Memorial Service Planned for Civic Activist Bob Atkins

Friends of Robert G. "Bob" Atkins have arranged a memorial service for the longtime civic activist.

Atkins died Monday, Dec. 9, at his Arlington County home. He was 68. He wished to be cremated upon his death.

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The memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VORA (Virginia Organizations Responding to AIDS) at VORA — Main Office, P.O. Box 4780, Woodbridge, VA 22194, or to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington at Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Attn: Development Manager, 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington, VA 22206.

Atkins is survived by his 90-year-old mother, Julia Atkins, who lives in upstate New York, his many cousins, his beloved cat Gypsy, and legions of friends. He was predeceased by his father, who was also named Robert, and his brother Ronald.

Because Atkins shared the same name as his father, his family called him by his middle name, Gary.