Roland 'Des' Desmond Archer

Roland Desmond ‘Des’ Archer – May 8, 1934 to June 13, 2020

The most amazing, gentle, wonderful, loving loyal friend and strongest soul in this world was taken from us on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at the age of 86 years with his loving wife Wendy by his side.  Des is now in the arms of his greatest love…his mother Charlotte.  Des was bigger than life; when you met him, you never ever forgot him. He loved unconditionally and was loved unconditionally.

Des was born on May 8, 1934 in Winnipeg, MB to Fred and Charlotte Archer.  He and his family then moved to Burnaby, BC when he was a young boy.  Des is predeceased by his parents; sisters Edith and Vicky; and brother Bud.  He leaves behind his wife Wendy; daughter Dale Crocker (Gord); sons Dean Archer, Michael Archer (Sandra) and James Archer (Pam); daughter Tabitha Archer;  stepson Kelly Sorensen (Rachel); brother Dave Archer (Donna); sister Linda Morgan; as well as many many many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

At the young age of 13 Des started his illustrious boxing career. He held many titles including Golden Gloves, Diamond Boy, and provincial and Canadian championships.  His boxing coach and mentor, Harry Twist was a member of the RCMP and following in his footsteps, Des too joined the RCMP in 1953 at the very young age of 18.  Following depot in Regina, SK, he was then stationed throughout the northern parts of Alberta.  Des was inducted into the Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, an accomplishment he truly earned and deserved.  When he left the Mounties, he joined the Sherwood Park City Police Dept., where he met his best friend “Big Jim”, as he always referred to him.  He went to work with Jim in the lighting industry, saying, from what I have heard, “I finally saw the light.”  He then moved to Calgary and started his own company, Regal Lighting and became very well known in the Home Builders’ circle in Calgary and beyond.  Once he retired, he joined the Corps of Commissionaires and later the Calgary Parking Authority.  One of Des’ passions was coaching little league baseball, which he did in both Edmonton and Calgary for many many years.  Des loved working with these kids and they all loved and admired him.  He was also an avid curler, winning the Alberta Legion Seniors’ Championship among many other championships during his curling career. Then upon retiring, yet once again, he and Wendy moved to Summerland, BC, where he took on the job of caretaker at Angus Place, a position he held for over 10 years.  Des was an extremely hard worker and he loved what he was doing, and it showed in the results.  He was very much admired for his work ethic and love for the residents of Angus Place and they in turn loved him.

At Des’ request there will be no service and in lieu of flowers donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated on his behalf.  I would like to thank all the nurses, care aides and other staff members at the Summerland Seniors Village for their care, love, and support of Des throughout these past two years and especially over these past few weeks.  I am eternally grateful to all of them.

Condolences may be directed to the family through providencefuneralhomes.com 250-494-7752.