George Douglas Peter Archibald

Archibald, George Douglas Peter passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at the age of 83. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Julia Anne Kathleen Archibald; his daughter and son-in-law, Sara and Drew Jarvis; his son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Jennifer Archibald; his grandchildren, Rachel Jarvis, Max Archibald, Isabel Archibald, and Theo Archibald.

Peter was born in Brandon, Manitoba, on December 30, 1942. He spent his childhood in several small British Columbian communities, moving frequently as his father worked in banking. The family eventually settled in Sooke, BC, where Peter completed high school at Edward Milne Secondary School. It was there he met his future wife, Julia Anne Kathleen Gibson.

Peter earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria in 1964, followed by a Bachelor of Library Science from the University of British Columbia in 1966. He spent his career working in VPL branch libraries from 1966 to 2000, serving first as a Reference Librarian and later as a Head Branch Librarian. An avid reader throughout his life, his passion for Archibald/Henderson genealogy and history of British Columbia was showcased with his countless family photo albums and historical book collections.

Peter and Anne married on May 20, 1967, and together, as founding members, they raised their children in the De Cosmos Village Housing Cooperative in Vancouver. In 1971, Peter built the family’s dream cabin at Bastion Bay on Shuswap Lake, where he spent cherished summers. There, he could often be found beachcombing by tinny, walking the road, visiting with neighbours, searching the railroad tracks for rustic cabin decorations, and entertaining friends and family.

Peter enjoyed travelling and created many treasured memories, including family trips in the VW Westfalia, an epic journey to the USSR, travels to Scotland, Nova Scotia, and the Queen Charlotte Islands, and car and rail adventures along the West Coast.

In retirement, Peter enjoyed spending summers with friends and family at the cabin and visiting family in Sooke for Christmas and Spring Break holidays. He also enjoyed exercising at the Killarney gym, playing pickle ball with his friends, volunteering with the One‑to‑One Reading Program, and spending time with his four grandchildren.

Quietly spoken and thoughtful, Peter enjoyed a good joke, delighted in good‑natured pranks, and had a warm, affectionate sense of humour that brought smiles to those around him. He was deeply devoted to his family and will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and unassuming joy in simple pleasures.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of G.D. Peter Archibald to R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum, via e‑transfer to info@salmonarmmuseum.org or by phone at (250) 832‑5243.