Dale “Pete” Atkins

Dale “Pete” Atkins (A&S’43, MD’45) came to CU in 1939 from a small coal mining town near Paonia, Colo., thanks to a full scholarship from the Fredrick G. Bonfils Foundation. He credits Bonfils and CU for shaping his life. Pete holds three degrees from the university: undergraduate, medical and a master’s of science. He was Phi Beta Kappa.

While at CU, Pete became one of the all-time greats in Colorado baseball and was known as the “Paonia Peach” and “Pistol Pete.”  He helped the Buffs win the Big 7 Baseball Championship and lettered in 1941 and 1942.  He also played semi-pro baseball.  In 1994, he was named one of CU’s Living Legends, meeting the criteria of earning his varsity letter 50 or more years earlier and joining the likes of such outstanding CU athletes as Byron “Whizzer” White.

In 1943, Dale married Ilene Davidson, who predeceased him in 1997. They had four children: Loretta, Linda, Peter, and John.

After serving as a medical resident at CU’s University Hospital, he started his own practice in Denver specializing in urology in 1953 and quickly established himself as an outstanding physician. He demonstrated his commitment to medicine and Colorado’s residents by serving rural communities and establishing a monthly clinic in Del Norte, Colo.

Over the years, Pete was a tireless participant in CU and state-wide activities.  He taught at  CU’s medical school, served as a member of the Board of Regents for 12 years, was a lifelong member of the CU Directors Club and served as a National Western Stock Show Association director for 34 years.

Dale passed on September 6, 2010. Private services for family only were held. He will be missed.