Curtis Van Buren Archer, Sr., 71, of Walden, VT died Tuesday evening, March 4, 2014 at his home with his first wife and dearest friend, Elaine (Melvoen) Blundt by his side.
He was born April 21, 1942 in Winchester, Massachusetts, the son of the late Fred and Marian (Lawson) Archer. He had many fond memories of growing up in Marshfield, MA. He spoke often of his years spent on the North River and his first job at Pierces boat yard in Humarock. He had a great love for boating and built his first boat in his early 20’s. He loved returning to Marshfield to visit with family and old friends whenever possible. He graduated from Marshfield High School in 1960 and was a choral society member with the Marshfield High School Marshal Airs. He continued his education at the Franklin Institute of Boston specializing in outboard motor mechanics.
Curtis began his professional career with Johnson Outboard Motors, and was the Service Manager for Green Harbor Marina. In his early years he was an Auxiliary Police Officer and volunteer Rescue Squad member for the Town of Marshfield, Mass. In 1971 he moved to rural Vermont and became a small business owner/partner of Dicur Small Engines of Hardwick, VT and years later sold the business to Lanphear Sales & Service but stayed on as their outboard motor specialist. He retired in 1993 due to ill health.
He was a member of Touch of Grace Church in East Hardwick, VT, and worked with the Gideon organization to help spread the word of faith. He was a Walden Fire Department volunteer, a Trail Master for the Coles Pond Sledders Association and was a charter member of the Buffalo Mt. Co-Op in Hardwick, VT. He enjoyed the time that he spent with his family and looked forward to traveling to Florida each year to be with his Sisters at Thanksgiving. He loved the outdoors, farming, gardening, fishing, boating, snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling.
Curtis leaves behind Daughters, Sarah L. Fleming of Braintree, MA, Amanda E. Brait of Marshfield, MA, Irene M. Harvey of Cabot, VT a Son, Curtis V. Archer, Jr. of Wolcott, VT; Brothers: Paul Archer of Marshfield, MA, Robert Archer of Alabama, and David Archer of Florida , Sisters: Frances Archer of TN, and Charlotte Herrmann of FL; 13 Grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of life will be held at 4 PM. on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at the Touch of Grace Church in East Hardwick, VT with the Pastor Matthew Preston, officiating.