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Raymond (Ray) Archer passed away on June 28, 2015 at the age of 84 of ailments arising from a longstanding case of multiple sclerosis.

Ray always sought to serve the common good, chiefly by treating every individual with respect regardless of his or her station in life. He worked effectively with others on several local committees until his later years. He was particularly active on the Executive of the Multiple Sclerosis Support Group.

Ray was born in 1931 in Lethbridge, Alberta to Mary and Racy Archer. He received his early schooling in Lethbridge and had his first employment there. In 1956 he enrolled in Bethel Bible College in Saskatoon, earning a Diploma in Theology. His future wife, Lorraine Kemp of Winnipeg, was a classmate. Upon graduating in 1959, Ray entered the University of Alberta. Ray and Lorraine married in 1960 and their first two children, Alison and Raymond, were born in the following three years. During this time, Ray completed his undergraduate studies, earning a B.A. (Hons.) in Philosophy.

In 1963 Ray and his family moved to Houston, Texas where he entered graduate studies at Rice University, earning a PhD in Philosophy. A third child, Keith, was born in Houston. The family returned to Canada in 1966 where Ray joined the faculty of the University of Regina. While at the University of Regina, he served for a time as Head of the Department of Philosophy and Classics and later as Dean of Student Services. He and his family lived in Regina for 25 years. Ray retired from university in 1991 and moved with Lorraine to Campbell River.

In 1955, at the age of 24 and while still living in Lethbridge, Ray began showing symptoms which were not identified until 1975, twenty years later, as the onset of multiple sclerosis. The long delay in getting a diagnosis was actually beneficial, for as it turned out the disease advanced very slowly, permitting Ray to study, marry, raise his family and work as a university faculty member for twenty-five years. Had he had a diagnosis at the onset he might have ventured less, he thought.

Ray is survived by his wife, Lorraine, one daughter, Alison Archer of White Rock, B.C., two sons, Raymond (Emma) of Toronto and Keith (Louise McNicoll) of Ottawa, and a sister Marilyn Sankow (Don) of Ontario. He was predeceased by two brothers, Gerald and Lynden. He leaves seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Final arrangements are by Elk Falls Crematorium and Reception Centre, Campbell River, BC, located 5 mins West of Campbell River on Gold River Hwy. A time for remembering Ray will be held in their chapel on Monday, July 20th, 2015 at 11:00am.

Anyone wishing to give special recognition to Ray’s passing is requested to make a donation to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation.



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