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Lewis Archer Obituary

Reverend Doctor Lewis Archer, 77 years old, passed away on April 4, 2013. He was a resident of Manitou Springs, Colorado, since 1991. Lewis was born during the Depression in 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah to O. Franklin and Mary Archer. His father's occupation, as a Methodist minister, took the family to several small Colorado towns. Lewis was a graduate of the University of Denver. He received his Masters of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. He earned a PhD in Religion and Literature from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. From 1957-1960 he was a Methodist missionary in South Africa. He learned the local Mozambican language to be able to teach the immigrant miners how to read and write in their own language. In 1960, he married Jean (nee Wurst) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Upon returning to the US, he completed his studies and became a professor of English, initially at Little Emory University in Oxford, Georgia. He spent the majority of his teaching career at Whitworth University, Spokane, Washington. As a prominent local historian, Lewis often presented his research at the Historic Speakers Series held by the Mineral Springs Foundation and the Manitou Springs Heritage Center. He also taught classes in local history at PILLAR Institute. Lew was also known for sharing his historic expertise as a guide for national bus tours that came through Manitou Springs, while wearing his singular Australian outback fedora. Though his philanthropic work, Lew became known as "Santa's Tallest Elf" by the Colorado Springs Kiwanis Club. He delighted many with his handmade wooden toys. As an avid woodworker he became 'community craftsman' by repairing, replacing, and crafting custom wood objects for anyone who requested his craftsmanship. Often in Manitou Springs Carnival Parade, Lew costumed himself as a Pope character who conferred blessings on all including pets, adults and children; to the pleasure of all. Lewis is survived by his wife, Jean Archer; son, Robert Archer, of Spokane, Washington; daughter, Andrea Archer of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brothers, Lowell and Lloyd of Goleta and San Diego, California, respectively, and granddaughter, Skye Hunter- Archer of Nashville, Tennessee. A celebration of Lewis's life will be at 10am, Thursday, April 11th at Sunrise Methodist Church at 2655 Briargate Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to: Wilson United Methodist Church, 6460 Flying W Ranch Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. Manitou Springs Kiwanis Foundation, P.O. Box 248, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Apr. 9, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Lewis Archer

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Laura Bloxham

April 22, 2013

I've been grieving since I heard the news last week. What a wonderful teacher he was for me and others, a great friend, and an encourager.

Randy Michaelis

April 17, 2013

I have many wonderful memories of Lew from his time at Whitworth. I still remember his version of a retirement party where he opened up his office and gave away all his books. Lew was a good and generous man, a wonderful teacher, and a great colleague. My gratitude to the family for sharing him with all of us for all those years.

Kathy Lee

April 17, 2013

I was so sorry to hear of Lew's passing. I taught with Lew on the Core 150 team at Whitworth, and appreciated his sense of humor and wisdeom.

Terry Rayburn Mitchell

April 17, 2013

So sorry to hear today of Lew's death. We've missed him here at Whitworth since his retirement, but we always knew that he was spreading his special brand of humor and good cheer in another part of the world. I'll miss knowing that, and the world will miss his kindness, his joy in life, and his excitement about teaching and learning. All my best to you and the "kids," Jean. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Janice Seelye Penman

April 12, 2013

For as long as I can remember, I've enjoyed a weekly visit from Lew. Always smiling, always kind, full of joy and hope. He never forgot to include some kind of praise or compliment to make my day and lift my spirits. Lew's accomplishments in this earthly life were so above and beyond, yet many of us knew little about them, because of his quiet humility. He brightened so many of my days and had a profound impact on my life and I will miss him forever. I celebrate every moment knowing he is complete and whole and living without pain worshiping at the feet of his beloved Savior. He will be greatly missed in the halls of Manitou Springs High School.

Rob Archer

April 12, 2013

The world lost a great man. I miss him so much.

Jennifer Tresouthick Brown

April 11, 2013

Lew was such a wonderful friend to my parents, the Manitou Springs Kiwanis Club members, and people in general. May he rest in peace, but I'll bet he will continue his teaching and humor in Heaven.

Sarah Tresouthick

April 11, 2013

Dear Jean and Family, I'm so sorry to hear of Lew's passing. He was such a wonderful man and great friend (as you are, too, Jean) to our family. We will all miss him here, and I'm picturing he and Dad catching up with great vigor. Take care. Love, Sarah

Sydne Dean

April 11, 2013

So glad to have met him. Always a sunny person to be around My son has one of his carved cars. It's so special now.

Michelle Anthony

April 11, 2013

Lew was one of my favorite people and someone I greatly admired. Thank you, Lew, for your thoughtfulness and being so upbeat. Quite a gentleman.

Michael Cornejo

April 10, 2013

To the Archer Family and Gramdma Jean. Lew was a great person and will be greatly miss. Love always your friend MichAEL Cornejo

Kass Johns

April 10, 2013

Lew, I will miss you. I always enjoyed visiting with you and hearing about local history from you. You were, indeed, a wise man.

Tina Wenning

April 9, 2013

Andrea and family;
I'm truly sorry. You are all in my prayers. And you are loved-

Bert West

April 9, 2013

Your smile and wit will be missed at Kiwanis.

Michele Starling

April 9, 2013

Always smiling, always kind. The world is a better place because Lew was in it.

Mimi Mitchell

April 6, 2013

Thank you Lew for coming and sharing so much joy with so many. My condolences to your family for they have truly suffered a great loss.

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