John 'Jack' Archibald, 91
John “Jack” Archibald died of complications related to COPD at the Veterans Home located in Columbia Falls on Dec. 6, 2017, at the age of 91.
“Jack” is survived by JoAnn, (his loving wife of 65 years, also a resident of the VA Home); his daughter, “DJ” (Donna Jo) of Seattle; son, Mike and daughter-in-law Patty of Columbia Falls; and grandchildren, Jennifer Archibald of Havre, Christopher Burgh of Seattle and Samantha Almond of Tacoma, Washington. Surviving siblings include his sister, Peggy of Wilmington, North Carolina; and brother, Ken of Salem, Oregon. He has numerous extended family members residing on both coasts in Oregon, Virginia and North Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond, and mother, Gertrude (Trudy) Archibald; his grandson, Jessel; and son-in-law, Steve.
Jack was born on Dec. 3, 1926, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Albany High School in Albany, Oregon, in 1944. He served in the U.S. Navy as an aerial gunner on TBF aircraft during World War II and later attended Spartan School of Aeronautics, taking maintenance engineering.
He married his beloved “JoAnn” (Jolene Montgomery), his lifelong partner after a blind date in 1951. Moving with his growing family to Santa Clara, California, he started his own aircraft maintenance shop and later worked for Boeing on B-52 aircraft in Washington state. Jack moved to the Flathead Valley in 1956, first working as a flight mechanic and later starting Glacier View Skyways at FCA (now Glacier Park International Airport). His years at the airport included service to the greater Flathead community in the form of aerial fire patrol, air ambulance, charter, flight instruction and search and rescue missions. He had taught many of the Flathead Valley pilots how to fly and how to fly safely in the mountains. He continued his aviation career as pilot/mechanic, flying small aircraft in Ethiopia and Sudan and twin-engine DC-3 aircraft throughout the Middle East in the 1970s.
Returning from overseas work to the Flathead, he continued his career in aviation again, serving the needs of his beloved Flathead Valley with aerial photography, flight Instruction and a stint as co-pilot in fire retardant aircraft. Jack was an accomplished pilot and mechanic who had long been recognized within the aviation community for his flying and teaching skills. A quiet, honest and generous individual, he was truly passionate about all aspects of aviation and strove to pass on his extensive knowledge.
A service to honor Jack is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls, with a reception to follow at the Columbia Falls Veterans Home. Floyd McCubbins will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jack’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation in honor of John Archibald at DVNF.org. Condolences can be sent care of Mike Archibald at 319 Jeffrey Lane, Columbia Falls.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff and caregivers of the Columbia Falls Montana Veterans Home for their compassionate and loving care.
Columbia Mortuary is caring for the family.