In Memoriam

John passed quietly at his home surrounded by family. He is survived by his children, Steve, David, Laura Archer; 4 grand children, Travis, Dylan, Brian and David; brother, Jim Archer and sister, Kay Archer Erb; nieces Kristine Archer Gow and Tamara Erb McCauley. He was preceded in death by grandson Davis Jurado. John was a wonderful father and grandfather. He was always there for all the sporting events, and coached the baseball and basketball teams.

Born in Lansing, Michigan. John (Wonderboy) attended JW Sexton HS, Class of 1956, where he played on the football team and was a member of the National Honor Society. He spent time at the Lansing YMCA and was on the championship basketball team. He went to Michigan State University and earned a degree in Metallurgical Engineering and continued on to earn a Masters degree in Business Administration. He then spent the summer in Europe riding his motorcycle with his life long friend Doug Brown. When he returned from Europe he moved to Southern California where he married JoAnne. Seven years later the family moved to Northern California. He later started his own company the Sierra Technology Group Inc. He enjoyed sailing his boat and driving his Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce. His love for hiking started with trips to Lair of the Bear with family.

After his first marriage, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Larsen and they remained married until her passing. They loved going back to Michigan during the summer and spending time at the lake cottage with family.

When he bought his home in Dublin John saw the potential for his property, and planted over 300 grapevines of Cabernet Franc. He bottled Cabernet Franc wine under the Archer vineyard label. He won best overall red wine one year at the Alameda County fair.

He was a avid reader and enjoyed discussing the books with the book club. After leading local hikes, he decided to challenge himself with hikes to Mt Whitney, Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, and Annapurna. He traveled all over the world seeking adventures, and enjoying meeting people and experiencing their culture. One of his recent trips was a favorite to Havasu Falls.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for all the cards. The cards were read to John before he passed. It meant so much to him that there were so many caring friends that he made a positive impact on. His foundation will support the Lansing YMCA, Lansing Boys and Girls club and Doctors Without Borders.

Bob was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana.  He graduated from Shortridge High School in 1958. He was in the United States Naval Reserve from 1959 to 1965.  He served two years active duty in the Far East on the USS Topeka, a Missile Cruiser.  He graduated from Parsons College in Fairfield , Iowa in 1965 with a BA in Business Administration.  He remained at the college for three years following his graduation to work as an Academic Advisor in the Office of the Dean.  In 1968 he moved to California and joined Wells Fargo Bank as a Management Trainee.  He worked in banking until 1976.  At the time of his departure from banking he was an Assistant Branch Manager at Chartered Bank of London.  In 1977 he began a career in equipment leasing.  He remained in leasing until 1990.  During that time he developed, directed sales and marketing, of a national financing  program for Burger King Corporation  franchisees.  In 1990 he left leasing to become a Burger King franchisee himself.  He owned Burger King restaurants in the Bay Area as well as New Mexico until 2014.      

In 1974 he married Ann Davies.  They have two daughters, Allison Fletcher and Jennifer Fletcher.  They were married for 44 years.

Bob has always been involved in his community.  As a young man he was a member of the Active 20-30 of San Francisco Club.   Upon moving to Danville he joined St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church and served on its Vestry.  He served two Vestry terms at Advent Episcopal Church in Sun City West, Arizona where he and Ann spent part of each year. 

Additionally, was a Founding Director of Valley Community Bank in Pleasanton.  He was a founder of Mt. Diablo National Bank in Danville.  He served on the Board of Directors of the San Ramon Valley YMCA.  He served on the Board of Directors of the San Ramon Valley Girls Softball League.   He was elected to the San Ramon Valley Girls Softball League Hall of Fame.   He served on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Baseball Foundation.  He was a member of the Danville Sycamore Valley Rotary Club.   He was a member of Sir’s Chapter 128. 

One of Bob’s great passions was baseball.  He was a season ticket holder for the S.F. Giant’s and the Oakland A’s.  One of his wishes before he died was to see the Giant’s win a World Series.  He got to see them win three!   His love of baseball was carried over to softball where he coached for 10 years. 

His greatest passion was his family and friends.  He loved his daughters unconditionally and supported their every endeavor.  He was proud of them beyond words.  He will be remembered as a generous, warm, loving and loyal friend.  He barely knew a stranger.   His glass was always, always half full.

He is survived by his wife, Ann and daughter Allison as well as his sister Ann Griffin and his niece Jill Talvensaari (husband Michael) and their two children Annika and David.  He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Jenny and his sister Laura Fletcher.

Dick will also be remembered for his service as a longtime volunteer to Catholic causes. He was recognized earlier this year by the Board of Directors of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County.. They recognized Dick with a Top Hat Award, the most prestigious honor bestowed on St. Vincent de Paul's members/volunteers, known as Vincentians.

He was also recognized as a longtime member of the St. Vincent de Paul leadership team, and was one of the first mentors in the Workforce Development Program. Dick volunteered at the SVdP/Loaves & Fishes Free Dining Room, for many years.

His expertise was instrumental to the development and growth of St. Vincent de Paul's thrift stores. His knowledge of the retail sales and commercial property environments led to his identification of the site for the new SVdP Brentwood Help and Hope Thrift Store, which opened in February, 2018.

He has served on the SVdP board as secretary, and served in a leadership role on the SVdP Thrift Stores committee for many years.

He was recognized for his work on behalf of the St. Joan of Arc-San Ramon conference, the District Council and St. Vincent de Paul's Workforce Development and Thrift Store programs. Friends and family gathered to celebrate his accomplishments on April 5, 2018 at St. Joan of Arc and share stories of how he transformed lives with his service and dedication.