One of the founding fathers of Abbotsford soccer is set to be honoured in a unique way this weekend.
The Abbotsford Soccer Association announced that they will be holding a drive-by farewell for the recently deceased Barry Crocker at Bateman Park on Saturday (April 17) between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
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Arrangements have been made for drivers to enter the park from Bateman Road, drive through the park and pass by the family of Crocker who will be stationed in the upper parking lot. Vehicles will then exit driving up Davie/Mireau streets and out Laburnum or Immel streets.
The upper parking lot will be blocked off at those times to discourage cars from stopping to visit the family. We will have volunteers throughout the park to ensure COVID-19 protocols are in place that day. The event does have a special licence from the city of Abbotsford.
Join us in a ‘drive by’ farewell for Barry Crocker at Bateman Park on April 17th between 11:00 am and 12:30 pm. We have a Special Event Licence from the City of Abbotsford for this drive by. For more info please see check out our Facebook page @abbotsfordsoccer pic.twitter.com/sxfhoqjgV6
— Abbotsford Soccer (@AbbSoccerAssn) April 13, 2021
Crocker died on April 2 due to heart complications at the Ridge Meadows Hospital. He was a legendary figure in local soccer, serving on the ASA board in a number of roles, mostly as general manager, and was one of the catalysts to help develop and organize youth soccer in Abbotsford. Under his direction the local club won back-to-back U18 boys national titles in 2002 and 2003.
He also had an impressive career in the physiotherapy field, owning and running his own practice and also working as an athletic therapist for the Vancouver Whitecaps and on the men’s Canadian national soccer team. He is a member of both the BC Sports Hall of Fame and the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame.
There has been discussion online about the desire to rename a local park or field in his name, with Bateman Park being one of the suggestions.
My good friend Barry Crocker sadly passed away last week. I suggest to @City_Abbotsford that they rename Bateman Park, Barry Crocker Park in his memory. He was a legend in Abbotsford. Who’s with me?
— Alan Errington (@AlanErrington) April 10, 2021
Please re-tweet pic.twitter.com/WuuXI0Uz1o
A great soccer man. They should re-name Bateman Park, Barry Crocker Park, as he spent so much time there, developing players & the game. #Legend https://t.co/Q6sBMedtbm
— Alan Errington (@AlanErrington) April 13, 2021