wash., home of Joseph and Lorraine (Sam) Atkins. Tony served his country with honor as a United States Marine during the Vietnam war. Following his honorable discharge, Tony worked in various capacities for the Colville Confederated Tribes with the BIA Roads, as a tribal police Officer and retired as assistant administrator for the Colville Tribal Correctional Facility. A proud member of Seven Drums, Tony believed in giving back to his community serving as a mentor for inmates at the Colville Correctional Facility, volunteer EMT / firefighter for the Colville Tribes and in Coulee Dam and as a member of The Peacemaker's Circle. He loved traveling and getting to know strangers who soon became friends, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family at Buffalo and Owhi Lakes and watching U of WA Husky football.

Predeceased by both of his parents, wife Myrna Atkins; sons: Jamie Reynolds and Antoine Atkins Jr .; sisters: Nadine Palmanteer, Janice Atkins and Marguerite Atkins.

Tony's proud legacy lives on through his wife Mary Vasquez; children: Darcy Shahi (Marvin Jr.), Andrea Atkins, Maria Vasquez, Mersaedy Vasquez (Johnny "Buck"), Marshand Vasquez (Ashley) and Alana Atkins (Tyler Best); grandchildren: Calvin, Jordan, Jakee, Elijah, Mari-Cruz, Natasha, Cassandra, Tatiwiat, Darren Jr., Javier, Marrisa, Anesia, Johnny, Mary Jane, Derek, Deliz, Jamie Reynolds Jr. and "One soon to arrive"; five great-grandchildren; brothers: Kenneth and Reggie Atkins; sisters: Patricia Atkins, Gloria Atkins, Bonita Herman (Duane) and Betty Lou Friedlander (George); and numerous nephews and nieces.

An afternoon dressing was held at Strate Funeral Home in Grand Coulee on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, followed by a wake at the Nespelem Community Center. A sunrise burial took place at the Little Nespelem Cemetery on Monday, Feb. 3, 2014.

His family requests that donations be made to the charity of one's choice.

Please sign Tony's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee is honored to be serving Tony's family.