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On Sunday 27 January 2002 with the passing of Herbert Atkinson the
world of Terriers and especially Lakeland Terriers suffered a massive loss to
their ranks.
A dear friend of Herbert's, Tony manning, remarked that those who have been
fortunate enough to have dined with Herbert will always remember his
wonderful culinary skills and the fondest memories those nights evoke.
Herbert was a dyed in the wool Terrier man, despite not being from a doggie
background, he, at the tender age of 14, bred his first Champion Lakeland
Terrier. Recently, 63 years after his rirst Champion Herbert was still
taking dogs to their titles. Most recently his Lakeridge The Joker,
bred by Wendy Atkinson, earned his UK title in three consecutive shows with
Herbert at the helm. The weekend of Herbert's funeral, as if by way of
a memorial Lakeridge the Joker took Group 1 in Italy where he is now
being handled for Herbert and Val. The same weekend in the US Herbert's
nephew, Peter guided Brownlou Calinia, bred by Herbert's old friend Ollie
Clarke, to a Group 1 and Group 2.
Herbert served his time as a Mine Surveyor and gained his Managers
Certificate at the age of 25. An injurious accident in the mine cause
his departure, but for the world of Terriers this became a blessing in disguise
as Herbert turned his misfortune to his advantage and pursued his dream to
become a Professional Handler.
Down through the years Herbert has handled many dogs to their titles,
including Scottish Terriers, Kerry Blues, Irish Terriers, Wire Fox
Terriers and of course his beloved Lakeland Terriers. He did this in
the UK, on the continent and in the US as he lived and professionally handled
in both Belgium and the US for a time.
To those who knew Herbert he was a lovable rogue, with a glint in his eye, a
pipe in his mouth and he possessed a wonderfully quick wit. He could
appear quite daunting and intimidating to those meeting for the first time,
but he was a kind, remarkable time, if you took the time to appreciate him.
Herbert's home was always open to his friends and he surrounded himself with
dog lovers and close friends. He was never a man to back bit people,
preferring the honest approach, he was afterall a genuine man.
Sadly two years ago Herbert fell victim to cancer and after an unsucessful operation
he endured chemotherapy. Tony Manning regularly visited him during this
period, as had been the case since they became close friends in 1977, and he
noted that typically of Herbert, his main concern was for his wife, Val, that
she should not worry. He battled bravely and never complained even when
it was obvious to those around him that he must surely be in pain, instead he
looked forward with hope to attending Crufts once more.
It is very sad for the world of Terriers that Herbert did not make Crufts
this year and many more. He was a vibrant, bubbly man, whose knowledge
of dogs was only superseded by his willingness to impart that knowledge to
others. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his dear wife
Val, his family and many friends who are proud to have spent some time with
him during his remarkable life.
Ar Dheis De go raibh a h-Anam Dilis.
Written by Fionnuala Malone for Dogs Review
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