Don Archer

Born in Didsbury, Alberta, Donald was the first of four children born to Crosby and Ella Archer. Following the death of his wife, Ella, when Don was seven, his father married her younger sister, Dorothy, and three more children were added to the family.

Don grew up on the family farm east of what is now called the QEII highway, attending the Gore School up to grade 8 and then boarding at the bible college in town while completing high school.

After graduation, Don worked at a variety of occupations before deciding to become a Chartered Professional Accountant. He worked for the Federal Government in this capacity until his retirement. It was while studying for his CPA exam in Calgary that he met his sister’s friend and co-worker, Betty Harding, a recent transfer from Ontario, and they were married on April 7, 1955. They were a loving and devoted couple for almost 65 years until Betty’s passing in March of 2020. Together they raised a family of five children and were actively involved in their church in Calgary.

After a few soggy tenting vacations, Don built a holiday trailer and took the family camping: both on weekends and for several weeks every summer. They made trips across Canada and through several of the states although the mountains were usually the weekend favorite. They continued to travel after all the children had moved out but now in a small motorhome.

Walking was a real passion of Don’s and he walked everywhere in the city – to work downtown, the grocery store, around the neighbourhood and to his brother’s house to visit. When they moved to Didsbury his only complaint was that everything was so close that he had to make several trips to get exercise! Don joined a stick curling league begun by a friend in Didsbury and they enjoyed this unique sport for several years.

Don was a very generous person with both his time and money. He was always willing to help folks struggling with finances, fixing broken plumbing, helping move, doing income taxes for friends and seniors, mowing peoples lawns, shovelling sidewalks and visiting shut-ins as well as inmates in the Bowden Institute. He faithfully supported a large number of charities that he felt were meeting the needs of others both at home and overseas. Anyone coming to the door was welcomed as a new friend. He was very handy at a number of practical skills and helped to build the house they lived in for 48 years in Calgary. Many of the grandchildren were recipients of wooden toys, kitchen sets, rocking horses and even a cradle. Don served in the church for many years, in a number of areas including trustee, treasurer, board member and Sunday School teacher. He was always glad to be able to help and contribute to the body of believers he worshipped with.

Don and Betty moved to a senior’s condo in Didsbury in the spring of 2005 and enjoyed almost 10 years there before deciding to move to the Aspen Ridge Lodge in the fall of 2014. Here he enjoyed visiting with other residents – some of whom he knew from school and others that were cousins. Don became quite adept at “Pin Bowling”, a game the residents would play each week and often took home the trophy for the best score of the week.

Three years after his beloved “Bett” passed away, Don’s declining health required a move to Bethany in Didsbury where he was lovingly cared for until his death 6 months later.

The Lord called Don home on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at the age of 94. He will be lovingly remembered by his son, Barry Archer; daughters Pam (Lawrence) Trenholm, Joy (Michael) Bravin and Shelley (Mike) Keizer; daughter-in-law, Christine Archer; brothers, Norman and Walter Archer; sister, Donna (Orlando) Heibert;  2 sisters-in-law; 1 brother-in-law; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Don has several cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews and many friends who will remember him as well.

Don was predeceased by his wife, Betty; his son, Todd; sister, Joyce; brothers, Gerald and Keith; and his daughter-in-law, Marilyn.

The loving care and friendship that Don enjoyed at the Aspen Ridge Lodge from the workers and so many of the residents made his time there a real joy. Don’s move to the Bethany was also a wonderful blessing as the staff and residents there were very good to him and he always appreciated anything that was done for him. The family have been so grateful for the excellent care that the staff in both of these facilities gave to Don. He was very comfortable and content for the last 9 years. Dr. Andrew Jackson and, later, Dr. Brunner gave Don wonderful care in the years that he lived in Didsbury and the family would like to thank them for their devoted and thoughtful attendance to his health and well being.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at the Zion Evangelical Missionary Church in Didsbury, AB, on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, 20 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, AB, T3J 5H5 or to The Mustard Seed Foundation, 102 -11 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 0X5.