ARCHIBALD: The death of John Kenneth Archibald, of Rivers, beloved husband of the late Freda Isabelle Archibald and dear mother to Gwen and Gaylene, occurred at his residence, Riverdale Personal Care Home, Rivers, Manitoba, on Tuesday, March 6, 2007. The Funeral Ceremony will be held at Rivers Baptist Church, 447 Edward Street, Rivers, Manitoba on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 2:00. Viewing at the church prior to the ceremony. Rev. Graham Lough will officiate. Interment will follow in the Rivers Cemetery. Donations in memory of John may be made to The Rivers Baptist Church, Box 572, Rivers, Manitoba R0K 1X0 or to the Canadian Diabetes Association, B-727-10th Street, Brandon Manitoba, R7A 4G7. Complete obituary information will follow. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.


ARCHIBALD: John Kenneth Archibald peacefully passed away at his residence, Riverdale Personal Care Home, on Tuesday, March 6th, 2007. John was born the fourth of five children on July 3, 1919 in Wheatland, Manitoba. John moved with his family to Harmsworth, Manitoba at age three. He grew up on the farm there, attending school at Victor and Two Creeks where he completed Grade 11. After high school, John assisted on the family farm and worked with his brothers on threshing crews at Tees, Alberta. John served in the Canadian Active Armed Forces from 1941 to 1945. On June 11, 1943, John married Freda Heritage and they were blessed with two daughters, Gwen and Gaylene. They also cared for five foster boys. In 1945, John and Freda bought the E.O. Dyer farm on N 2-12-22 where they farmed until 1975. John and Freda drove a school van from 1951 to 1966 and then John continued driving a school bus from 1966 to 1973. John and Freda were both involved in church and community all their farming years, and later in Rivers. John loved the Lord and lived out his commitment in church and community. John loved the organ and played in church for 49 years where he also served on the board and as secretary treasurer. John and Freda were founding members of the Rivers Baptist Church, where they served for 25 years. John was a member of the Daly Crop Improvement Club and also volunteered, along with Freda and the family, in the Rivers Agricultural Society. Ag Society members speak fondly of the consistent volunteering of "the two Johns", John Archibald and John Dyck. John and Freda were awarded life memberships in the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies in 1999. John and Freda sold the farm in 1975 and moved to Rivers in 1976. John became Administrator for the R.M. of Daly in 1976 until his retirement in 1987. John enjoyed woodworking and although he did only small projects in his working years, he made up a myriad of wood projects for the Kids Club at church. He and Freda took pride in caring for their yard and John did much of the heavier work in this role. John and Freda loved to travel together. Over the years they traveled to and visited many spots in Manitoba, often inviting others to travel with them. They traveled out of province on many occasions to see the great scenery of our country and also to keep connections strong with extended family. John and Freda took great delight in their family, often beaming with pride over various accomplishments and antics. They were blessed with two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who brought them much enjoyment as they witnessed their arrival and development. John and Freda had 63 wonderful years together - in their work, family, church and community service. Their companionship throughout their marriage spoke highly of their commitment to each other, their family and friends. John is survived by his two daughters: Gwen (Barry) Green of Kenton and Gaylene Archibald of Three Hills, Alberta; grandchildren Bob Green of Winnipeg and Janice (Ryan) Norrie of Hamiota; great-grandchildren Sawyer and Holden Norrie of Hamiota; brothers James Archibald of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Fred Archibald of Lacombe, Alberta, and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by Freda, his beloved wife of 63 years; his parents: William and Christina Archibald; his stepmother Jane Archibald; brothers George and Gordon Archibald. The Funeral Ceremony was held at Rivers Baptist Church on Saturday, March 10, 2007. Rev. Graham Lough officiated. Pallbearers were: Bob Green, Ryan Norrie, Eric Fast, Norman Fast, Phil Isaak, and Jason Isaak. Interment followed in the Rivers Cemetery. Donations in memory of John may be made to the Rivers Baptist Church, Box 572, Rivers, Manitoba, R0K 1X0 or to the Canadian Diabetes Association, B-727-10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4G7. Memorials
Canadian Diabetes Association, or Rivers Baptist Church