It is with sadness that I report the passing of Keith “Archie” Archibald.
Below are some of my thoughts about “Arch”, along with some information provided by his good friend, Dr. Bernie Master.
I first met Archie formally through Bernie, and he was one of those guys that everyone liked. Always unfailing polite and interested in everyone. It was fascinating to hear his tales from the old days, when he was often out in the field with the legendary Ohio ornithologist Milton B. Trautman. To the end, Archie remained smitten with birds, and still went afield looking for them up until the last year or so of his long, productive life.
He was the last of "The (Milt) Trautman" group. They birded every weekend and more covering all the known haunts and some not so known, during the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's. They made innumerable record contributions to the Ohio ornithological record. Archie himself remembered perfectly the rarities they would find and all the circumstances surrounding the finds. Archie and the group were early and constant Green Lawn Cemetery birding devotees. The others were Milt, John Strittmatter, Cloyd and Mark Dawson.
I believe Archie was the last birder to see Smith's Longspurs in Ohio down around Charlie's Pond. No finer person ever existed. Always had a kind word and easy smile for everyone. Survived by his wife of 61 years, Rose.
From the Columbus Dispatch, January 7, 2009
ARCHIBALD Charles Keith Archibald, 87, of Columbus went to be with the Lord after his sudden passing on Monday, January 5, 2009. He was born in Charleston, WV on August 5, 1921, the son of Edward and Lelia Archibald. He proudly entered the U.S. Navy in 1942 where he served as a First Class Torpedoman aboard the U.S.S. Hunt and the U.S.S. Dixie in the Pacific during World War II.
During his service, he married the love of his life, Rose Dalzell in a double wedding ceremony with Rose's twin sister in Mount Vernon, NY on October 18, 1947. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1948 after being awarded the Navy Good Conduct, American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific, Victory, Philippine Liberation, Philippine Independence and the Cold War Commemorative Medals. He was later entered into the World War II Memorial Registry of Remembrances in memory and honor of the courage and sacrifices made during World War II.
Keith and Rose resided in Columbus where Keith worked for Jaeger Machine Company before retiring after 42 years of service. He was active in his church, Calvin Presbyterian, since 1967 where he served as head usher and was an important figure in the Men's Fellowship.
He is survived by his dear wife of 61 years, Rose; sister Lelia Eichenberger; sister-in-law Betty Bellesheim; brother-in-law Fred Dalzell; numerous nieces; nephews; great nieces; great nephews; great-great nieces; and many close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert, Richard, George, and Arnold Archibald, brothers Thomas and John Richardson, sisters Eunice Goedeking and Julia Dykes, and great niece Leslie Whiteman. He was like a father to many and will be sadly missed. Keith was an avid bird watcher for over 20 years and derived great enjoyment from his travels with Rose.
Friends and family with gather at EVANS FUNERAL HOME 4171 E. Livingston Ave. to celebrate his life Friday 5-8 p.m. where a funeral service will be held Saturday 10 a.m. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvin Presbyterian Church, 2900 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH 43232. www.evansfuneralhome.net
2 comments:
As Milt often said....
Onward, Archibald
I am very saddened to hear of Archie's passing. I accompanied Archie and the group on many of their memorable weekend outings, including those on which the Smith Longspurs were observed at Charlies Pond. I also was with Archie when we located a nesting Short Eared Owl along Young Road, just south of Grove City, in 1966. They left many great memories.
Mike Gibbons
Columbus, Ohio
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