October 18, 1929 - June 12, 2018
After nearly 89 years - 60 of those living with MS, Barbara passed away peacefully on June 12. Barb was born in Minniska, Manitoba. The eldest of four children born to Malcolm Thomas and Juanita Belle (Stayner) McLennan. Barb excelled at school and graduated at 16 with her senior matric.
By then she had met and fallen in love with Zina Atchison when he travelled from Ontario to Russell to work with a harvesting team. When family moved to Surrey in the spring of 1947 Barb got a job at the Cloverdale branch of the Bank of Montreal. She and Zina married the next spring. Their son Wayne arrived in Feb 1959, followed by their daughter Sandra in Aug 1960 Barb happily left her job in a doctors office to become a stay at home mom for the next 12 years until she and Zina started A & G sporting goods in Cloverdale. Barb quickly became very knowledgeable about sports and ran the store very capably with only part time help until Zina retired.
After selling the store in 1996 they travelled North America in their RV and went on several cruises and bus tours, before Zina's death in 2006. As Barbs MS progressed she gradually lost her mobility, but not her will to be very involved in her MS self help group and her UCW group. She frequently planned and ran the meetings. When Bethshan Gardens opened in Cloverdale Barb and her beloved cat Casey were among the first residents and she absolutely loved her years there.
Recently Barb required more care so in Dec. 2017 she moved into a full care home in White Rock. Barb was doing quite well there until the last month. She was so tired from fighting infections that finally she said she just didn't want to fight anymore. Early in the morning of June 12th she got her wish when she passed away peacefully in her sleep.
Barb was predeceased by her brother Halven (Sharie) and her husband Zina.
She is survived by her brother Lorne (Jean) and sister Doreen. Also by her children Wayne and Sandra (Len) Cranmore, grandsons Paul (Shanna) and Calvin, and great grandchildren Chase and Alyssa and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Barb will be greatly missed by her loving family, but we're thankful she's out of pain and doesn't have to struggle anymore. Thanks to the nurses and caregivers at Peace Portal Seniors Village and Peace Arch Hospital and Barb's longtime doctor, Dr. Heller of Langley. No flowers by request. If you wish please consider making a donation to the MS Society in Barb's memory.
Celebration of life for Barb Atchison will be held at the Cloverdale United Church, 17575 58A Avenue on Thursday June 28 at 2:00 p.m.
Service Details
2:00 PM