Barry Atkins
September 1, 1939 – February 7, 2022
With very sad hearts, the Atkins family announces the passing of their husband, father and grandfather, Barry Atkins, on February 7, 2022.
Barry is survived by his wife Maggie, son Michael (Monique) of Dryden, daughter Marnie (Sean) Pronger of Costa Mesa, California and grandchildren Oliver and Trey Atkins (Jayde Wolski), and Kaia and Vann Pronger and his sister Sharon (Doug) Hughes of Stratford and numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Elmer and Marie and his brother David.
Barry was born September 1, 1939 in Stratford, Ontario. After he completed high school and college, he decided to pursue a career in policing. He joined the OPP which eventually brought him up to Northwestern Ontario where the stars would align and he would end up in Dryden, meeting the love of his life and his future wife of 57 years, Maggie.
Even though Barry was not from here, he was the type of person who was all about community and connecting with anyone he met along his life’s path. Barry and Maggie married on July 25, 1964. They made an amazing hard-working team. Their first business was the Fin and Feather tourist camp on Eagle Lake. Over the years they made hundreds of lifelong friends. Soon, Barry and Maggie welcomed their children Michael and Marnie. The busy young parents sold the Fin and Feather and embarked on their next adventure.
If you have ever enjoyed a Teen Burger and rings in Dryden you have Barry to thank for that. Barry and Maggie built Dryden’s drive thru A&W restaurant in 1974. Their hard work earned them top honors in the A&W franchise world and for over 24 years the restaurant was responsible for employing many people in Dryden. If you saw the Great Root Bear around, you knew Barry was near by. He was a respected boss and many employees worked for him for many years.
Students would work for him through their high school years and many came back to visit in years to follow. If your resume said you had worked for Barry Atkins, you had a really good chance of landing another good job because having him as a reference meant you were a top prospect.
The time eventually came when Barry was ready for something new and with a heavy heart, he retired from the A&W and handed the keys over to new owners. It was an emotional decision because of all the amazing relationships that he had made over so many years. If you have ever been in a crunch and didn’t know what to make for dinner you can thank Barry for bringing M&M Meat Shops to Dryden. After about 10 more years serving the community, the time came for Barry to finally hang up his entrepreneurial hat and retire, and retire he did.
Barry and Maggie were Palm Springs bound. During his 23 years there, he became part of a loving community that would produce lifelong friendships.
Barry was a strong believer in the importance of community and the moment he came to Dryden, he became an active member and a huge supporter of others in his new home town.
Barry was also a huge sports fan. He played hockey and baseball and enjoyed golfing and curling. He regularly supported all different teams in Dryden with generous sponsorships, supporting many teams and events, always giving back to the community that had supported him for so many years. Barry believed in the importance of service to others and his membership in service groups like the Lions club and Knights of Columbus.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 13, 2022 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Dryden Community Funeral Home. Covid restrictions will apply.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, February 14, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church
with Father Alan Campeau officiating. The family asks that only close family and friends attend due to limited capacity. (Max 80)
Cremation will follow and a private interment will take place at a later date.
Donations may be made to the DRHC Foundation through the Dryden Community Funeral Home,
249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
