Geoffrey John Herbert Erskine Archbold

Ret. Cdr. Geoffrey J.H.E Archbold, aged 81, of Saanich, BC passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, with his children by his side. Born in Vernon, BC, Geoff completed schooling at Royal Roads Military College in Shawnigan Lake. In 1961, he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Navy and spent decades moving from one end of the country to the other. After adding two beautiful blessings to his family in the 1970s (and naming them David and Alix), Geoff retired in 1995 from the Canadian Armed Forces and moved "home" from Ottawa to Victoria with his wife, Joan, who predeceased him in 2002.

Geoff is survived by those aforementioned blessings, his children, David (Melissa) and Alix, as well as his partner of 20 years, Heather Hanson; his brother Tony (Maureen); his nephews Chris and Andrew, and his loving grandchildren - Aiden, Zoe, Logan and Courtney, who can't believe he lived his whole life without a cell phone. He had an loving group of cousins who shared the same clever wit and remained close, despite the distance. He kept in touch with shipmates from his days in the navy and caught up with them regularly, recently celebrating the 50-year reunion of those men who served together through a trip to Australia.

Geoff had a great of sense of humour and enjoyed a solid joke and all types of puzzles. He could often be found in his 40-year-old recliner, wearing his 40-year-old beloved cardigan reading a book, hand behind his head. He adored (one might say obsessed over) his Cairn Terriers through the years: Pym, Tor, Kai, Brae and Meg. He was a long-time valued member of the Victoria City Kennel Club, even entering his own dog one year into a competition.

Geoff gave the best thoughtful, researched and constructive advice. He was kind, stoic, honourable, hardworking and one might say a touch stubborn. His friends describe him as a dependable, considerate man with no hidden agenda.

Fondly remembered as the Dad who wouldn't let his kids win at crib; the Dad who hung tinsel one strand at a time; and the chap in the green cardigan who could be found walking his dogs daily thru the neighborhood. "Green Cardigan", knit by Joan, was so loved by him that his family chose to send it with him one final time.

He was a masterful carpenter, with beautiful and intricate projects over the years. He enjoyed his garden very much and would often proudly (boastfully) send pictures to loved ones displaying his most recent "wow "worthy harvest. He had some surprising secret talents that included drawing haunted houses and making delicious jam. He was also a beautiful whistler.

Geoff's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to VGH ICU team, as well as the staff at RJH, notably the Kidney Care Centre for their care and compassion through the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.