ARCHER, Frank

February 9, 1924 – June 14, 2019

Frank Archer of Calgary, passed away quietly in the early hours of Friday, June 14, 2019, at the Colonel Belcher Care Centre at the age of 95 years, surrounded by family and in the arms of his loving wife of 65 years.  

Frank is remembered with love by his family including his wife, Birdie, sons Glenn (Andrea) and Doug (Cheryl), daughter Judy (Jacob); grandchildren Jana (Julian), Kaylee (Matt), Ian (Miranda), and Stephanie; and five great grandchildren.

Frank served in the Navy during WWII from 1941-45.  He joined the Calgary Fire Department in 1946 where he worked every rank including serving as City of Calgary Fire Chief from 1979 until his retirement in 1983.

An avid outdoorsman, Frank loved to hunt, fish and camp, sharing his passion with his family and close knit circle of friends.  He was a handy guy with a variety of skills and was always ready to offer help to others. He was well liked and respected, accepting of others for who they are.  Frank is remembered as a quiet man with deep integrity and a playful sense of humour.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Woodcliff United Church (5010 Spruce Drive SW, Calgary) on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Frank’s memory to the charity of your choice.  

View here the photo tribute played at Frank’s Memorial Service

Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home, Lawrence (Larry) Slywka, Funeral Director. Ph: 403-932-1039.

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  1. On 17/06/2019 at 5:50 pm Lorene Schingler Said:

    To Auntie Birdie and loving family,

    May all your wonderful memories sustain you through this very sad time. Uncle Frank and his soft spoken love and kindness will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Lorene and Todd

  2. On 18/06/2019 at 10:30 am Allan/Anne Shantz Said:

    Our deepest condolences. Frank was always ready with a little quip for me
    And a big smile no matter what. Rest in Peace kind sir.

  3. On 18/06/2019 at 10:38 am Lorne and Fran Veleti Said:

    To Birdie and family. Our condolences and prayers to you and family. We have wonderful memories of Frank from when we lived in Calgary, especially all the fun dinners at Cheryl’s! He was a great guy, dad and grandad.

  4. On 18/06/2019 at 11:10 am Cyndie Veleti-Kulak Said:

    Birdie and family ….. wow, if ever there was a person who left an amazing legacy in his life, it was without a doubt Frank. He accomplished so much and mentored so many, truly a stellar man that will never be forgotten. May beautiful memories bring a smile to each of your faces during this difficult time and in years to come. Hugs to you all

  5. On 18/06/2019 at 1:12 pm Barry Goian Said:

    I was just up to the Colonel Beltcher to see a friend and noticed that Birdie had just won a prize. And then this? This is not the gift one wishes for. My Deepest, Deepest Condolences go out to Birdie, The Archer Men and women, their family’s all of which will be missing Franks Smile and laughter…. even if you do a dumb stunt! Ahh Frank you Will be missed. Safe Travels my Friend … Barry Goian

  6. On 18/06/2019 at 7:19 pm Pat Davis-Fuller Said:

    Doug and Cheryl, our deepest condolences. You will be in my and Jeff’s prayers.

  7. On 19/06/2019 at 4:09 pm Kellie Hewitt Said:

    May God bless and comfort you and your family during this difficult period; please accept my sincere condolences.”

  8. On 19/06/2019 at 6:08 pm David Veres Said:

    Dear Birdie and Family, Words can not describe what a gem Frank was. I will always remember my time
    up at Gull Lake with the “Gang”. Some of my best personal experiences and laughs with Frank will always be entrenched in my memory from that time. Life has a way of breaking up that old gang of ours! My Thoughts are with all of you!
    David Veres

  9. On 19/06/2019 at 7:44 pm Calgary Fire Department Pensioners Association Said:

    Birdie and Family, so sorry to hear about Frank we will miss him at all the functions he and you attended regularly. Our sincere condolences, Rest In Peace Chief.

  10. On 19/06/2019 at 9:25 pm Carmen Jeffery Said:

    My heart aches for all of you
    So lucky to have him part of your life for so long. Father’s Day never the same – my sincerest condolences to all of you
    Hugs and prayers – always in your thoughts and memories

  11. On 20/06/2019 at 4:56 am Scott Beaton Said:

    It I with great sadness I have read of Scouter Franks passing. Birdie, you and the family have my deepest sympathy. From our family to yours, Frank played a huge role in me becoming the man I am as I enter my 58th year in Scouting. He was a pillar in Woodcliffe in its formative years and I recall my parents speaking highly of him. I WILL do my best to be at the funeral – in my Current Scouting uniform ( I doubt I could get into my uniforms from the 60’s. I will bring a big bag of favourite memories with me. God Bless you and Stand Tall in the Faith.

  12. On 20/06/2019 at 1:30 pm Garth Rabel Said:

    Thoughts and prayer to Mrs. Archer and family. Chief Archer was my first Fire Chief when I joined the CFD in 1980. He was a quiet, kind and caring leader. I fondly remember Chief presenting me with my certificate when I had successfully finished Drill School at old #3 Fire Station. I always appreciated the Archer’s commitment to community. Chief and Mrs. Archer regularly attended the Toy Association Christmas Party and worked hard behind the lunch counter to ensure that families got lots to eat…..service with a smile! Chief will be missed but never forgotten….may he Rest in Peace.

  13. On 21/06/2019 at 4:39 pm Bette Dodwell Said:

    Bette Dodwell would like to send her condolences to Birdie in this, your time of loss.