Leonard Earl Atkins

Leonard “Len” Earl Atkins of Santa Barbara, CA passed away on August 15, 2022, at the age of 95 from end stage Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his wife Jane for 66 years, five sons, and grandchildren.

Len’s life began with a keen interest in music, playing many musical instruments with amazing skill, favoring the piano and marimba which he continued to do all his life. After serving in World War 2, Len studied religion and education at the University of Southern California and graduated with a master’s degree in education.

Leonard’s life was dedicated to helping others. Len taught elementary students, students with disabilities at Hillside House, and students with behavioral problems at Devereux. Len was a member and leader of many clubs and organizations such as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis Club, March of Dimes, Board of Directors for “Work Inc”, Recording Books for the Blind, Rehabilitation Center at Cottage Hospital, and served as a Santa Barbara City Parks, Fire, and Police Commissioner.

His cheery, friendly, helpful nature was a joy to his family and everyone he met, as was the music he played, the comics he drew, the puzzles he created, and all he did to impart knowledge and make life more enjoyable. Len was a true renaissance man…artist, musician, teacher, husband, and father. He will be missed.

Services will be held privately with his family.