Archibald Roderick Rasley

The family of Archibald Roderick Rasley is saddened to announce his peaceful passing, in his 100th year, on January 3, 2014 at Camp Hill Veterans Hospital in Halifax. Born June 14th, 1914, Archibald was a son of the late Archibald and Ella Mina (Murphy) Rasley of Halifax and was a survivor of the Halifax Explosion of 1917. Archie began a career in the newspaper printing industry but left this to serve in WWII from 1941-1944 in the Mediterranean. Following the war, Archie resumed the printing trade and joined the staff of the Chronicle & Star. In 1948 the Chronicle & Star folded and shortly after Archie received his Journeyman’s papers. In February of 1949, Archie joined the Composing Room staff of the Ottawa Journal as a linotype operator where he worked until October 1976 when The Journal locked out the union employees. The lock out lasted for three years after which he retired.

In April, 2000, Archie returned to Halifax to continue his retirement years and be closer to family. Archie leaves a legacy of Christian service and fellowship that has touched the lives of many and as a world traveller; Archie has reached out and made many friendships all over the globe. As a faithful sponsor of Plan Canada, for more than 35 years, Archie contributed to the well being and education of many different children keeping personal correspondence with each of them and proudly celebrating their achievements and accomplishments. Archie was also a wonderful family man, who although did not have children of his own, was proud to lovingly call so many his own and remained ever present in the lives of his nieces, nephews, cousins and their children.

As the last surviving member of his immediate family, Archie was predeceesed by brother Reginald and sisters Esther, Annie (Cunningham), and Rhoda (Dwyer) and nephew Warren (Cunningham) and niece Barbara (MacLean) . Archie will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by dear friend, who was like a daughter to him, Verstine Brathwaite (Roderick, Fred) Ottawa, his niece, Laraine MacDonald (Ian), Dartmouth, and their children Jennifer Cutting (Chris) Halifax, Craig (Shoko & Kieden), Seattle, nephew Allan (Judy, Ashley) Dwyer, Halifax, Anne(Vince) Ihasz Dartmouth, and their children & Grandchildren Janet MacLean (Grant, Logan, Kennedy) Dartmouth, Anne Louise Desrosiers (Jacques, Anna, Luc), Halifax, Jean (Donald) Wood, Montreal. And their children and grandchildren, Heather Moyes (David, Myranda, Cameron) Red Deer, Cheryl Wood Edgar (Jamie, Matthew, Stephen), St. Lazare and Una Gordon.

Many thanks to The Berkeley, Green Street, Halifax. His life there was wonderful and he thought of everyone there as family. Also, to those who have over the years supported Archie through Home Instead Seniors Care and to those who provided care most recently on 8.4 QEII and at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Hospital.

A service of celebration for Archie’s life will be held at United Memorial United Church, Kaye Street, ( wheelchair accessibility located from the driveway off Young St. entrance) Halifax, Friday, January 10, 2014 at 2 pm - Rev. Trent Thompson & Rev. Vincent Ihasz officiating. Family flowers only. Burial to take place at a later date.

Donations in Archie’s Memory may be made to Brunswick Street Mission, Halifax, Feed Nova Scotia or the charity of ones choice.