Mr Archibald was one of a kind and the warmest human being I have ever come across. When I was in grade 5 I felt out of place and academically I struggled a lot. He never made me feel like I wasn’t good enough or smart enough and supported my learning at every turn. Mr A fostered a love of music in me and knew that I loved to sing. So often he would let me sing to whatever he was playing on the guitar and encouraged me to preform for the class. I remember at recess staying inside with a group of us to sing songs together with Mr A and his guitar and how special that was. He allowed me to shine in ways that made me feel so important. The way he made others feel was what inspired me to become a teacher. I remember feeling important and seen by him and I strive to do the same for my students. His influence has impacted my parenting as well and helped me realize the powerful nature of one’s words and actions towards others. When my mom got sick he offered her words of encouragement and asked if there was anything he could do to help our family at the time. He was the most influential person in my life. My condolences to his family and those that were so blessed to know him.

Mary Lou and family. Caring thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow. May the happiness you all shared be warmly remembered. And may those memories help to ease the pain of your loss. Our sincere condolences, Brian, Inez, Glenn, Pierce and Kayla Vickerman.

Terribly sorry to the family. Mr A taught me in grade 4/5 with John in attendance. Will always remember the hobbit and the infamous “Jumping Jack Johnny” story he told.

I had “Mr. A” as my teacher in grade 4. I can honestly say that he was tied as the most influential teacher I ever had.

The Hobbit is still my favourite book of all time. I still remember him reading riddles to us in his iconic voice of Gollum or boasting loudly in the gym mic as Smaug. When I acquired my own book of The Hobbit I had to make sure the pictures were at least a similar quality to the ones we got to colour in his class. I was fortunate enough to take my family to Hobbiton and hiked Lonely Mountain / Mount Doom. I don’t think I would have ever had the same passion for J.R.R. Tolkien’s stories if it weren’t for Craig.

One of my other favourite memories of “Mr. A” was him playing his guitar and singing American Pie. I used to run a camp up north for adults with physical disabilities. I only could play a handful of songs on the guitar around the campfire, but you better believe that American Pie was one of them! My guitar playing wasn’t amazing, but more importantly everyone was impressed that I had memorized “ALL” the words to the song. I 100% owe that to Craig. American pie also made for the perfect song to sing to my two kids when I needed to bounce them to sleep. These are two examples of when it was helpful to know an eight and a half minute long song:)

I was fortunate enough to be a good friend of Craig’s son John, back in elementary school. I still remember John as the only kid on the playground in my year who was faster than me…but every so often I could catch him by working the angles;). One day Craig inviting me over to play with John at their house. I remember thinking in grade 5 how cool it must be for John to have “Mr. A” as his Dad. Unfortunately my family and I moved to Waterloo the following year and didn’t see John much after that. I have no doubt in my mind though…it would have been very cool.

My condolences to all of Craig’s family. I only knew him for a brief period of time, but he was a very special person. I believe he was an amazing role model for all students and teachers. I know he influenced my life in a positive way and I’m sure, countless others.

I am so sorry to hear this news. Craig was a good friend at Mount Allison, and a wonderful artist. My condolences to Mary Lou and family. Wishing you all the best during this difficult time.

Arch was my best man and my best friend and I remember the good times we had together as young men starting to find our way in the world together. St. Lukes United Church, Brian Larter appearing as Zoro ,his basement band, riding in his Triumph TR2 , listening to the Beach Boys, the Animals, Cream, the Beatles and Rolling Stones in the big leather chairs in his basement ,wedding, raising children, Southampton visits ….we will always be connected. Arch was a kind and thoughtful friend who touched everyone he met and will be sorely missed . John Eby

I miss my youngest brother Craig so much. During the last weeks of his life we talked on the phone every day (usually VERY EARLY morning!). We would laugh and reminisce about our early lives in Hamilton and Toronto. After his family moved to Brantford I accompanied him on long walks along the Grand River usually with a dog.

We shared an interest in antiques and spent many happy hours browsing through Southworks-Craig rarely left the store without another barometer! I have at least three of them which he gifted to me over the years when Mary Lou probably said "enough is enough".

His love of 'tinkering' with and sailing his beloved boat Gabrielle are legendary. He spent many happy times with her.

His greatest love however was for his family.

Dear Mary Lou, Tim, John and your families,

Craig will always hold a very special place in our hearts and lives. Our MTA memories remain clear and strong as do our many visits to your wonderful home in Brantford. Craig was a special soul, a true artist and a true gentle man.

We shared a mutual love for Bob Dylan’s poetry. So, from « Down in the Groove » 1988…

«Just remember that death is not the end.

And all that you’ve held sacred,

Falls down and does not mend,

Just remember that death is not the end. »

Our very deepest condolences. Jacqueline and Evan

I have had the pleasure of living next door to Craig and Mary Lou for over 12 years. Craig was a wonderful neighbour and I will miss him so. He was a kind, giving, genuine, funny and creative man. We had lovely chats over our mutual hedge, about the gardens, his boys, his granddaughters, sailing and taking care of his boat, our dogs(present and past), teaching, and life in general. He was always positive, always had a smile or chuckle to share. I feel very fortunate to have known him …rest in peace Craig.