Gary Lynn Archibald

Gary Lynn Archibald, 76, passed away on March 18, 2024.  

Gary was born on Saturday, Sept 13, 1947, in Pocatello Idaho. He was the son of Arnold Archibald and Arvella Cazier. He joined a family with 2 sisters, Carla and Rolita, and 3 brothers, George, Jerry, and Marlan. He was followed by a sister Larae. His father built their home in the hills of Pocatello, at the top of Cedar Street while they lived in the backyard in a tent.

Gary attended school in Pocatello. He belonged to the first four-year graduating class of Highland High School, Class of 1966. Gary shared memories of skiing, hunting, and running down the hills of Cedar Street before the residence was built.

Gary worked his first job the summer before he graduated. He moved to Reno, Nevada with his older brother Jerry. While living in Reno he worked at Harrah’s in the snack bar for a short time before he left home at age 18 to enlist in the Marines. He enlisted and went through basic training before breaking the news to his mother. He served active duty for 4 years and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. While serving in the military, he had a short union and had one son, Daniel Mark.

After being discharged Gary moved to Pocatello, Idaho, and shortly after met Beverly Kay Allred. They met at the Ginza bar in 1973, where he asked her to dance. Her response was “no”, but Gary persisted until he wore her down by meeting her at home and asking again. Bev reluctantly agreed with the understanding that she was a package deal with her young son Mark.

Gary proposed to Bev in 1975 by saying “Well if you wanna get married, I have the weekend off.” They were married that same weekend on October 18, 1975. They settled down on Briscoe Road, where 3 more children would join the family, Kim in 1976, Scott in 1978, and Kellie in 1980. Gary spent many years making the Briscoe house a home for his family.

Gary worked as a Chief Operator at FMC for 33 years. He picked up extra shifts on every holiday and all the overtime he could. After working long shifts, he would milk cows for long hours for the family to sell milk. He retired when the plant closed in 2001.

When Gary wasn’t working overtime providing for his family, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, playing cards, and listening to all types of music. He had quite the record collection to choose from. He spent hours upon hours in Bennington, Idaho working on the family ranch and helping Kay and Beth, Bev’s parents, build a cabin, irrigate, and fix the fence.

Gary rescued every stray animal that would cross his path. It’s how his Chocolate Lab Kaydee came into their family. The family says he loved that dog more than anything.

Gary took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren. He loved watching all of them in their activities including baseball, wrestling, softball, dance, and bowling. He enjoyed visiting casinos, concerts, and seafood buffets with the love of his life Beverly. Many memories were made traveling with the family and his fifth wheel from Vegas to Disneyland to Lewiston.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Beverly; his sister, Rolita Eslinger Blanco of Pocatello; his children Mark Hymas, Scott Archibald, Kim and Travis Curtiss, Kellie and Tadd Roubidoux, his beloved grandchildren, Eben Eugene, Tenley Malaine, Hunter Tadd (Brooke), Hailey Tenae, Hank Travis, and Beaux Whitley.

Gary was a generous and loyal man. He was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and a great sense of humor. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them. And if you knew him you knew it. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those that went before him. He will be missed dearly.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held from 5-7pm on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID.

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