Walter Lynn Atkinson's Obituary
Walter Lynn Atkinson, 79, died March 20, 2026 in Salt Lake City. Born February 17, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to James K. Atkinson and Verda Virginia Henderson.
Walter was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was especially proud of his perfect attendance during his growing years, as well as obtaining his Duty to God and Eagle Scout awards.
Walter attended grade school in Murray, Utah. The family eventually moved to downtown Salt Lake City, where Walt attended Junior High and High School. Walter graduated from West High in 1966 with honors. He attended Boys State, participated in debate, was an editor on the school paper, and was heavily involved in West High’s musical programs. Walter’s love of music and especially opera would continue throughout his life.
Upon graduation from high school, Walter attended Utah State University for two years before transferring to the University of Utah, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Journalism. Walt graduated Cum Laude, and was a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha fraternity and the Sigma Delta Chi – Society of Professional Journalists.
Shortly after graduating from the University of Utah, Walt traveled east to earn his Master of Science degree in Journalism at Northwestern University in Chicago with an emphasis in Advertising and Communications.
After a successful career in Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, Walt decided to go back to school and obtain his doctorate, which he completed at the University of Utah. Upon graduating, he was hired as a faculty member at Northern Illinois University in 1998, where he worked until his retirement in 2017.
Walter is survived by many cousins who love and adore him. He was especially touched when some of his cousins’ children referred to him as Uncle Walt. He is also survived by many choice friends and colleagues who will miss him greatly. Walter is preceded in death by his father, mother, and older sister, Nina.
A family graveside service will be held at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, where Walter will be interred.
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