Tony Atchinson

Tony (Neil E.) Atchinson was born Dec. 6, 1928 in LaPorte, Mich. to Milfred and Katherine Atchinson.

Tony spent most of his life in Michigan on the farm, in the hardware business and working for the state in the Department of Mental Health from which he retired.

In addition, Tony had an independent carpet laying service and was an avid duck hunter. Some of his best stories involved his fishing and hunting experiences with his best Michigan buddy, Carl, or his Arizona buddy, Mose.

In 1972 he visited Arizona and met Sally Ballee’, who had just moved into Fountain Hills with her two children, Sheri and Steve. They were married that summer.

He and Sally had two homes in Fountain Hills during their 41 years together, finally downsizing to a condo simplifying life, traveling more and spending the summers in their log home in Hunter Creek, Ariz.

One of Tony’s joys was scanning the horizon and recalling their hikes to the surrounding peaks, including Red Rock when it was accessible. After retirement he learned to country line dance, pilot a plane and fit in lots of happy hours and travel. Always friendly and welcoming, he gathered friends and initiated fun with his warmth and storytelling.

He had three brothers and one sister and is preceded in death by both parents, his sister, Adretta Pitcher, and his older brother, Dale Atchinson. His brother, Ray Atchinson, lives in Greenville, S.C., and his brother, Glenn Atchinson, in Fountain Hills.

Tony and Sally’s marriage brought Glenn to Fountain Hills to marry them and subsequently relocating here and founding the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church. Tony loved that as brothers they could be together often.

He has a son, Jay Atchinson, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, stepson, Steve Ballee’, and three living stepdaughters, Billie Ann Cotner, Betty Printz and Wanda Austin, and one who predeceased him, Sheryl Rinfret.

In a memorial to daughter Sheri, Tony and Sally purchased the sculpture “More than Words,” which was donated to the Town of Fountain Hills. Tony was thrilled with hunting for an appropriate piece, finding it and then being able to see it installed and dedicated this year in February.

There will be a remembrance service Thursday, April 18, at the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church or to the Fountain Hills Civic and Cultural Association public art fund.