Obituary of Robert Edison Archibald

Robert Edison Archibald   1928-2019

With sadness for our loss, but happiness in a life well lived, the family of Robert E. Archibald announces his passing in his 91^st year at St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital in Sherbrooke on July 14. Robert was born on Nov. 16, 1928 in Antigonish N.S. He was the only son of Merritt and Katie (Henderson) Archibald. Our dad resided in New Town, Guysborough County for his entire life. He attended the NSAC and worked briefly for the Maritime Lumber Bureau. In 1954, Robert married the best lady in the world, Margaret Isabel Reid. Together they raised six children on the family farm. He is survived by Marie (Robert) MacLeod, Stellarton; Ian (Cathy), Garden of Eden; Karen (Anthony) Waugh, Lower Truro; Helen (Fraser) McCallum, Tabusintac, N.B.; Susan (Denis) Langford, Assiniboia, Sask.; Dale (DaLene), New Town. Adding joy to his life were nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren John (Nicole) MacLeod and  Wesley Archibald; Keith MacLeod; Jenna (Stephen) Burris and Marett Isabel; Jelisa (Darby) Sheehy; Jonathan (Melanie) Waugh; Robyn McCallum (Ryan Taylor); William (Emily), Katie (Marcus) and Daniel (Meagan) McCallum;  ten step-grandchildren: Kristy, Jeremy, Jan, Katlyn, Adam, Adeline, Jonathan, Amos, Erin and katie. Also survived by sisters-in-law: Catherine (David) MacLean; Alice Hewitt; Helen Cruickshank; Mary (Gerald) Romsa; Ruth Douglas. Our dad possessed a strong work ethic and expected the same in others. He was a faithful member of Kirk Memorial United Church, Aspen. The growth of the dairy farm has been a great source of pride. He had a keen interest in genealogy and was an avid reader. The Hoard’s Dairyman Magazine was read and re read. Dad was a wonderful story teller while recalling memories of his lifetime. He never missed Jeopardy or the News and stayed current on world affairs. Our dad passed on peacefully in the caring community hospital in Sherbrooke. We thank the medical staff for their compassionate care and to all those who helped in any manner which allowed our dad to remain in his own home. Following his wishes, the body has been donated for medical research at Dalhousie University. If desired, donations may be made to Kirk Memorial United Church in Aspen or St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital in Sherbrooke. A Celebration of Life will take place at 11:00 am, Saturday,  August 3 at Kirk Memorial United Church in Aspen, with Rev. Derek Elsworth officiating. Our dad will be dearly missed by our family and his close circle of friends. In his words he has had “a wonderful life.”