ARCHER, LAWRENCE - “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and help them become what they are capable of being”-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Lawrence Trueman Archer of Hampton, NB, loving husband of 58 years to Barbara Anne (Arthurs) Archer, died at the Saint John Regional Hospital, on Tuesday, October 15, 2013. He was born on May 22, 1927 in Fairville, NB, the son of the late Frank and Ada (Balser) Archer. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara; his son Stephen Archer and his wife Kathie Doliszny of Kingston, ON, their children (grandchildren) Elizabeth, Benjamin and Anya Archer, his son Brian Archer and his wife Kathy (Groom) Archer of Quispamsis, NB, their children (grandchildren) Sandy, Vicki and Emily Archer; his daughter Dianne Cox and her husband Phillip of Lower Sackville, NS, their children (grandchildren) Stephanie Wambolt and her husband Adam, their children (great grandsons) John and Matthew Wambolt, Jennifer Mitton and her husband Dan, Heather Mitton and her husband Josh. Larry and his wife, Barb started life on Harding Street, although they did not meet until much later in life. Subsequently, Larry moved to a house on the corner of Bentley Street and Chesley Drive and attended Saint John Vocational School. At age 17 years he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was stationed in Goose Bay, Greenwood and Summerside. He served as a Flight Engineer on Neptune, Lancaster and Argus airplanes as part of the Maritime Command. In Summerside Larry was an active member and master of the Airisle Lodge and served as the president of the Parent Teacher Association at Parkside Elementary School. After 26 years of distinguished service to Canada, during which he travelled the world, he retired at the rank of Warrant Officer in 1971. He relocated to Hampton New Brunswick to be close to his parents and his sister (the late Marion McRae, survived by Gerald McRae) and Barb’s family, including Rose and Bob Kierstead, Don Arthurs, and Donna Wilson. Upon retirement from the air force he began his second career, working in sales at the Hopper Electric Company in Saint John. He retired from this position in 1987. In Hampton, Larry and Barb bought a lovely old home on Dutch Point Road. Larry lovingly remodeled this 125-year old home for the remainder of his life. The best thing about the home was the neighbours (and their pets) who became life long friends. He enjoyed his many meals at the Kozy Korner, where the neighbours and friends that enriched Larry’s life assembled to dine. At “the Kozy” love and friendship were always on the menu. Larry was an enthusiastic vocalist and member of both the Ossekeag singers. He attended Lancaster Baptist Church and sang in their men’s choir, the Ambassadors. Larry is best remembered for his intelligence, kindness and wit. His children continued to learn from him throughout their lives. He had a wisdom and breadth of knowledge that was humbling and a sense of decency and fairness that was inspirational. A talented baker and cake decorator, he created much-loved birthday cakes in the shapes of lions and butterflies as well as tasty kid biscuits, which had an amazing tendency to disappear. Larry had many titles: King biscuit baker, King Putt (for his cheerful willingness to do home repairs for his children), Crib Shark and the Dog Father. Larry was also an avid handyman, builder of boats, furniture, baby barns and garages. The Archer family is grateful for the superb nursing and medical care provided to Larry at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Larry was always cheerful and optimistic and retained a twinkle in his eye and a ready smile until the end. His was a life well-lived and he leaves this mortal coil well-loved. Reflecting on our husband, father and friend this ancient Sanskrit saying seems apropos “When you were born you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.”
He is resting at Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB, with visiting on Friday, October 18, 2013 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm. Funeral service, conducted by, Pastor Wayne Murphy, will be held from Lancaster Baptist Church, 87 Church Ave West, Saint John, at 3:00pm on Sunday, October 20, 2013. Donations in memory of Larry, may be made to the Lancaster Baptist Church, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or to the memorial of the donor’s choice. Donations and condolences to the family may be made through www.reidsfh.com