GERALD WALTER BEATTY ARCHER

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GERALD WALTER BEATTY ARCHER Peacefully, on December 27, 2009, at Golden Links Lodge in Winnipeg. Gerry went to be with Jesus just after Christmas. He leaves to hold fast to his memory his loving wife Kim and their daughter Stacey, of Winnipeg. He will also be remembered by his children Bill (Bev) Archer of North Battleford, Maureen (Steve) Peddle of Winnipeg, John (Laurel) Archer of Langley, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren (Raymond, Steven, Leah, David, Aaron, Caleb, Emma, Raine, Jada, Joshua, and Kevin). Gerry was born in Lethbridge and grew up in Alberta. After a brief time in the R.C.A.F., he attended Bethel Pentecostal Bible College in Saskatoon (name has since been changed) and sang in the school's traveling quartet, for which he was well recognized for many years. At graduation he was the baccalaureate speaker. After Bible College he was a pastor in Preeceville, Saskatchewan and in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He was then called to Winnipeg to pastor Calvary Temple's branch church in Charleswood. Gerry also was the director of the touring Choral Teens at Grant Memorial Baptist Church. He was an accomplished pianist and trumpet player. During the teacher shortage in the mid-1960s, he taught at a one-room school in Belair for a short period. This experience generated a passion for teaching which spurred him to attend the University of Manitoba where he received a Bachelor of Education. He taught in The Pas and Lundar before moving back to Winnipeg where he taught English at Oak Park High School for 20 years. Gerry officially retired in 1997 but continued substitute teaching for several years. Gerry loved teaching and was greatly loved by his students. He would often quote random lines from Shakespeare and was a devotee of fine literature and poetry. During the last several years before his death, Gerry finally got around to writing his novel, an epic work that he spent many hours drafting and redrafting, trying to find the perfect words to express his imagination. Although yet unpublished, his words will live on in the hearts and minds of those who had the opportunity to hear and read them. Gerry enjoyed spending time outdoors, including going for walks throughout St. Norbert. For many years, he was a devoted Harley rider, even becoming Road Captain of the Winnipeg Harley Riders Association. He is fondly remembered at Oak Park High School for actually riding his hog up the stairs to the second floor. Gerry married Kim in December 1981, and they spent many interesting years together, going on long motorcycle trips to places such as California, Banff, Vancouver, and Sturgis. When Stacey came along the three of them lived quietly in their home, Gerry doing some gardening, getting satisfaction from making a beautiful home for his family, and enjoying a peaceful and comfortable life. Gerry was committed to his Lord, praying and singing his favourite hymns until God called him home. One hymn that he held dear was Amazing Grace: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me; I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see. At his own request, Gerry will be cremated and his ashes will be scattered at a later date. Prior to cremation, a viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Voyage Funeral Home, 1531 Pembina Highway in Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, his friends and family are requested to make donations to The Salvation Army, which Gerry always supported. We will miss you, kind soul. Your memory will live on forever in our hearts.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2009