Melvin 'Skip' Dean Archer, 81

Melvin Dean Archer was born June 18, 1944, to Melvin and Nona Archer. He was better known to family and friends as Skip, a moniker given when it was decided he would be the skipper of the family. 

He was preceded in death by Dale Archer, Ruse Archer, Joyce Geboe, and, recently, by his niece, Kelli Jo. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including special nephews Alan Archer and Don and Bob Gutherie. 

Skip attended Kellogg High School and was an athlete in both football and basketball. After high school, he joined the Navy. He ended his military career with an honorable discharge. 

Skip was a man of diverse personalities. He had a zest for life. He was caring, extremely humorous and a friend to everyone he knew or met. He enjoyed a life of hunting, camping, fishing, and four-wheeling. His talents won him both a bugling contest and a singing competition in which he imitated one of his favorites, Bruce Springsteen. 

After his service in the Navy, Skip returned to North Idaho. Family was there and some of his family were in great need. His older sister, Joyce, was a single mother doing her best to raise four young children. Skip quickly became acquainted with Cheryl, Don, Bob and Lori Guthrie. The impact of that relationship forever changed the lives of those children, especially Don and Bob. Suddenly, two boys who had no father began to discover life. Skip taught them to fish. Skip took them hunting. Skip took them camping. Don and Bob grew up and moved to Texas, but their relationship with Skip carried on for the rest of his life.  

Bob bought a condo in Post Falls and made frequent trips to Coeur d’Alene, where he and his wife, Karen, always made time to spend with Skip and Rose. Because Skip had always loved the outdoors, Don and his wife, Rhonda, took Skip and Rose on a cruise, where they were able to travel to Denali and see the northern lights. 

Among Skip’s greatest gifts was his uncanny ability to tease. It was his love language. Bob and Don loved his teasing, but there was no way that they could administer back the relentless teasing that Skip administered to them. They purchased a full-page ad in the Cd'A Press where they shared with the world some of Skip’s most embarrassing moments, complete with a less flattering picture of the uncle they loved with all their hearts. 

Skip is survived by his wife, Marcia Rose Archer; his son, Roger; his wife, Brett; his wife, Jodie; his daughter, Crystal; his brother-in-law, Barry DeLange; and his wife, Jeri. Including several grandchildren and Ada Rose, his buddy. 

A special thanks to the exceptional care Skip received from Gentiva Hospice over several months. 

Please visit Skip’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com to share photos and memories.