Pondering History

Remembering lessons, legacy, and time spent on the water with Dad

Today I found myself pondering history—our history—with Pops, Alex Atkinson Sr.

He taught me, and so many in our family, how to salmon fish and how to hunt. He was full of knowledge and know-how when it came to those things, and he was always happy to pass that knowledge on. Most of what he knew came from his Pops—Grandpa Harris—so it wasn’t just skills he handed down, it was legacy.

I’ll never forget the chance I had to commercial fish with both of them when I was younger. That season stays with me. It was memorable, formative, and full of lessons—lessons about work, patience, the water, and what it means to show up and do things the right way. I learned a lot in that one season, more than I probably realized at the time.

Now, thinking back on those days brings tears to my eyes. I wish I could tell him one more time: Thank you, Dad. Thank you for everything you taught me—everything you taught us.

You loved. You laughed. You loved your family deeply. You loved being with family and supporting family. That mattered. It still does.

I was thinking about all of this today as I saw a boat out trolling for salmon. Just one simple sight, and suddenly I was back there—memories rushing in, heart full, eyes heavy, gratitude overwhelming.

Such memories. Such thankfulness.

Thank you, Dad.