Retiree Stories - Raymond & Lorraine Archer

Retiree Stories

Raymond and Lorraine Archer
Newcomers 1991, Regina, Saskatchewan

Raymond and Lorraine Archer always found the west coast very appealing but lived in Regina, Saskatchewan because their employment kept them there (Ray was on the faculty of a University and Lorain was a member of the legislative assembly.) Twelve years ago when they retired they were finally able to move away from the cold winters and mosquitoes of the interior. They arrived in Vancouver and explored many towns and cities for possible retirement but when they came to Campbell River it immediately appealed. "We liked it from the first moment we saw it." They found a downtown condo with a wonderful view of the straight and bought it thinking they'd live there for about ten years or so. It's twelve years later now and they don't intend to leave. It's the perfect living situation, surrounded by beautiful scenery, right downtown but not in a busy place, and in a friendly town where there's always lots to do.

Cost of living was an issue for the Archers after moving from Regina. In Campbell River they found excellent and affordable accommodation. From their condo window they can see the mountains and the sea. They're practically downtown but their surroundings are "not tremendously busy." They can't imagine finding something so convenient in a city, and they didn't want the faster pace of a city anyhow; the slower, quieter, small-town, pace of Campbell River is another one of their reasons for feeling so positive about it.

Raymond has MS and gets around using an electric "scooter" but he says that this is another thing that makes Campbell River good; everything is within "striking distance." He's able to do everything he needs business and shopping wise and can easily take advantage of Campbell River's beautiful setting by going to the parks and the pier that are just minutes away from his front door. The people and businesses are very friendly and accommodating and there are very few places that he can't get to. Also, in twelve years he's never had to leave town for any type of medical attention. The local hospital suits all his needs.

The Archers are "have never been bored" living in Campbell River. Lorraine regularly does aerobics, goes bowling, plays badminton, line dances, and walks the nature trails. They've also "taken in the tourist things" going for whale watching tours and taking the Uchuck out of Gold River, a boat that takes tourists to explore the interesting but inaccessible-by-road places along the coast. Lorain never gets tired of all the beautiful walking trails around town. The Archer's are very glad to have retired in Campbell River. "We loved it when we first came here and we still love it." Says Mrs. Archer, "The town suits all our needs and is just a beautiful, friendly place to live."