Obituary of Douglas Wayne Archer

ARCHER DOUGLAS W. - Peacefully at the Charlotte County Hospital, on Monday, September 14th, 2015 in the presence of his family and after a courageous battle with his illness; Douglas Wayne Archer, beloved husband of Marie Archer of St Stephen, NB. Born in Calais, ME, U.S.A he was the son of the late Ira & Pauline (Kelly) Archer. Doug came from a family that surrounded him with the love of music at a very young age. As he entered into his teens he was given his first piano and had such a passion for music that he aspired to enter into music school to develope his technique, but the dream was cut short with the onset of his mothers illness. Doug stayed home to take care of her. From that point on he learned to master his craft on his own. Doug actually learned toplay by ear at the early age of 4 yrs old. In his high school years he joined the high school band and as his band mates and he gained the attention of the community by playing at such places as the Queen Laundry; dances in St. Stephen would eventually grow too big in attendance; so they had to seek other venues. Doug played with several different bands throughout his musical career, such as Fever, but he is most noted for being the founding member of the well known band “The Diablos” and was a member for almost 40 years. The Diablos origionally formed in Calais with Steve Hill, Dave Beckett; to be joined later by Don & Ronnie Malloy and Mike Granville. They could be seen regularly throughout Charlotte & Washington counties and would very soon travel to other parts of the maritimes to entertain. Doug lived his life large in all his shows. Music was such a big part of his life. Doug was also dedicated to the cause of serving his country as a member of the National Guard at a young age, serving almost 10 years. As a young man he worked with Downeast TV and in 1981 moved to St Stephen, NB, where he pursued a long career working with companies such as Tarra Cable, Fundy , Shaw and Rogers. He is survived by his beloved wife Marie (Estey) Archer, his 2 daughters, Heather Dawn Archer & Julie Archer, both of St Stephen, NB, his 2 sons, Michael Douglas Archer and William Kenneth Cleghorn (Jesus Bill), his 5 beautiful grandchildren, Bailey Alexandra Hogge, Connor Douglas Archer, Jade Ida Marie Labillois Cleghorn and Taylor Lois Labillois Cleghorn, and Ella Haggerty, aunts and uncles. By Dougs’ request cremation will take place followed by a graveside service to be held at the Calais Cemetery on Friday, September 18th, 2015 at 12:00 pm Canadian time. (11:00 am US time) In true fashion and passion of the life Doug Archer, the family will host a tribute to his life on Sunday, September 20th, 2015 from 2 – 6 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 9, 43 Queen Street, St Stephen, NB. In true celebration of his life Doug would want it to be the biggest party ever. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Dougs’ passion for music the family would appreciate donations be made to any charity that helps young children learn the gift of music, through the purchase of instruments in local schools or to the Charlotte County Cancer Society. Condolences to the family or donations can be made at www.humphreysfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care & direction of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 506 – 466 - 3110