Today a Christmas card greeting was returned unclaimed in the mail and I immediately knew I had lost a special friend and mentor ... my sincerest and belated condolences to Janice, James, Carla and family ... Your dad and grandpa always spoke so fondly and proudly about you all including during my wife Barbara and my last visit with him in the spring of 2015 and I am confident that his spirit and legacy will carry on in your personal character and future lives.
 
From my first fortuitous introduction as a youngster in primary school to the Mercer family upon their move to Kamloops many years ago that ultimately developed into a lifelong friendship with your brother and uncle Todd and the Mercer family, I've always been incredibly grateful and blessed by the profoundness of that first meeting and its bountiful personal impact on me.

Growing up without a father, Mr. Mercer's initial invitation into his home and inclusion in numerous subsequent family activities over the years had a unbeknownst but important surrogate influence on my early adolescent life and initial career choice as an educator for which I will always be indebted.

Kamloops' education system benefitted immeasurably from Mr. Mercer's innovation and foresight as it's Director of Elementary Instruction. He was instrumental in establishing many enduring legacies including but not limited to the Henry Grube Educational Resource Centre, the McQueen Lake Environmental Education Centre and the Principal Development Program all of which have been admired and replicated elsewhere throughout the province and beyond.

While today is a sad day knowing that Archie has passed on, he had a full and accomplished life I am blessed with the many wonderful memories, enduring friendship and immeasurable positive influences he has had on my life ... the world has lost a special man and I've lost a dear friend.

Respectfully and Appreciably,
Your Friends,
Bob, Barb Finley and Family
bobfinley@hotmail.ca

Jan and family I was so saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. He was my principal for 6 years in Nanaimo and also along with you mom Joan a great family friend. The highlight was when he and Barbara joined us for the Princess Anne School's 50 year reunion- we had such fun reminiscing with him about the good old days. He lived a fantastic full life and definitely left and imprint on mine.

Jan, James and Carla. 


 So sorry for your lose.

Sally Andrew-Lang, North Saanich, BC

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Archibald Mercer

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Archibald Hannah Mercer

27 June, 1917 – 15 December, 2015

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