JOHN ARCHIBALD (ARCHIE) CARMICHAEL

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JOHN ARCHIBALD (ARCHIE) CARMICHAEL Following a prolonged period of failing health, Archie Carmichael, aged 85 years, passed away at Riverview Health Centre on Sunday, August 26, 2001. Archie was predeceased by his wife, Alison, in 1987; son Ian in 1992; as well as his parents; brother Jim; sisters, Jessie Milne and Hazel James; nephew Rae Cox and niece Edith Renwick. He will be sadly missed by his daughter Claire; son-in-law Larry Brandt; son Alan; daughter-in-law Barbara; grandchildren, Denis and Steven Carmichael and Scott and Catherine Brandt; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.Archie was born on April 13, 1916, to Donald and Edith Carmichael on the family farm near Hallboro, Manitoba. He was educated at Oberon School and Neepawa Collegiate, then went to Winnipeg for Normal School. His teaching career began at Dumfries School followed by Birtle Indian Residential School, then Gunton School, ending as Principal at Virden Public School. He joined the Y.M.C.A. War Services as a recreation officer in 1940. Besides teaching, he was also a community organizer staging community events such as concerts and youth activities. In 1942, he joined the R.C.A.F. to become a navigator and flew missions over Germany until he was shot down in 1944. He was a P.O.W. until mid 1945. After discharge, he enrolled at the University of Manitoba receiving a B.A. in 1948 and B.S.W. in 1949. Upon graduation, he joined the Child Guidance Clinic taking a year leave to attain his M.S.W. in psychiatric work at McGill University in 1951, taking his bride, the former Alison Farmer, to Montreal with him. He returned to the C.G.C. but left to join the Society for Crippled Children in 1954 as Director of Services, retiring in 1981 as Executive Director. Archie completed his B.Ed in 1963 and was presented with an honorary LL.D from the University of Winnipeg in 1982 for his work to remove architectural barriers for the handicapped and his humanitarianism. He received many international and Canadian awards. During his years with the Society, many innovations appeared including creating one of the first preschool programs for deaf children in Canada and acceptance of handicapped children into regular classrooms. Upon retirement, he volunteered with Canadian Executive Services Overseas spending three months in Bogota, Columbia, as a rehabilitation consultant, five years working with the Mamawiwichitata Centre in Winnipeg and three months in Harare, Zimbabwe as a rehabilitation consultant. Over the years, Archie was an executive member or member of many organizations, including the Y.M.C.A., Villa Rosa, M.A.S.W., C.A.S.W., Skills Unlimited, Council for Exceptional Children, Social Commission of Rehabilitation International, St. Andrews River Heights United Church, Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Wartime Pilots and Observers Assoc., Ex-Airforce Prisoners of War Assoc., Winnipeg Winter Club, Winnipeg Fellowship Club, to mention a few. In his retirement years, Archie continued his love of gardening indoors when he moved from his house. He took pleasure in the company of his vast network of friends, hosting luncheons and dinners until it was no longer possible due to his failing health. His last years were spent under the care of the wonderful staff on D2 at the Riverview Health Centre. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 1 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrews River Heights United Church, corner of Oak St. and Kingsway Ave., with Reverend Terry Hidichik and Reverend Janet Walker officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SMD (Society for Manitobans with Disabilities), 825 Sherbrook, R3A 1M5, or to a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2001