Lester "Les" J. Atchison

Lester J. Atchison, 76, of Petoskey, Michigan died February 14, 2019 peacefully in his home.

A memorial celebration of “Papa Les’s” life will be held on June 15th at 11am at the Grand Unity Event Center in Petoskey where the family will receive friends from 10am until the time of service.

Lester was born April 19, 1942, the son of Garfield and Marie (Gouine) Atchison. He grew up in Cheboygan, Michigan where has was an accomplished multiple-sport athlete at Cheboygan Catholic High School. Later in life, Les became an avid bridge player, a game he loved playing with his friends.

On July 20, 1963 Les married Linda L. Munn in Cheboygan, Michigan.

Lester was a talented salesman and businessman, beginning his successful career with Steindler Paper Company. After “retirement”, he started Atchison Paper and Supply, which he owned and operated with his son, Mike, until his death. He was also very active in his community, having been involved in Big Brothers, Rotary, and many other organizations. Les served on several boards, including the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, and for 10 years as an Emmet County Commissioner. Les was instrumental in the development of the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City and the Emmet County EMS. In 2012, Les was awarded the Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Local Boards of Health.

Lester was a faithful friend to so many people in the community he loved, and he will be dearly missed.

Lester is survived by his loving family, including his wife Linda, daughter Estelle (Jeff Grant) of St. Charles, Illinois, and his two sons, Gar (Michelle) of Hickory, North Carolina and Michael (Catherine) of Petoskey. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Alexa, Grace, Nicholas, Ethan, Ava, and Van, along with his brothers Robert (Nobue), Richard (Nancy), and William, and by many brother and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved sister, Patricia Watson.

If you wish to make a contribution in Les’s honor, the family suggests a memorial donation to the Little Traverse Conservancy or your local hospice, or through a simple act of kindness to help others, as Les so often did.

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