Archie Stairs
1947-2021
Archie Allison Stairs died at his home in Fosterville NB on
May 7th 2021, at the age of 73, with his loving family at his side. He
was the son of Perley A and Ella Stairs of Stairs Hill NB. He is
survived by his wife, Ruth Stairs (Foster) of 52 years, 2 daughters,
Maryann Purinton (David) and Nita Bird (Corey). Four Grand-children,
Mitchell, and Nicholas Purinton (Emily Seely), Veronika and Samual
Bird (Madeleine). Four sisters Evelyn Hogan, Carolanne Greer, Shelli
Hanson (Jack), Kelli Lawson (Timothy) four brothers, Meredith, Marcus
(Viola), Malcolm (Barbara), Gary A (Barbara) Stairs. Sister-in-law
Muriel Stairs. Many brothers and sister-in- laws, nieces, and nephews.
He was predeceased by Parents, grandparents, brother Alton Stairs,
sister-in-law Norma Stairs, Brother-in-laws Francis Hogan, Phillip
Greer.
Archie had a lengthy battle with cancer with a strong will,
who lived by the mottos, «You got to be tough’ and
there is always hope, He was a talented man who surely adored his
family, friends, and neighbors.
He worked 35 years at St. Anne Nackawic and upon retirement
became a self-taught carpenter, building houses, cottages, and
furniture. He helped anyone who needed it and did it with a smile. He
loved to volunteer for the community and the Church. His hobbies were
word Search puzzle books, woodworking, hunting fishing and hanging out
with the grandkids.
At Archie’s request there will be neither visiting
hours nor service at this time. A memorial of life will be at a future
date. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the
Doctors, nurses and support staff of the Oncology Dept. at URVH,
Medicine Shop owner and staff, Extra mural dept. and staff team,
special care support person Shawn Collier, all other Family, friends,
and neighbors and a big Thank you to Roland Farrall for making
Archie’s special request happen, and all other people who
visited, called to support us in every way Thank you.
Some cute memories of fond moments:
I always thought I was dad’s boy he never had growing up. I
would shadow him from morning till night on his days off from working
at the mill. I am sure I drove him absolutely crazy with all of my
questions and constant chattering as he was a man of very few words.
He was always so patient and kind especially when I would attempt to
help him out with the barn chores. We would talk for hours about the
different breeds of cows and bulls he was interested in or the crops
he wanted to plant. I remember going with him on the tractor to help
cut hay or to do some task or another. He always had a big smile on
his face every time he was sitting on it. I guess that must have been
his happy place. (Written by Daughter Nita)
I met Archie for the first time around in high school. I had
been out skiing at Crabbe with some friends including my lovely wife
who is of course Archie’s daughter Nita. I didn’t have a lot of proper
ski gear at the time so I was soaked at the end of the day and we
ended up at Nita’s place. She offered to dry my clothes and gave me a
bathrobe and told me to sit in a chair. Soon after a gruff looking
character came in the house, looked at me sitting there and gave an
awful scowl at me, then he proceeded to start doing something at the
kitchen table. I asked Nita who this was and why the sour look. She
replied. Oh that just my Dad…he’s probably upset you have his
bathrobe on and are sitting in his chair. Good Lord…thanks Sweetie,
great 1st impression with your dad! I left soon after (getting my
clothes back on) and there was Archie sitting at the kitchen table
….still staring at me … cleaning one of his many, many guns. I
swear he smiled and nodded at the gun, then me on my way out. Try as
he might, he never scared me off. Through the years Nita and I bought
houses, had kids, dogs, more houses, and whatnot. Archie was there
through it all. (Written by son in law, Corey)
Even though he was a man of few words, he was hilarious. One
time, he was bringing Ronnie and I across the border at the
Fosterville crossing down by the cottage. As we were crossing, the U.S
border guard told him that he should really have a letter from the
kids’ parents because they could be in distress. He looked at us and
then looked at the border guard and said in a way only he could
«do these kids look distressed?» Everyone was laughing, even
the border guard. Another time, I brought my now wife down to New
Brunswick to meet Grampy and Grammy. Grampy spent a good chunk of that
trip teasing and making fun of me to try and get her to laugh. At one
point, he and I had gone outside to make some hamburgers on the bbq.
As he was flipping one, it fell apart. When we came inside, he said
with a straight face «Sam broke that one». My wife still
does not believe me that it was him. I’ll always remember all the time
we spent together. All the fishing excursions, the walks, the wheeler
rides, the car trips and just sitting around the house enjoying each
other’s company. He was always just content to spend time with you. He
was one of the hardest working and loving men I have ever known and I
am proud to call him my hero. I’ll miss you Grumpy; have a good rest.
(Written by (Ronnie (Angel) and Sam)
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations to the
River Valley Cancer Support Group, Woodstock Extra Mural Program, or a
charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated.
19472021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Archie Stairs 19472021..
Décès pour la Ville: Jacksonville, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick