Rob Atkinson
December 2, 1986 – December 4, 2008

The Peace Alliance and Student Peace Alliance community was stunned and deeply saddened to hear of the loss of SPA Legislative Director, Rob Atkinson, son of California Co-state Coordinators John and Jan Atkinson. Everyone who met Rob knew what a unique and talented young man he was. Jan, John and the rest of his family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

We have created this page a space for our community to come together to remember and celebrate Rob. As we get more information, we will include it here, including a more detailed biography of Rob and ways in which all of us can support the continuation of Rob’s legacy.

For now, Rob's parents have requested that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to acknowledge Rob donate to The Student Peace Alliance in Rob's name. Simply visit the SPA donation page , and put the name "Rob Atkinson" in the "In Honor Of" section. We will keep a tally of names and email addresses of donors, and the total amount raised (not individual amounts) to send to Rob's parents.

Those of us who knew Rob knew how very passionate he was about the work of The Peace Alliance, Student Peace Alliance and the Department of Peace Campaign. Just weeks before his passing, he began to share with some of us his deep desire and fervent hope to make this work his full-time job after graduation. Rob shared his passion in an email to SPA Executive Director Aaron Voldman. We’ve excerpted it below, giving us all a reminder of who Rob was, how much he loved this work, and why.

This movement has been the frame through which I have come to understand myself and my world; it has been a main outlet for my life force. I have worked for this movement, defended this movement (sometimes alone, as we all have) cried, bled, and sweat for it and for the belief that amidst any disparity, this bold vision seems too right to be unlikely.

What I am saying is that if it was financially possible, I would absolutely love to move to DC with you and Julia and continue this work after graduation. I dream all the time about how amazing it would be if I could afford to devote all of my time to this, how unbelievable the possibilities would be, and what an honor it would be to be part of. Being in DC would also add so much to our work. I think us working full time in DC would exponentially grow our work and our cause in ways so exciting we can't even dream of it right now. I have watched this organization accomplish such amazing things with its very limited resources now, and I can't imagine what that would be like if we expanded in these ways….

It has been really special for me to realize this truth about myself, a truth whose depth we sometimes wait years to feel. Whether or not it is able to happen, I feel happy that even in this very email I am taking a stand for who I am, taking a stand not for what others want for me or what I am supposed to do, but instead what my heart, and mine alone, sets aflame as it pumps fire and blood through me so I can open my eyes and see the world…

I really hope there is some way that it can happen, but if not, I am happy just to realize that it is the thing I would most love to do.

You can also see Rob on YouTube, presenting to the Teaching Peace Conference in Texas. There are two videos. Part 1 is here, Part 2 here.

Or just go to youtube.com and search for “Rob Atkinson.”

Rob’s fraternity has posted an article if you’d like to also post a message to them there.

We are privileged to have shared this journey with Rob, even for a short time. We continue to be inspired by his vision, passion and commitment. We look forward to hearing your remembrances of Rob on this page. Rob left us way too soon. He will be deeply missed.