Andrew Archer

To Andrew Richard Archer, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Andrew, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Andrew really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

      Andrew was born on January 27, 1987 at Oshawa General Hospital in Oshawa, Ontario. His parents were Glenn and Dianne Archer. Andrew was raised in Whitby, Ontario. Even as a child, Andrew had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family.

      Always a good playmate, Andrew was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Andrew managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Andrew was raised with three siblings. He had one older sister, Kate and two younger brothers, Peter and William.

      All of Andrew's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Andrew experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He took part in soccer, baseball and football. He was a Scout. In his spare time he liked baseball, camping, playing guitar and saxophone. Andrew's memorable achievements included obtaining his Chief Scout Award.

      Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Andrew was a class “cut-up.” He didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Andrew simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. Andrew really enjoyed his school experience and achieved excellent grades. Since experience was Andrew's best teacher. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Andrew graduated from O'Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute in 2005. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers. His favourite class in high school was Physics. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Miss peck. Andy took part in the Performing Arts Program.

      Andrew reveled in his college years, where his imagination could run free. He was viewed by many of his classmates as being a creative, artistic person. Andrew was usually found at the center of things, whether it was during class or in extracurricular activities. He was a jovial person who loved to share his passion for fun with others. But for Andrew, life was not a case of all play and no work. Andrew relished the task of putting his imagination to work in class. He was able to discover new and different ways of answering problems and creating unusual and different solutions. He earned his degree in Aviation Technology with Commercial Pilots License. His favourite course was Flying. His favourite professor was Greg Corbold.

      Andrew never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Andrew to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Andrew delighted in his role among all his acquaintances, because he viewed them all as potential spectators for his performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Andrew was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. Andrew utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, some of his best friends were Steven Roach, Diane Stewart, John Goodbrand and Peter Damsbavek. Andrew loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew. Andrew will be especially missed by his girlfriend Paige Marlow.

      At work, as in life, Andrew was a real “people person. ” he had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Andrew liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Andrew was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Andrew's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Andrew as an excellent problem solver. His primary occupation was as a Commercial Pilot. He was employed with Skywords and Flightline at Buttonville Airport.

      Andrew enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favourite pursuits were playing guitar, watching and playing sports. Andrew was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Andrew felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if he wasn’t the best, Andrew loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Andrew relished the opportunities where he could make an impact, and he would often push himself to play above his abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Andrew never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. In high school, Andrew played rugby and volleyball. Andrew was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favourite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball, football, hockey and rugby.

      Andrew had an endless appetite for new and different activities. He was always ready to join in the fun and add his flair and energy to an organization. Because of his personality, his humor, and his ability to get along with everyone, Andrew's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which he belonged. In high school, Andrew was a member of the bands / Jazz, concerts and choirs and theater. In college, Andrew joined anything to do with flying.

      Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Andrew recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life. He was a member of All Saints Anglican Church. During that time, he was involved in the church choir and youth plays.

      It is no surprise that Andrew loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. Favourite vacations included Prince Edward Island, Orlando and Cooperstown.

      Andrew was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. One of Andrew's favourites was Freckles, a Dalmatian dog. They were best friends for 9 years. His family was rounded out by his rabbits, Floppy and Olie.

      Andrew passed away on June 20, 2010 in Buttonville, Ontario. He died tragically in a plane crash. He is survived by his mother, Dianne and father, Glenn, siblings, Kate, Peter and William. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Andrew was laid to rest in Thornton Cemetery, Oshawa, Ontario.

      Andrew brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Andrew Richard Archer lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.

* * * * * * * * * *

ARCHER, Andrew Richard

Suddenly at Buttonville on Sunday, June 20th, 2010 at the age of 23. Beloved son of Dianne and Glenn Archer of Whitby. Loving brother of Kate Archer and her fiancé Andrew Beath, Peter Archer and his fiancé Samantha Lewer and William Archer. Andy will be lovingly remembered by Paige Marlow. Dear nephew of Edward Kightley, Bonnie Williams, Susan Smiley, Allan Kightley, Marlene Gough (Edward), Robert Archer (Marisa), and the late Richard Archer. Survived by his many cousins, extended family and friends. Friends may call at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) for visitation on Thursday, June 24th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 P.M. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, June 25th at 1:00 P.M. Interment Thornton Cemetery. Memorial donations to About Face International would be appreciated.