Rodney Eugene Atchison

Rodney Eugene Atchison was the third child born to Olan and Nancy Atchison (Fry) on April 30, 1961. When Rodney was born, he already had a sister, Christi (5), and a brother, Jeff (3). Seventeen months later, Rodney had another brother, J.R.

The doctors knew immediately after Rodney’s birth that he had Down Syndrome, that he would have special needs his entire life. At that time, the doctors also told Rodney’s Mom and Dad that Rodney’s life expectancy was teen years. When Rodney passed away he was fifty-seven and a half years old!! Over Rodney’s life, he lived in Scottsdale with his family, moved to the Arizona Children’s Colony near Coolidge Arizona when his family was transferred to Seattle Washington. When Rodney was 20 years old, he moved back to the Valley and took up residence in a few different group homes sponsored by Marc Center Community Resources. For the past eighteen years Rodney has lived in the Halifax group home, sponsored by Marc Center Community Resources in Mesa Arizona. Rodney and two other residents, Barry and Brian have lived in that home together since 2000. Rodney attended a Day Program while he lived at the Marc Center where he developed many friend and caregiver relationships.

While living in the Halifax residence, Rodney had a very special caregiver, Ric Nickerson. Ric took care of Rodney for thirteen and a half years and is part of the Atchison extended family because of his love and devotion for Rodney.

Rodney had a love for music, especially oldies, food, coffee and throwing puzzle pieces into a box while sitting at the kitchen table.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Olan and Nancy. Rodney is survived by his three siblings, Christi (Phoenix), Jeff (Mesa) and J.R. (Mesa). Rodney has five nieces and three nephews and five great nieces and five great nephews.

Although there is a whole in our hearts, and a void no one can fill, we know that Rodney’s Mom and Dad have welcomed Rodney into heaven, and they are rejoicing together. Rodney has a new, perfect, heavenly body, and we all look forward to the day we celebrate with him again.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Marc Center Community Resources in Rodney’s name are welcomed. The address is 924 N. Country Club Dr. Mesa, AZ 85201 or their website https://marccr.com/