In Loving Memory of
John Donald Alexander Archibald
1951-2021
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.
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Hello beautiful lady, so sorry to hear of John passing. Hope you and all are coping and thinking of the good times.
Thinking of you and family. xo
I am a true believer in the next journey!
Sorry for your loss. Lovely time spent with you, John’s family and friends at Salem cemetery today. Wonderful memories were heard and not forgotten,
So sorry to hear about your husband passing away Trish! He was way to young.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Dear Trish & Family,
Peter and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to you and all of John’s family. We did not know him well, but his memorial shares what a wonderful man he was! He left so many wonderful adventures and stories for you all to remember him by. What a beautiful legacy!
We wil be praying for God’s love and blessings to surround you during the difficult times ahead. Hugs to all!
Very sorry, we just heard about John passing. Our thoughts and prayers to the whole family. Fond memories of John when he lived in Tara. He will be missed for sure. Bob & Marlene Ruff Tara, ON.
Rev Trish, We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family with lots of love. So sad to hear of your loss. We send you sincere wishes for healing and new adventures, with gratitude for all the care and kindness you have given our family.
So sorry to hear of Johns passing. Very fond memories of John at the church in Tara. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Jill Schell ( Gransden)
So very sorry to hear of Johns passing ! Cherish all the wonderful memories and hold them close to your heart ! Hugs from Donna Webb ( Gingrich ) from Tara
So very sorry for your loss Trish and family,! John will be so missed by his Tara connections, we will treasure our memories of John.
Lynn (Mills) & Steve Thede & family
An amazing tribute to a life well lived.
We remember the fun times we had with John when he visited his sister Marybel. We are so sorry for your loss.
so sorry to hear of Johns passing. I enjoyed seeing him on Facebook. He will be sadly missed by all.
Oh the world just turned a little sadder. So many memories of John. Will think of you often. Set sail on the next voyage.
Sending the family out thoughts and prayers.
When I think of John and you Trish, I remember happy smiles, laughter and just enjoying your joie de vive! John’s biography demonstrates how he was always looking out for a new adventure, some way to challenge his comfort level! How to live a life. He was a gentle kind soul with that purring Baritone voice that you could not help but enjoy being around. Goodbye’s are not forever,
Goodbyes are not the end,
They simply mean we’ll miss you…
Until we meet again.
Shine on you crazy diamond!
Debbie and Martin Van Dyk
Sending our condolences and love..
Rev. Trish, My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time of your life. May you find the comfort of faith and love of all who new John and his family at this time. It is a sad time for you but he will be by your side from now till you meet again. Remembering all the joy you had together will surely help some during this time. Love and prayers to you. Karen Elly