The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

IT HAS been twenty years now since Gurth Archer died, but for those who had the good fortune to know him, the memories still influence their lives.

His nephew, Michael Clarke told Tribune Religion he still reads Asterix comic books and puzzles, which are old habits brought about by a the strong intellectual influence of his uncle.

"It is interesting how people touch your life so significantly that even your leisure is impacted by their influence," he said.

Born on March 29, 1938, Mr Archer was the eldest child of Walter and Agnes Archer. According to family members, he was known as a responsible child who took learning and education seriously.

In his early years, he received his education at the Eastern Junior and Senior Schools, and later at the Government High School. He continued his education at Munroe College in Jamaica and at Cambridge, Oxford and London Universities in England.

Mr Archer dedicating his entire professional life to public service, a career he started in 1955 at the government's Audit Department, and then with the Telecommunications Department.

Upon returning from school in England Mr Archer was posted to his alma mater, the Government High School, as an assistant teacher. He remained at the Government High School for several years. He was later promoted to senior education officer at the Ministry of Education, where he continued to excel through the ranks until he became director of education.

Subsequently, he served for short periods as permanent secretary in the Cabinet Office, and in the Ministries of Development and Economic Affairs.

It was in the year 1972, when Mr Archer met Angela Horton, who later became his wife in 1973.

They both made their home in a lovely traditional house in the Eastern District of New Providence. After a while, this union was blessed with three children, one son, Jonathan, and two daughters, Alysia and Catherine.

"To his children he represented strength and wisdom, imparting the values of discipline, education, and hard work. To his wife Angela, he was loving and attentive. Theirs was a happy home," said Mr Clarke.

He was truly a role model to his extended family. "To his brothers and sisters he was an inspiration, a pace setter crafting steps for them to emulate. Careful as best he could to set a good example for them to follow. To his nieces and nephews, like his children, they saw him as a pillar of strength in the family, representing wisdom and diligence," said Mr Clarke.

Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease) in 1985, Mr Clarke said his uncle's physical deterioration was slow, and painful for his family to watch.

"Angela and the children were his constant care givers and as he became more incapacitated, his family made sure that his needs were met, and their bonds were only strengthen throughout the period of his physical challenges," he said.

Even though Mr Archer's body was taken away by the brutal disease, his mind remained sharp, Mr Clarke said. He said Mr Archer understood and accepted his fate with uncommon poise.

"There is a lesson in every life. Mr Archer taught us to embrace learning, strive to excel in all that you do, cherish your family, and at the closing of your days the best that you can hope for is to have those that you have loved the most, and who you have given your all for, surround you as your final moments pass away and that love you have shared be the vessel that transitions you from time into eternity. Years may past but a life well lived is never forgotten, and for those of us who were privileged to know him we will never forget," said Mr Archer.