July 13, 1967 — Dec. 21, 2023
The world lost a beautiful soul with the unexpected passing of Bill Archer on Dec. 21.
Bill was born July 13, 1967, in Ashland to John and Helene Archer. Growing up, Bill helped on the family ranch, played sports and developed a love for the outdoors that never faded. He spent many days exploring the beautiful areas around Ashland with his siblings, parents and extended family.
From an early age, Bill developed a keen wit and kept everyone around him laughing. Always the life of the party, he made everyone feel special with his huge heart, thoughtful and caring nature, and quick smile. Everyone knew Bill as a great storyteller, often recounting his own escapades. His sense of comedic timing and a perfectly developed punchline were appreciated by all who were fortunate enough to listen. He was also known to strum a guitar, writing funny songs that always drew a laugh, no matter how many times we heard them. He was a truly gifted athlete and a daredevil — always the first to dive off the cliff, do a backflip or hit that jump!
After high school Bill spent several years building trails in the forests of Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho and Montana, where he developed keen skills as a heavy equipment operator. He later contracted with the U.S. Forest Service to build the Drift Creek Trail near Lincoln City, Oregon, the first ADA-accessible soft-surface trail in the Pacific Northwest. Bill later operated an excavation company, taking pride in providing the highest level of service, an honest opinion and a few laughs along the way.
His love of the outdoors never faded, and he spent many days kayaking, fishing, riding bikes and motorcycles. Bill was often the fastest guy on the hill, and in his own gentle way reminded you how easy it came to him. He loved to cook and feed large gatherings from the barbecue, often serving fresh salmon that he had caught on the Rogue River.
Bill met his wife, Kat, while working as a snowcat operator at Mt. Ashland in 2008. The two shared a great love of the outdoors and spent much of their time fishing, skiing, gardening and spending time with their families. They married in 2014 and honeymooned on their Gold Wing, traveling 3,000 miles on a trip to Yellowstone National Park. They shared many adventures over the years but also loved staying home and working on their property. Their daughter Tess was born in 2015. Bill’s greatest honor was becoming a dad. He once wrote that his daughter Tess was the most precious thing that had ever happened in his life.
Bill will be deeply missed by many, and loved by those who survive him, including his wife Kat; daughter Tess; parents John and Helene; siblings and their partners — Tom and Jane Archer, Cathy and Bill Bechen, Jim Archer, and Liz and Eduardo Del Valle; in-laws Doug and Tamara Cox, Tom and Sarah Cox, and Shelly and Tim Thornhill, 13 nieces and nephews, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of Bill’s life will take place May 4 in Ashland. Time and location will be announced later.
Related article: ‘He really cared about our mountain’: Mt. Ashland supervisor remembered for skill, dedication
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