Ross Archer is being remembered by his family as a perfect gentleman with a kind ear, always available to offer advice or guidance.
The former Barrie mayor, who served from 1977 to 1988, died on Nov. 5.
He was 92.
Archer started his political career when elected city alderman in 1968.
He chaired the Barrie Public Utilities Commission (PUC), leading the merger with PowerStream through a time of change in Ontario's electricity sector.
Archer’s work as mayor saw the revitalization of downtown, the extension of Centennial Park along the waterfront and the new city hall opening in 1985.
Ross was born in Barrie on July 17, 1926, and joined the army in 1945.
He owned R.A. Archer Refrigeration until selling the business to his son, David, in 1994.
Archer had three children and 10 grandchildren and was a longtime member of Burton Avenue United Church, while also belonging to the Kinsmen and the Freemasons.
David Archer remembers his father as being the best person to go to for advice.
“If you needed advice, he always knew the right thing to say,” recalled David, who credits his dad with giving him to push to eventually sell R.A. Archer Refrigeration in 2000.
“I was afraid of what he might say when I was considering leaving the business I bought from him. He said, ‘You know what? You have to do what you need to be happy. It won’t bother me one bit.’ That was very comforting,” David added.
David was 18 when his dad was first elected mayor in 1977, and although he did help his father campaign at the time, once elected David says his father always made time for family first.
“He always made time for family functions,” he said. “He was somebody that people confided in, friends and family. He’d always lend an ear and give good advice.”
David also remembers his father being formal except on the rare occasion.
“He was a total gentleman at all times,” he said. “Sometimes when you grow up with it, you don’t see it because you think that’s how everybody is.
"He always wore a white shirt and tie at work (repairing refrigerators). He never got dirty. I don’t know how he did it,” David added with a laugh.
“He was extremely caring and family oriented. I think I only saw him (get angry) once. He was always there for us... whatever we needed.”
Former Barrie mayor Janice Laking has fond memories of her time on council with Archer, serving together for many years.
“Ross was a very strong leader of council and a very kind, dedicated man,” said Laking, who served as mayor from 1988 until 2000. “He was very proactive in terms of the infrastructure of the city. He was a down-to-earth, great guy.
“He was the kind of politician – and I worked with many over those years – that some of the more recent politicians need to take a few lessons from,” she added.
Many other local political figures expressed their condolences publicly over Archer’s death.
“We were saddened to hear of the passing of this significant figure in our city’s history. Ross’ accomplishments as mayor helped build Barrie into the city it is today,” said Mayor Jeff Lehman.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard also expressed his condolences upon hearing of the passing of the former Barrie mayor.
“I am very sad to hear of the passing of former mayor Archer. I had the privilege of working with him while he served as the chair of the Barrie Public Utilities Commission while I sat on council,” said Brassard. “He was dedicated to serving his hometown and had a large hand in developing Barrie into the city it is today.
"Ross was a decent man and it was an honour to know him.”
To honour Archer, flags at Barrie City Hall will be flown at half-staff this week.
Viewing will take place at Burton Avenue United Church in Barrie on Nov. 10 from 12 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Humane Society would be appreciated.
