Atz was born after his parents, Yule and Ruth, escaped Hitler's stronghold on Eastern Europe and moved to the wilderness. The oldest male of eight children, Atz considers himself the protector of the family.
Atz keeps a home at the homestead but spends most of his time in the summer at the head of the bay, the summer range, either by himself or accompanied by his wife, Bonnie. The head of the bay provides Atz with shelter, water and salmon for him to remain content and free from any contact with the outside world. He is free to watch over the cattle, play music, weave baskets, and most importantly, stockpile his needs for the winter.
Atz is father to four children. His oldest, Shane, recently moved back to the homestead with his family. His daughter, Jewel, acquired the musical talents of the family, left the homestead at a young age and became a worldwide pop and country music star. Today, she lives with her son in Nashville, TN. His youngest sons, Atz Lee and Nikos, still live on the homestead today.