Obituary: Jay Neal Archibald

jay-archibaldJay Neal Archibald
April 24, 1942 – April 3, 2016

Jay Neal Archibald, a long time Martinez resident, passed away early Sunday morning April 3 with his wife Janet at his side after having suffered a massive stroke Friday morning. He was 73. Besides Janet, he is survived by son Christopher (Laura) and granddaughters Jane and Kate, of Eugene, OR.

A native of Detroit, MI, Jay came to CA after serving as a trumpet player with the US Army First Calvary Division Band in Vietnam. He worked first as a journeyman machinist, leading his own white water raft trips down the American River on weekends and in his spare time. Always adventurous, he was also an avid skydiver and completed over 100 jumps.

Some years later Jay was bitten by the travel bug and made a career change to the international travel industry, escorting tour groups for 10 years throughout South America, Australia, Canada and the United States. In his final years of work he focused on tour work in the San Francisco Bay Area, Yosemite and the Napa/Sonoma wine country.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 10 years ago, he never complained, faced its challenges with dignity and maintained his signature droll sense of humor throughout his life.

Jay was very proud of his son Christopher & Chris’s beautiful family. Jay loved his community of friends in Martinez, in particular the Saucie’s Bakery coffee klatch, the Happy Hour crowd at Sunflower Garden, his cardio exercise group at John Muir Concord and his fellow Martinez Rotarians.

Most of all he was his musician wife Janet’s number one fan and supporter. He will be greatly missed.

Per Jay’s request no services; contributions can be made to Rotary International or the Martinez Rotary Club Foundation if desired.

Please raise a glass to Jay and a life well lived.

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One comment

  1. Hoisting a glass to you, Jay. We love ya.

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