DODD, Archie Charles
January 21, 1919 - October 20, 2016
Archie passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 20, 2016 at the Drumheller Health Centre. He was 97 years old. Archie was the second youngest in a family of thirteen children, the first born at a hospital, in Stettler, on January 21, 1919. Proud parents were Frank and Jane Dodd from the Morrin area, where they homesteaded. He attended Hillsgreen School, then finished up at Price School where his sister Ethel taught. He furthered his education at Olds College, then returned home to the family farm. Archie and his brother Gordon started a lifetime farm and cattle partnership. In the spring of 1959, on March 19 he married the love of his life, Helen Aune. Together they raised their two sons Gerry and Ron on the farm. To Archie, family was the most important thing in life. Archie served his community, as a board member of the Morrin Curling Club, REA, Mutual Telephone Company, Morrin Ag Society, and the Morrin Hall Board. He enjoyed curling, cards, visiting and travel. Fond memories of trips with Helen include Hawaii, Europe, the USA (to visit family) and also their across Canada adventure and tour of the Oregon coast with Gerry, Karen and family. Attendance was also a must at the annual Dodd Picnic at Westward Ho Park to catch up with his relations. Helen and Archie retired to Red Deer in 1998. Archie was always up for a visit with family or friends alike. He loved listening to what was happening in the world, but he always had a story to tell. Everyone has seen that twinkle when Archie smiled, and experienced his dry sense of humour. He was an amazing historian and had an impeccable memory for dates and details. He kept his independence well into his nineties. In the spring of 2015 he moved into the Hillview Lodge in Drumheller. During these later years his phone calls kept him connected. In the lodge he really enjoyed the visits and drives with family and friends. Nothing brought him more joy than to watch his great-grandchildren. Archie enjoyed a full life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, as well as a great friend and neighbour. Archie was predeceased by his loving wife Helen, his parents Frank and Jane as well as his brothers and sisters; Florence, Bill, Jack, Walter, Clarence, Albert, Elsie, Earl, Ethel, Everett, Alvin and Gordon. To celebrate his life Archie leaves his cherished family; sons: Gerry (Karen), Ron (Terri-Lynn), grandchildren: Steven (Jessa), Shauna (Scott), James (Sarah), Rae-Ann (Shayne), Russell (Amanda), great-grandchildren: Charlie, Landon, Ansel, Alivia, Matthew, Jonathan, Owen, Tyson and Jack as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 27 at the Morrin Community Hall with Harold Hunter officiating. Interment at the Morrin Cemetery with a lunch to follow at the hall. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Morrin United Church or a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy can be shared at www.courtneywintersfuneralhome.ca. The family would like to thank the staff at the Hillview Lodge, Tanja with Helping Hands, as well as Dr. Graham, Dr. Dayo and the exemplary nursing staff at the Drumheller Health Centre for their gentle and compassionate care of Archie. Courtney-Winters Funeral home are in care of the arrangements.
