Barry William Archibald
July 26, 1956 - March 11, 2022
Barry Archibald passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, March 11, 2022, at the age of 65. He was born on July 26, 1956, in Melfort, Saskatchewan to Jack (John) Archibald and Irene (née Wales) Archibald. Barry grew up on the family farm near Lac Vert, SK and attended primary school in Pleasantdale, SK. He finished his education at Naicam School, where he met the love of his life, Shelley. On July 2, 1977, Barry and Shelley were married in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Naicam, SK. Together they raised their three daughters Kerri, Courtney, and Stacey who were their pride and joy. Their family grew as they welcomed their sons-in-law and seven beautiful grandchildren, who have brought them such happiness. They enjoyed a busy life together that included work that they loved (farming and teaching), laughter and fun with friends, which included many card and dice games, following their girls' activities and sports, and spending time with their precious grandchildren. Through the years, Barry and Shelley enjoyed ski trips, hot holidays, and wintering together in Palm Springs. Sports were an integral part of Barry’s life. In school he played basketball, badminton, volleyball, and softball. He played baseball and hockey in the minor sports system in Naicam and developed into quite an athlete. He enjoyed playing Senior Baseball in Naicam and fastball with the Pleasantdale Jets. Barry’s hockey career evolved as he started out playing Junior B with Team Melfort, he then made the Junior A Humboldt Bronco’s roster and enjoyed playing there from 1973-1976. In a blockbuster trade, Barry became a Prince Albert Raider to finish out his Junior career in 1976-77. A highlight of that season was winning the Centennial Cup and being awarded the MVP of the series. Barry moved on to play Senior hockey in Naicam before starting up his long and successful coaching career of 26 years, that had him at the helm of the Naicam Pee Wee, Bantam, Midget, and ‘AA’ Bantam teams. It was with the AA Bantam’s that Barry helped put Naicam on the map, winning many League and Provincial Championships over the years. He was known for his high expectations of his players, many of whom will remember all those “sets of fours”. It was his goal to develop good men, and not just good hockey players. Based on the many messages we have received, it is evident he was successful at both. Barry finished his coaching career, stepping up to the challenge at the ‘AAA Midget’ level with the Tisdale Trojans from 2007- 2010. In his first year in the league, he was named “Coach of the Year”. Barry thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with his players, coaching staff, and families throughout the years. He valued the many friendships forged through playing and coaching hockey. From a young age, Barry developed a passion for farming while working alongside Jack. After he developed asthma and his playing days were cut short, his full focus turned to farming. He took pride in growing the best crops possible and was well respected in the farming community. Barry and Shelley moved off the farm to Humboldt in 2020. Barry was proud that his hired man and friend, Justin Hoffman, bought the home quarter and yard site, and will continue to farm his land using all of the knowledge he gained from their years working together. Barry served on several boards in the community of Naicam, he was on the founding boards of CMI and the new Naicam Arena and was a long serving member of the Credit Union board. Anyone who knew Barry can still hear his infectious laugh, can see the smile on his face when he was with his family, and can feel the love he had for Shelley. Barry was a stand-up man, respected and loved by many, and will be missed by all. Barry leaves behind his beloved wife Shelley; his daughter Kerri, her husband Cameron, and their children Brinkley and Gia; his daughter Courtney, her husband Dane, and their children Boh and Jovi; his daughter Stacey, her husband Cole, and their children Kinley, Rori, and Kane; sister Marlene and her husband Lorne; sister Jackie and her husband Joe; and father-in-law Melvin Amundson. He also leaves behind in-laws, nieces, and nephews, as well as an amazing extended family found in his local community and hockey world. Barry was predeceased by his parents Jack and Irene, his mother-in-law Joyce, and brother-in-law Wade. A Public Visitation took place on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, in Humboldt, SK, between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Celebration of Life was held at 2:00 p.m. at the Viking Sports Plex in Naicam, SK, on Sunday, March 27, 2022, with June Loyns officiating. Others taking part were: Cheryl Ramler, scripture reader; Lester Cey, eulogist; and Barry’s girls, Shelley, Kerri, Courtney, and Stacey, who offered a video tribute, memories, and reflections. Pallbearers were Cam Koski, Dane Bachiu, Cole Simpson, Lester Cey, Robert Cross, and Justin Hoffman. “All those who knew and loved Barry,” were noted as honorary pallbearers, and an honor guard was composed of former players, teammates, and coaches. Interment followed in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Naicam, and a memorial luncheon was held in the mezzanine. Memorial donations can be directed to the Naicam Playground Project, (c/o PO Box 183, Naicam, SK, S0K 2Z0).
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)