Aug 12, 1935 - Jun 8, 2018
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROBERT JAMES ARCHER - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert James Archer at Chilliwack Cascade Hospice, after a 1.5 year battle with bone cancer. He was a man who had a gentle and kind soul. Robert was born in Regina, SASK and raised on the family farm in Broadview, SASK.
He leaves to mourn his common-law partner of 30 years, Karen Joan Smith; Jean Pennington of Courtenay, BC; daughter Cheryl of Phoenix, AZ; son Tim (Joanne) of Prince George, BC; son Scott (Trina) of Fort St. John, BC; granddaughters: Rhayna (Ryan); Jaclyn; Britany; Jordana; Samantha; and great-grandchildren: Hailey and Connor.
He is survived by brothers Winston and Barry (Yvonne) of Broadview, SASK and Terry (Joanne) of Calgary, AB and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by mother Gladys and father Harold. He is lovingly remembered by the Abram family: Leanne, Mike, Taylor, Jordan and Florence Smith of Barrie, ON and Matt (Susie) Abram of Calgary, AB.
Robert worked for Saskatchewan Power in his younger years, and after marrying Jean Parley, became a partner in the Parley hardware business. In 1968, the family moved to Victoria. In 1970, he joined the Canadian Hydrographic Service on the vessel HMCS PARIZEAU - providing underwater and tidal surveys of Georgia Strait and Gulf Islands. That summer, he sailed to the Arctic to survey Mackenzie Bay. In 1972, he joined BC Hydro/Gas Division rebuilding the Victoria gas system. He transferred to Surrey with the maintenance department. He acquired an Administration Management Certificate at BCIT and was promoted to Quality Control Supervisor in charge of training, safety and inspections.
When BC Hydro/Gas Division became BC GAS, he transferred to the Burnaby office as Training Supervisor for the Lower Mainland and Interior region. Robert retired in 1993, but worked the summer months of 1993-1998, doing contract work with Centra Gas as a gas pipeline construction supervisor [Van. Island/Sunshine Coast] and Western Leakage Services as a gas pipeline and gas leak locator.
He joined the Pathfinders Cross-Country Skiing & Hiking Club (Vancouver). In 1991, a membership (RV lot) was purchased in Harrison Holiday Park [Harrison Hot Springs]. A 5th-wheel trailer was their home on wheels for 8 years. Summers where spent in Harrison and travelling BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba & Ontario. They travelled the western USA states during the winter months. He especially enjoyed camping at Happy Trails RV Resort (Surprise, AZ).
He was a regular exercise class participant at the Chilliwack Family YMCA. He was a volunteer for the BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs; the WHL Chilliwack Bruins; and the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. He was a past member of the Fraser Valley Shrine Club #11 (Chilliwack); past President of Peach Arch Shrine Club (White Rock, BC); and the Masonic Lodge.
Robert's ashes will be buried at Broadview Cemetery in Saskatchewan. No funeral service by Robert's request. A Celebration of Life will be announced and held at a later date.