Archie Allison Stairs died at his home in Fosterville NB on May 7th 2021, at the age of 73, with his loving family at his side. He was the son of Perley A and Ella Stairs of Stairs Hill NB. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Stairs (Foster) of 52 years, 2 daughters, Maryann Purinton (David) and Nita Bird (Corey). Four Grand-children, Mitchell, and Nicholas Purinton (Emily Seely), Veronika and Samual Bird (Madeleine). Four sisters Evelyn Hogan, Carolanne Greer, Shelli Hanson (Jack), Kelli Lawson (Timothy) four brothers, Meredith, Marcus (Viola), Malcolm (Barbara), Gary A (Barbara) Stairs. Sister-in-law Muriel Stairs. Many brothers and sister-in- laws, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by Parents, grandparents, brother Alton Stairs, sister-in-law Norma Stairs, Brother-in-laws Francis Hogan, Phillip Greer.

Archie had a lengthy battle with cancer with a strong will, who lived by the mottos, "You got to be tough' and there is always hope, He was a talented man who surely adored his family, friends, and neighbors.

He worked 35 years at St. Anne Nackawic and upon retirement became a self-taught carpenter, building houses, cottages, and furniture. He helped anyone who needed it and did it with a smile. He loved to volunteer for the community and the Church. His hobbies were word Search puzzle books, woodworking, hunting fishing and hanging out with the grandkids.

At Archie's request there will be neither visiting hours nor service at this time. A memorial of life will be at a future date. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Doctors, nurses and support staff of the Oncology Dept. at URVH, Medicine Shop owner and staff, Extra mural dept. and staff team, special care support person Shawn Collier, all other Family, friends, and neighbors and a big Thank you to Roland Farrall for making Archie's special request happen, and all other people who visited, called to support us in every way Thank you.

Some cute memories of fond moments:

I always thought I was dad's boy he never had growing up. I would shadow him from morning till night on his days off from working at the mill. I am sure I drove him absolutely crazy with all of my questions and constant chattering as he was a man of very few words. He was always so patient and kind especially when I would attempt to help him out with the barn chores. We would talk for hours about the different breeds of cows and bulls he was interested in or the crops he wanted to plant. I remember going with him on the tractor to help cut hay or to do some task or another. He always had a big smile on his face every time he was sitting on it. I guess that must have been his happy place. (Written by Daughter Nita)

I met Archie for the first time around in high school. I had been out skiing at Crabbe with some friends including my lovely wife who is of course Archie's daughter Nita. I didn't have a lot of proper ski gear at the time so I was soaked at the end of the day and we ended up at Nita's place. She offered to dry my clothes and gave me a bathrobe and told me to sit in a chair. Soon after a gruff looking character came in the house, looked at me sitting there and gave an awful scowl at me, then he proceeded to start doing something at the kitchen table. I asked Nita who this was and why the sour look. She replied. Oh that just my Dad...he's probably upset you have his bathrobe on and are sitting in his chair. Good Lord...thanks Sweetie, great 1st impression with your dad! I left soon after (getting my clothes back on) and there was Archie sitting at the kitchen table ....still staring at me ... cleaning one of his many, many guns. I swear he smiled and nodded at the gun, then me on my way out. Try as he might, he never scared me off. Through the years Nita and I bought houses, had kids, dogs, more houses, and whatnot. Archie was there through it all. (Written by son in law, Corey)

Even though he was a man of few words, he was hilarious. One time, he was bringing Ronnie and I across the border at the Fosterville crossing down by the cottage. As we were crossing, the U.S border guard told him that he should really have a letter from the kids' parents because they could be in distress. He looked at us and then looked at the border guard and said in a way only he could "do these kids look distressed?" Everyone was laughing, even the border guard. Another time, I brought my now wife down to New Brunswick to meet Grampy and Grammy. Grampy spent a good chunk of that trip teasing and making fun of me to try and get her to laugh. At one point, he and I had gone outside to make some hamburgers on the bbq. As he was flipping one, it fell apart. When we came inside, he said with a straight face "Sam broke that one". My wife still does not believe me that it was him. I'll always remember all the time we spent together. All the fishing excursions, the walks, the wheeler rides, the car trips and just sitting around the house enjoying each other's company. He was always just content to spend time with you. He was one of the hardest working and loving men I have ever known and I am proud to call him my hero. I'll miss you Grumpy; have a good rest. (Written by (Ronnie (Angel) and Sam)

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations to the River Valley Cancer Support Group, Woodstock Extra Mural Program, or a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated.