MEXICAN SPRINGS — Services for Robert Atkins, 71, were 10
a.m., today, March 10, at Cope Memorial Chapel, Gallup. Burial
was in family plot, Mexican Springs.
Atkins died March 4, 2009, in Mexican Springs.
He was born March 17, 1937, in Mexican Springs, into the Salt
People Clan for the Folding Arms People Clan.
Atkins retired from Design and Engineering/The Navajo Tribe.
He graduated from Wingate Boarding School, Engineering School
at Haskell, Lawrence, Kan., and Highlands University in Las Vegas,
Nev. He received degrees in architecture, electrical and plumbing.
Atkins was outstanding in sport activities when he attended Wingate
Boarding School.
Survivors include his son, Darrell Atkins of Mexican Springs;
daughters, Pamela Atkins of Gallup, Karen Bialcik of Green Bay,
Wis.; brother, Tom Begay of Twin Lakes; 10 grandchildren; two
great-grandchildren.
Atkins was preceded in death by his parents, Yehebah and John
T. Begay; brothers, Chester Begay, Joseph Bitsie Sr., Joe Begay;
sister, Phyllis Begay.
Pallbearers were Tom Begay, Blaine J. Becenti, Jimmie R. Tsosie,
Jered Atkins, Jamal Atkins, Andrea Bialcik.
The family received relatives and friends in Mexican Springs,
following services.
Cope Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
