June 24, 1935 - April 29, 2019
Merle Barbara Archer nee Dean was born on June 25th 1934 in Prince Albert Saskatchewan. When Merle was approximately 3 she moved with her mother to Vancouver Island where she was the beloved daughter of Alice and her second husband Harry Dean. After graduating high school in 1948, Merle joined the Royal Canadian Air force so that she would be able to see the world. Her life changed when a train ride from Montreal to Victoria in the late fifties crossed her path with the man who became her husband, Ernie.
They married on her birthday in 1960.
Soon she was mother to two boys, Dean and Duncan, eventually, when Ernie left the Navy and moved the family to the Northwest; a daughter, Dalice. In the early 70s Ernie landed a job at Eurocan and the family relocated to Kitimat and eventually to Kemano. Ernie and Merle retired from Kemano in 1993 to live briefly in Victoria before returning to the Northwest in the late 90's. They were overjoyed to become grandparents to Angelina, Nathan, Colin and Aiden. After Ernie passed in 2014 Merle moved to Terrace to be closer to her children. She spent her time with her dog, Penny, surrounded by those dear to her and visited often by friends. Her last days were spent at Terraceview Lodge where staff were impressed with her laugh, her teasing nature and her ability to banter.
Merle is survived by her children Dean (Cheryl), Duncan (Nancy) and Dalice (Keven); Grandsons Nathan, Colin and Aiden; Granddaughter Angelina (Joe) and Great Granddaughter Adelyn. A service for Merle was held Sunday May 12th at the Royal Canadian Legion in Kitimat. Donations in Merle's name can be made to Terraceview Lodge in Terrace.