Son of Alfred Atkey?
People, Photo, Road Trip May 22nd, 2008
Today I met a homeless chap who was cycling the 400 or so miles from Anchorage to the Canadian border and claimed to be the son of World War 1 pilot Alfred Atkey… He told me he makes this trip on a regular basis and although he is Canadian he never crosses because he doesn’t carry ID. Anyway he had stopped to make some coffee but ran out of water so having supplied him with some and chatting about the exploits of his famous father I took this snap. I’ll let you decide if you agree his story to be true – click for a picture of Alfred Atkey.
May 31st, 2008 at 5:49 pm
[…] More on the son of Alfred Atkey Waffle May 31st, 2008 Thanks to a resourceful uncle, here is a link to more information on Al Atkey, son of Alfred Atkey who I met along the Alaska Highway. If you scroll down and read the second Web Reference from the Anchorage Daily News there is an article about him. The original link to the Anchorage Daily News article is unfortunately broken but the text is preserved by zoominfo at present. My original post is here. […]
June 20th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Hallo Steve,
Following on from our conversation last night I’ve put together the Family Tree for the Atkey Family and will publish it (with free access) on my web page (www.timedetectives.co.uk) later today.
Hope it is of use to anyone interested in the Atkey Family.
All the best,
Paul
On the down side I haven’t videod the Bear Joke yet 🙂
June 20th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Ok the family tree is ready to be downloaded if anyone is interested, just go to http://www.timedetectives.co.uk and click on the “Canada Atkey” tab then click on the pdf file for download.
Paul
June 20th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
[…] Yet more on Al Atkey! Waffle June 20th, 2008 Paul McNeil has put together the family tree of Al Atkey which you can find here. My original post is here. […]
July 14th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Well now a year later I met alfred just a week ago, at this time he explained that his name was alfred atkey, and that he was an amateur musicologist traveling Canada (yes, he’s in the Yukon) collecting money for female composers of violin concerti. He feels it is a lost art.
Let it be said that he’s not only in fine condition, clean and free of odors, but that his clothing is only more delightful than when you found him. He is wearing one which rubber boot and one tennis show. He is also wearing every item of clothing that he owns such that he appears like a cartoon character with his little head popping out of a mound of clothes such that I’m not sure how he can move.
I gave him $20 on general principles, and a cup of ice since it was a hot day. A bit up the road I stopped in at Jakes Corner in Yukon (Jakes crossing) and spoke with a couple waitresses at this must see gallery / restaurant / ?
After visiting with the eccentrics at the lunch table I asked on a whim if any of them knew Alfred. They burst into laughter and said he’d spent the afternoon at their place a few days before. Apparently he’s using the bicycle more as a luggage carrier than for himself. They agreed that he was a delight, remarkably clean and alert for a man living outdoors, and somehow seemed to avoid the numerous human predators such a man might fall victim to.
Give me an email address and I’ll send along current photos.
dave
July 19th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Al Atkey was part of our lives from 1980 until he was deported.
October 5th, 2009 at 7:42 am
Hi,
I’ve made a facebook page for Al. It’s found at Facebook under Alfred Atkey, or his username of al.atkey@dancetc.com.
dave
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
re: Alfred Atkey: I’m a school teacher in a small community in the Yukon whose husband works in Whitehorse and lives near Marsh Lake. Ron got to know Alfred last spring and he hired Alfred come to do odd jobs around the place. In early September, after having to cancel his plans to travel on his bike all the way to Edmonton he showed up at our place and my husband took him in for the winter. He is warm, cozy, well fed, and happy. So, all of you out there who might have been wondering about his safety and well-being for the winter, worry no more. Of course, I can’t say where he might be as soon as the highways are free of snow in the spring.
April 29th, 2010 at 8:18 am
I just heard from a man who saw Al last Sunday. I’ll post his message below without his email address or name. If you’d like to reach him please write me at david@dancetc.com and I can put you in touch. Dave Hoekje
Subject: Alfred Atkey
Hi Just a quick update on Alfred. As of Sunday April 25th he was in Fort St John. I saw him on the road side making little to no progress so I stopped and asked him if he was alright. What a delightful experience that turned out to be. He was fine, as it was evening and he had no place to stay i put him into a motel for the night. He said he was headed to Red Deer to stay with a brother. I told him if I could talk to his brother I would put him on the Grey Hound. Haven’t heard from him so I imagine he’s on the road south. What a character.
May 14th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Hi All,
I just read about my brother, Alfie, known in the north as Alcan Al. I am his younger sister, he also has a younger brother George and a little sister, Susan, who just passed away.
Just wanted to set the record straight that my father’s first wife was not our mother. Alfie should have at least known his mother’s first name even if he didn’t know her maiden name. If Irene had been his mother, Alfie would be 90 years old by now – he is actually 67.
She ran off on my father and when he didn’t hear from her for many years, he went back to the homestead near lone rock and worked on his music career. He enlisted in the second war, was assigned to Downsview, Ontario as a link trainer for new pilots. It was in Toronto that he met our mother, Dulcie May Boadway. They married in August of 1942 and had five children. The second child, George Vaughn only lived two weeks. They lived in Toronto, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Whitehorse, Lloydminster, and finally Toronto again where my father passed away at the age of 76 in 1971. Mom followed at the age of 59 in 1975. They are greatly missed.
December 15th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Alfred Atkey also worked at a creamery in Didsbury Alberta where he met my wife’s uncle Bob Dunkley. I believe he was based near Calgary for a while during the war.
December 15th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
My father who was injured in a plane crash in July 1918 met Alfred and his first wife in Toronto. According to the stories I heard from my mother she became restless and went on tour as “Billie Atkey” with a rollerskating act. She invited my father to a performance in the mid or late twenties at the Orpheum or Strand theatre. He went and took his oldest son who was three or four years old with him.
December 12th, 2011 at 10:29 am
Hi,
I have tried to contact Donna via this site without success. The e-mail sadly bounced. If you drift back to this blog to check up on your brother, please drop me a line via the guy who runs the site.
I write biographies of WW1 aircrew and have had an interest in your father for a couple of years now. Fingers crossed you come back to revisit some time.
May 13th, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Re. Request of Mike A. I don’t believe Donna Atkey has email since retiring from work. She can be reached at 905 271-7129 & I’m sure would be very pleased to speak about her father.
May 17th, 2012 at 2:43 pm
Hi Ricechewer,
This is great, thanks for taking the time to pass this on – the number connects to an address in Mississauga, Ontario. Does this sound somewhere about right? I have a policy never to pester people unless they have given some impression they want pestering, so a letter works best for me.
November 14th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
We met Al Atkey biking thru Fruitvale in the snow last night. We brought him home for the night and dropped him off in Salmo this morning to continue his trip home to Ft St John. He is healthy and in good spirits, anxious to get home to his camper in FSJ. We enjoyed his company and tales of his travels and dreams. We’re praying he makes it there safely.
November 23rd, 2012 at 12:58 am
Hi everyone,Met Al last night at the Petro-Canada on Hwy 1 west of Calgary.We talked for a while in the restaurant there.As I am truck driver now,and a bike courier from a long time ago,we shared a few stories of cycling and life on the road.He told me of his father,and I shared some of my west coast pilot stories.He seemed very interested in the history of Blatchford Field(City Centre Airport -Edmonton)I worked there for a while at the Edmonton Flying Club.I told him he should write a book of his life and adventures,he seemed to smile at the idea.As I write this now,as song by a fellow by the name of Red Sovine comes to mind,the name of the song ‘Big Joe and Phantom 309’.To those who have not heard it,look it up on You-Tube.Who knows…………..you might see Al some night on lonely highway…….safe travels Al.
October 15th, 2015 at 8:57 am
Hello. Just shooting everyone an update that I’ve had the great opportunity to meet Al here in Fernie. He’s staying with us until he decides where the open road will take him.
He sends his greetings to everyone.
February 20th, 2016 at 9:56 am
Alfred was living in Fort St. John, BC, up to a couple of months ago.(as of Jan 2016) He does go on journeys on his bike to Alaska or Edmonton but has been here for the past 3 years or so. He was in good spirit and health. Cheers.
November 6th, 2016 at 10:07 am
Hello everyone,
We have Mr. Atkey staying with us here at the Ramada Hotel in Penticton, BC. He is in good spirits and seems to be doing well in his travels.
November 24th, 2016 at 5:28 pm
I just met Alfred Atkey tonight walking in Stony Plain,Alberta. He is a present man to talk with and he is very proud of his father and has such a beautiful demenor … November 24, 2016!
February 7th, 2017 at 9:16 pm
Fri. JAn 27 , 2017 6:30am. Intrigued by the orange bicycle helmet my buddy Wordie and I stopped on the roadside in Crow’s Nest Pass to aid a fellow traveller . Fortunately for us the gent regaled with tale after tale for miles on end ! The last we saw of him he was in a Walmart Parking lot heading for a CIBC.Some days later we discovered we had been in the company of a truely unique Canadian ! So great to find that he has a following here on FB.
June 21st, 2017 at 1:59 pm
we recently encountered Mr Atkey in grimshaw alberta! Today we were having a staff lunch and he was in the cafe! Intuition told me to ask his ask him his name. My co workers bought him lunch and gave him some cash.
July 10th, 2017 at 3:58 pm
Just dropped Al off in Mayerthorpe Alberta. He was the highlight of my day!
September 17th, 2017 at 3:23 pm
I met Mr. Alfred Atkey this morning as he was travelling on his bike through Devon, Alberta on his way “south” for the winter. Bought him breakfast at the local A&W and spent several hours with him before driving him to Leduc McDonald’s, where he hoped to catch a ride with someone heading towards Red Deer. Also gave him a new can opener, fifty bucks and a 26-page print-off of his family tree (he was delighted!). He seemed to be sound of body and mind and was a profound inspiration to me as I strive towards a much simpler lifestyle. He has been life changing! Blessings upon him!
September 25th, 2017 at 6:09 am
Hi I’m Paul McNeil the Genealogist who put together Al’s Family Tree and friend of Steve Jones (owner of this site) I received the following from a lady who met with Al recently:
Hello Paul,
Just wanted to let you know that this morning I had the privilege of meeting Alfred Atkey as he passed the small town of Devon, Alberta, Canada on one of his many treks (this time on an old bike with numerous bags of stuff tied to the handelbars) on his way “south†for the winter (south means southern Alberta and B.C.).
I bought Alfred a coffee and breakfast at the local A&W, which is apparently his favourite haunt when he is on the road.
What an interesting guy! I spent several hours with him and gave him a few things that he needed for the road, namely a can opener, a pair of winter gloves and a few other items that he needed to replace. The best thing that I gave though was a copy of his family tree from your website (I found it online and printed it off when I went home to get the can opener and gloves).
He was so excited to see the names of all of his ancestors and to read a bit of their histories! Just thought you might get a kick out of this. Alfred is now 74 years old and shows no sign of slowing up as he continues to move from homeless shelter to homeless shelter and to rely on the kindness of strangers. Alfred told me that someone he met on his travellers had created a Facebook page for him, but I have not yet attempted to find it.
Alfred is very inspiring and very humble. He mentioned several times that he could never be as great a man as his war hero father. I disagree.
Humbled and Sincere,
Sheryl Watson
September 26th, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Sept 21/17 Spotted Alfred pushing his bike in Ponoka, AB in the rain. He was wearing multiple layers of clothing with numerous plastic bags tied to his handlebars. He told us he was heading south so we offered to give him a ride to Red Deer, but since we were driving out to B.C. the following day, we brought him home, gave him a bed & laundered his clothes. A kindly lady at the local KFC had given him a chicken dinner which we supplemented with tea and his own packet of hot chocolate mix.
Sep 22/17 loaded Alfred and all his possessions into our truck and eventually dropped him off at McDonalds in Revelstoke. He told us he was headed toward Prince George where an acquaintance had a ranch where he could spend the winter. He indicated he was estranged from his brother in Red Deer but hoped his surviving sister from Ontario would join him sometime in the west. He appeared to be in good health and had good appetite. He entertained us with numerous anecdotes and stories including one where he said someone had given him toothpaste and he said “what do I need that for, I only have one tooth” which in fact was the case. He spoke a lot about his father and his father’s time in the armed forces. He is knowledgeable on many subjects, particularly music. Alfred is refreshingly able to accept help from strangers without over the top gratitude. A one of a kind character and we wish him God speed.
October 13th, 2017 at 2:24 pm
I’m a militaria collector from the UK and have a pistol that was presented to this mans father Captain Alfred Atkey in 1918. It is engraved that it was presented by ‘The L P C’ and am trying to find out who or what theses initials stand for. As he was from Canada I wondered if there were any clubs or institutions with these initials over there. I initially thought it may have been ‘The London Gun Club’ but have drawn a blank so far. How would I access the family tree that is mention in previous posts? Any help would be appreciated.
October 13th, 2017 at 2:26 pm
Further to my previous post it should read ‘London Pistol Club’ !!
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:47 am
Wow he did say he’s been traveling, he spent Saturday night slept like a million dollars. We supplied him with a heated room went to sleep got up next morning and continued his journey. He told us he was meeting someone in Rocky Mountain. Well another neighbor of mine picked him up 3 hours later and drove him to Rocky. He told him he was very happy we had nice room for him
November 23rd, 2017 at 1:52 pm
I had the pleasure of Alfred’s company as he was biking north on highway 6 from the needles ferry to Vernon BC. Alfred is a motivated individual that has no lack of great idea’s. He stayed at our homestead for a bit, (dried out his gear and warmed up a bit) It was amazing to see His gentle way, he sharing his life adventures and future plans. Here’s to that free spirit that compels us to change our future thinking 🙂
December 30th, 2017 at 8:45 pm
I am so glad to hear of Al’s health and continuing adventures. He lived in Alaska for over 25 years and endeared himself to many. My husband and I travelled the Alaska highway in January 2017 and stopped in many places looking for Al. Everyone seemed to know who he was but hadn’t seen him in ages. If anyone sees Al please give him a loving “hi-ho” from his friends in Alaska. We miss him.
May 14th, 2018 at 8:38 pm
My name is Dave, a trucker from Lethbride, AB. This evening of 14 May 18 I saw a man pushing a bicycle on highway 40 south of Grande Prairie, AB heading south, and dropped my trailer at a stop and bobtailed back to see if he was alright as he was moving slow up a hill on a busy stretch of narrow road. It was Alfred Atkey, and he told me many stories on the drive to Grande Cache where he wanted to spend the night (and possibly a day or two to rest up). He is In good spirits and on his way to Mount Robson, BC to work for the summer on a ranch. He is set up at a room at the generous Bighorn Motel tonight in Grande Cache, AB, and I bought him some dinner and some supplies for when he decides to continue on.
He mentioned that he was on the internet and over dinner I found this site and told him that many people are thinking very kind things about him. He is very happy to know this, and is very happy to have an internet legacy.
May 15th, 2018 at 11:23 am
Just so everyone knows, dropped Alfred off at ranchero, headed toward hope, I’ve known him for 8 years, I always watch for him. He is a very unique person. If anyone see him please check on him, 75 and running through the wilderness, the most honest person I know
May 15th, 2018 at 1:16 pm
I just met Alfred when I was going to the post office in Grande Cache. He is so interesting to talk to! Very friendly! I love how he’s wearing about 4 pairs of pants and 5 shirts on such a hot day. He said he didn’t mind the heat.
He’s looking for a ride towards Mt.Robson so he can start his work there with a rancher by June. If anyone is heading that way; he is staying at the Bighorn Motel tonight and is in room 106 (he asked me to post this!)
I feel happy that I met such a unique person.
I might track him down later to have more chats with him.
May 31st, 2018 at 9:52 am
May30th at about 1030 a.m.
I picked up Alfred about 30km north of Blue River heading south. He was sleeping on a road strip with his bike on the side. Anyone would have thought he’d of had an accident, but no one was stopping. I turned around and went back. His head popped up and apparently he was resting because it had taken him 4 days to get from Valemount to his present location… about 30 kms. Not knowing him I offerred him a ride to Kamloops and threw his bike into the back of the truck with all his gear… a lot of gear and I told him having 200 lbs around the handlebars was dangerous for him. Better for him to hitchhike.
He then told me about his lineage to Alfred Atkey… I am an Asian historian and run this site https://shatteredjewels.wordpress.com/about/ but I know enough about the period he talks about because of numerous projects I have worked on with the RAF and RCAF. I was initially a little skeptical. But upon looking up all that he told me I believe it is reasonable to presume he is the son of Alfred Atkey. However he did say his dad won the VC, which he in fact did not… it was Military Cross with Bar (with Bar means he won the MC twice). His story was consistent. He is a very honest person so it would be very strange for him to just have happenned to memorise this one piece of history to regal travellers.
Moreover I asked him his Dad’s rank he said it was Captain… which is not an R(C)AF rank. Captain would be Flight Lieutenant. But he was referring to this Royal Flying Corps rank… which sort of had him tripping me up … so I think he was genuine… he reminded me also of an Twilight Zone episode as well. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6h9b20
I took him to Clearwater RCMP and just registered that I had him – who knows, someone could have been looking for him – they knew him rather well with Constable Labossiere coming out to talk with him. I informed them of our plans. I drove him to Kamloops and dropped him off at the Days Inn Motel with his stuff. I gave him a little money and some food.
I hope he finds what he is looking for in Hope. Travelling on his bike is too hard for him. I told him to stay in one place and get assistance and get on the BC Housing Support list for assisted living in a town… but he needs to stay in one location long enough to do this.
Good luck Alfred. May you find hope and friendship wherever you go.
November 18th, 2018 at 3:29 pm
We saw Alfred in Valemount about Jun 3, 2018. We know Alfred from Fort St. John. He was on his bike by the highway recycling bottles.
Not sure if you know his family history.Alfred’s dad, Alfred, was a WW1 flying ace. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Atkey?fbclid=IwAR3fs8abc7AQtrj1e09QzX52NzippJiMhf8f-EXTHByBvwZok6Vfps4sR54
March 12th, 2019 at 4:55 pm
Alfred is here in Stewart BC and he would like everyone to know he is doing well and he is making his way back to Whitehorse. He would like to say a special hello to Bill Sheffield.
March 12th, 2019 at 5:49 pm
Alfred is in Stewart BC and is making his way back to Whitehorse. He would like me to say hi to all his friends and especially Bill Sheffield.
March 12th, 2019 at 11:10 pm
I served and bought Alfred dinner tonight in Stewart b.c.. He had many great stories to tell me and I am happy that there are people out there who care about this man! He is looking for a ride to Yellowknife or Watson lake.. He said he is going to a job.. To be honest I was worried about him.. Because it’s winter and he is travelling by bike!?!! He was picked up by the RCMP (he was stuck in the snow with his bike) and brought to Stewart.. He is staying in a hotel safe and sound! The more I learn about him the more my worry Melts away.. He has a gypsy soul and people seem to watch over him! I would love to have more of a conversation with him about his past and his father and how he ended up living the way he does! He seems quite content with his life. So I hope he finds his way home and for all of you who are wondering what happened to Alfred Atkey.. He seems to be doing pretty good! Someone posted a picture of Alfred looking for a ride on Facebook as the town is trying to help him get to where he needs to go! It is on Facebook “Stewartites” page for our community!
March 19th, 2019 at 9:48 pm
Today is March 19. Alfred who I haven’t seen in about 5 years dropped by. Someone gave him a ride to Marsh Lake Yukon where I live. I met him back in 2009. He is looking for a ride to the Lakewood Inn in 100 Mile House. He rents a room there monthly. If you ever need to reach me my number is+18673347701.
I haven’t seen Alfred for so long but I am glad he stopped by for a warm place to stay. He always used to help me with firewood and yard work.
I hope he can get a ride back home safely.
April 18th, 2020 at 12:11 pm
I am always heartened to hear news of Al. He was a big part of our lives here in Anchorage. His love of music. His outgoing and positive nature created a circle of friends all across Alaska. We think of him often and would be pleased to share a “hello†if anyone knows his current whereabouts. He will celebrate his 80th birthday in 2023 so I hope he has found a place to perch. He is a traveler so he will no doubt roam the roads blessing all until he can no more. Hugs from Alaska Al.