Harold Rolfe Archibald, 81

Harold Rolfe Archibald, 81, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2018, at the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard, Washington, with his wife, Sheryl Wohlschlager Archibald, at his side. Harold lived a rich and fulfilling life focused on his family, faith, friends and country.

Born to Herbert and Nellie Archibald in Kalispell on Feb. 1, 1936, Harold grew up with Glacier Park as his backyard. He graduated from Flathead County High School in 1954 and completed his postsecondary education at the University of Montana.

Harold received his commission in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps.

In 1962, through his sister Teresa Archibald, Harold met his future bride by literally knocking her off her feet at his parents’ home, exhibiting his mischievous sense of humor. They were married on Aug.10, 1963. They spent the next 54 and a half years on the adventure of a lifetime, living in over a dozen places and raising their two daughters, Ann Bongiani and Carrie Selby.

Harold earned a Master of Science in Telecommunications degree at the University of Colorado in 1974, taking full advantage of the ski slopes close by. Harold and his family then zigzagged the world, developing lifelong friends at each tour of duty. After serving as a battalion commander in Germany and moving back to his beloved West Coast, Harold retired as a colonel. He and Sheryl built their dream home in Steilacoom overlooking the Puget Sound, where they lived for 30 years.

In 1989 and 1993, Harold welcomed with open arms his two sons-in-law, Perry Bongiani and Clay Selby. Harold then discarded his tough military veneer and became an adoring grandpa to Tyler and Lauren Bongiani, and Heather and Jackson Selby, whom he considered to be his greatest blessings. He and Sheryl were their grandchildren’s greatest fans at all sporting events, piano and dance recitals, and school programs.

Harold and Sheryl were involved in the Episcopal Church wherever Harold’s profession took them and were active members of Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church for over 30 years. Harold’s faith served as the bedrock for his marriage, family, friends and profession.

Harold loved downhill skiing and hiking, whether in the Rockies, Cascades or Alps. He was a voracious reader, and enjoyed movies, music and nice cars. He was particularly fond of baked goods, sampling bakeries throughout the world. Harold was a loyal friend and loved entertaining. He served as a mentor to many, including young officers and military families through his work at Allen Realtors.

Harold is survived by his wife Sheryl, whom he adored and served coffee to every morning. Harold was taken from us too soon as a result of Parkinson’s disease attributed to his two tours in Vietnam. Sincere thanks and appreciation go to the caring and committed staff at the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard, and to all those volunteers who selflessly serve the veteran residents there.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 27, at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Lakewood, Washington.

Donations may be made in Harold’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church.