Vale Alan Atkinson
12 Apr 2022ALAN ATKINSON
29 July 1940 – 31 March 2022
It is with great sadness that we advise members of the passing of Life Member and former Board Director and President Alan Atkinson.
Alan’s father, the late Monty Atkinson, was influential in the early days of the Droughtmaster breed. Alan and his brother, Rob, worked alongside their father in breeding cattle which were suited to the harsher conditions of North Queensland. Following Monty’s death, Alan continued to play a very active role in the development, management and success of the Droughtmaster, breeding a tropical animal which was hardy, tick resistant and able to handle tougher country.
Alan and his family’s original studs, Mungalla, Farnham and Valley, are renowned within the seedstock and commercial cattle industries. Two bulls which had a major impact on the early days of the Droughtmaster breed were Mungalla Double Up and Mungalla 718.
Alan was passionate about the future of the breed serving 24 years on the DSBS Board from 1966-71 and 1973-93, and was President from 1985-1988.
In honour of his father, Alan was instrumental in starting up the Monty Atkinson Genetic Sale (MAGS) in Charters Towers in 2002 with all original sale vendors descendants of Monty Atkinson.
In 2012 during the Society’s 50th year, Alan was honoured with Life Membership of Droughtmaster Australia.
Alan’s life was celebrated at a memorial service held at “Mungalla” on Saturday 9 April. His eulogy was delivered by his nephew, Rob Atkinson.
Click here to read the full eulogy.
(Photo credit: Kelly Butterworth, QCL)
