October 28th, 1935 ~ February 29th, 2020

John Barry Atkinson was born in Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, England on October 28th, 1935. The first born of Charles and Florence Atkinson, Barry was later blessed with two sisters, Joyce and Janet.  Barry’s parents made sure their only son was well educated.  He was the apple of his Nanny’s eye, whom once declared he was more like her own son.  Nanny made sure Barry was always well stocked with chocolate biscuits.  Barry was a young child during the second world war and often recalled running through the streets to get home while the bomb sirens were blaring.  At the age of 11, Barry met a young lady at Sunday school; little did he know at that time this young lady, “Betty” would become his wife on March 13th, 1957.

When first married, Betty and Barry lived in London, England while Barry finished his term in the Army Medical Corps.  The couple later settled in Norton and had two daughters, Karen and Beverley.  Being a roving spirit, Barry decided it was time to move his family to Canada in 1966.  The Hospital for Sick Children Toronto offered Barry a job and this became his workplace for some twenty plus years.

As a family, the Atkinsons moved six times, Betty and Barry moved another three times while living in Ontario. Eventually Barry accepted a job in Saudi Arabia, where they embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, both geographically and spiritually.

This is where Betty and Barry were first introduced to The Alpha Ministries which solidified their faith in Jesus Christ.  The job and the culture was sometimes trying, but they also had the opportunity to travel to various countries such as, Thailand, Egypt and Israel, their favourite.  When they finally retired, Barry and Betty decided to move to Forestburg, Alberta, and then to Medicine Hat, which they called home for over 20 years.

Barry was a proud grandfather and loved to hear stories about his grandchildren, their accomplishments and their numerous adventures.  Barry also had the pleasure of becoming a great-grandfather and enjoyed any opportunity to visit with his great-grandchildren whenever possible.

In 2015, Barry was devastated by the unexpected loss his wife, Betty.  These past 4 ½ years have been tough for Barry, dealing with health issues and the void left by his Betty’s passing. He always looked forward to meeting his coffee buddies on Monday and Friday mornings at the local McDonalds.

We take comfort in knowing Barry has now been reunited with the love of his life, Betty.  Barry will be missed dearly, he was a wonderful Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather.  Barry will always be with us by his legacy in his children and their families:  Karen and Ron, and their children Nigel, Emma, Sarah, Liam and Faith; Bev and Kelly, and their children Jillian and Andrew; son-in-law, J.D. Gaetan and daughter-in-law, Ashley Roach; and his great grandchildren, Amelia, Sophia and Arlo.

The Funeral Service will be held at ST. BARNABAS ANGLICAN CHURCH, 635 – 4th Street SE, on Friday, March 6th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with The Reverend Dr. Oz Lorentzen and The Reverend Canon D. Gene Packwood co-officiating.  A Private Interment will take place at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery.  Memorial gifts in Barry’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society, 201, 770 – 6th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4J6.  Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Barry Atkinson.  Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, CREMATORIUM AND RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed.  Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 403-528-2599.

• Date : 2020-02-29
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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