Walter Wells Atkin III or "Trey" as he was affectionately known, was respected by his peers and acknowledged by adults for being an exceptionally friendly, responsible and kind person. Just after he turned 11, Trey was playing a game of chase at a birthday party when a strong gust of wind let loose a huge tree limb that fell on his head and killed him. "We are so very grateful he was in our lives and we sorely miss him," said his father Chip. "It is our consolation that, if we had to lose him, he was able to save four lives by his organ donation."

Trey's Story

Walter Wells Atkin III, or "Trey" as he was affectionately known, was respected by his peers and acknowledged by adults for being an exceptionally friendly, responsible and kind person. He was not only academically sharp, but he was also intensely interested in the world around him. He was athletic and enjoyed soccer and bikes. Basketball was his favorite sport, and he showed great promise as a point guard. A developing leader, when elected to his Wilson Elementary School student council he proved to be devoted to his responsibilities and the projects he undertook. He took a strong interest in poetry, and won several awards for his poems. As his aunt said, "Trey was the company of choice." Just driving to the store, as Trey prattled on with great animation about his current interests, was a great delight.

Just after he turned 11, Trey was at a birthday party for a friend. After they cut and ate the cake, he stepped outside and a younger boy started a game of chase. As Trey turned the corner of an L-shaped stand of Redwood trees, he had a big grin on his face, with the little boy three steps back. A strong gust of wind let loose a huge tree limb that fell on his head, killing him.

"We are so very grateful he was in our lives and we sorely miss him," said his father, Chip. "It is our consolation that, if we had to lose him, he was able to save four lives by his organ donation.", "Just before his death, Trey and I had been training to climb the tallest peak in the continental United States. When Trey died I vowed to make the trip for the both of us. As I stood at the summit of Mount Whitney, I said to myself, 'Trey, we made it!' Of course, I found myself crying silently. Then, with my friends, we unfurled a banner that said: 'For Trey Atkin, Organ Donors and their Families — for Organ Recipients, Mount Whitney Ascent.' I am so proud of Trey; he continues to make this world a better place with his gifts of kindness and life."