Obituary of John Donald Alexander Archibald

On Monday, June 14th, John set out on his next journey on the Road to Find Out. Ever a traveller, John lived to “taste and see” and, to him, everything was very good indeed (especially the charred pulpo in Sienna, the wine in Spain, and every pastry in Paris).

John will be deeply missed by his wife and beloved travelling partner, Trish, his sons Matthew and Luke, step-daughters Trista (Alex) and Ceara (Shannon), and his grandchildren: Logan, Olivia and Rilan, Lillith and Rowan Chase, and Liam and Landon. John the “maker of good meats” will be missed by his buddies Flash the Wonder Dog and dowager cat Little Bit. John is dear brother to MaryBel (Raymond) and much-loved son-in-law to Heather and Ed. He is predeceased by his sister Catherine, and parents Jean and Don. But oh, how John was loved by many others- family, and friends close enough to be counted as family! John will be remembered for his sonorous radio voice, his delight in a political debate, and how he could keep you guessing if he was serious when he was really pulling your leg.

Although born in small-town Chesley, Ontario, there was no keeping that boy from the Bruce home once he’d seen the bright lights of Europe. He worked as a grip for ABC Sports at the Montreal Olympics in 1976 but turned down a job offer in New York with them to go to work for CFNY Radio in Toronto as the weekday morning show host and audio producer. Then (going from perhaps the ridiculous to the sublime), he went to work as an audiovisual producer for the Presbyterian Church in Canada. He was next called to “preach the Gospel of Motor Graders” at Champion Road Machinery in Goderich; making a way in the wilderness from the snowy mountain peaks of the Continental Divide in Colorado to the arid regions of Africa.

Moving to Niagara, John turned his many gifts to hospitality, taking delight in feeding international students, backpackers, and guests from around the world. Breakfasts at Archie’s will always be a delicious memory for anyone lucky enough to eat at his table. When he and Trish were busy planning their next adventure, cancer intervened and determined a change of course (“recalculating” as the old GPS used to say, much to Lilly’s delight when Papa was driving). This next journey is solo by necessity, but we have every confidence that we shall walk together again.

Many thanks to the people who made this last journey as good as it could possibly be: our family and friends, our faith community of St. Andrew’s-Knox Presbyterian in Fort Erie, Walker Family Cancer Centre, and the good folks of St. Elizabeth Healthcare, especially our nurse Christopher Smith. Thanks also to the very kind support of Dying With Dignity Canada. Cremation has taken place, but a celebration of John’s life will be held at some point this summer. There will be wine and whiskey for sure to raise a toast to a good friend and a fine man. Slainte! Safe travels, dear one. See you again, soon.