Archibald Killin
1927-1997
ARCHIBALD KILLIN JR
May 28, 1926 - February 12, 1997
Archie Killin was born 5th child out of 8 (6 boys, 2 girls) to Archibald Killin Sr. and Jean Kennedy Spencer Dunlop, May 28, 1926. Dad never was given a middle name, but overly proud to have been named after his father. It was a busy household. Gramma ruled with love and a firm hand. Grampa, a quiet, honourable man, was totally committed to his family working for the City of Toronto Health Department.
As boys, Archie and younger brother Donnie worked on a farm during the summer months. It was tough work, bringing in the hay. They had some interesting interactions with two very large draft horses who had minds of their own. Archie was a student at Western Technical School in Toronto. Graduating from grade 12 was interrupted by his enlistment in the navy, and serving on the HMCS Goderich, a mine sweeper, in the North Atlantic, during WW11. (Word has it, he lied about his age).
On June 30, 1948 Archie married Bertha Isabel Clancy. This was a very interesting match, since Dad’s brother, Bill, was married to Mom’s sister Ruth. This created an interesting genetic pool of cousins, who look more like siblings than cousins, and who continue to share a very special bond. Archie & Bertha had five children: Linda Jean, Thomas Archibald, Brian Ainsley, Lawrence Edward & Patricia Joanne.
Dad was a draftsman, and very skilled in construction. In 1953, he began to build a house in Malton. Part way through construction, the government confiscated the land for the expansion of the Malton Airport (later Toronto International/ Pearson Airport). At the time Archie was working at MacDonald- Douglas. Archie & Bertha had to scramble to find a house, as Linda was 4 and Tom was on the way. Soon, the family moved into 27 Nordin Avenue, Etobicoke, and it remained the family home until Dad’s death in 1997. Archie had a passion for History. Bertha encouraged him to take his Grade 12 History course, and Archie was then able to graduate with his High School Diploma.
Archie also had a passion for fishing, road trips, and of course his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. Golf became a favourite pass time, and he spent many days golfing with his brothers, Bill & Don. Arhie’s son-in-law Frank, would often joke to Linda, when passing a golf course in the dead of winter, “Hey, Look! There’s your Dad”.
Archie was extremely proud of his children. He worked hard, and made many sacrifices so that his children could reach their potential academically and as adults. He had a very special relationship with Larry, who was diagnosed at an early age with "Mental Retardation”, a term today which is politically incorrect. Archie was very generous. In our small bungalow on Nordin Ave., he renovated the basement into an apartment and washroom for Martha Clancy, Bertha’s mother. Martha was very happy there, surrounded by family.
In 1964, a surprise package arrived. Patricia was born. She was the ‘apple of her dad’s eye’, referring to her as his “Patoot”. Tragedy suddenly struck, October 27, 1979 when Bertha suffered a heart attach while visiting her sister Ruby, in Calgary. Family Life would never be the same. In 1981, Dad remarried, Betty Wedden. They spent many happy years together.
Thanks to Brian and his wife, Mary Louise, Dad was finally given the opportunity to fulfil one of his life time dreams, to visit Scotland. Dad continued to enjoy golfing with his brothers and welcomed five beautiful grandchildren: Ken, Jenny, Mark, Kathleen & Sean.
Archie will be remembered for his love for his family, his wonderful sense of humour, and his generosity to anyone in their time of need.
May 28, 1926 - February 12, 1997
Archie Killin was born 5th child out of 8 (6 boys, 2 girls) to Archibald Killin Sr. and Jean Kennedy Spencer Dunlop, May 28, 1926. Dad never was given a middle name, but overly proud to have been named after his father. It was a busy household. Gramma ruled with love and a firm hand. Grampa, a quiet, honourable man, was totally committed to his family working for the City of Toronto Health Department.
As boys, Archie and younger brother Donnie worked on a farm during the summer months. It was tough work, bringing in the hay. They had some interesting interactions with two very large draft horses who had minds of their own. Archie was a student at Western Technical School in Toronto. Graduating from grade 12 was interrupted by his enlistment in the navy, and serving on the HMCS Goderich, a mine sweeper, in the North Atlantic, during WW11. (Word has it, he lied about his age).
On June 30, 1948 Archie married Bertha Isabel Clancy. This was a very interesting match, since Dad’s brother, Bill, was married to Mom’s sister Ruth. This created an interesting genetic pool of cousins, who look more like siblings than cousins, and who continue to share a very special bond. Archie & Bertha had five children: Linda Jean, Thomas Archibald, Brian Ainsley, Lawrence Edward & Patricia Joanne.
Dad was a draftsman, and very skilled in construction. In 1953, he began to build a house in Malton. Part way through construction, the government confiscated the land for the expansion of the Malton Airport (later Toronto International/ Pearson Airport). At the time Archie was working at MacDonald- Douglas. Archie & Bertha had to scramble to find a house, as Linda was 4 and Tom was on the way. Soon, the family moved into 27 Nordin Avenue, Etobicoke, and it remained the family home until Dad’s death in 1997. Archie had a passion for History. Bertha encouraged him to take his Grade 12 History course, and Archie was then able to graduate with his High School Diploma.
Archie also had a passion for fishing, road trips, and of course his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. Golf became a favourite pass time, and he spent many days golfing with his brothers, Bill & Don. Arhie’s son-in-law Frank, would often joke to Linda, when passing a golf course in the dead of winter, “Hey, Look! There’s your Dad”.
Archie was extremely proud of his children. He worked hard, and made many sacrifices so that his children could reach their potential academically and as adults. He had a very special relationship with Larry, who was diagnosed at an early age with "Mental Retardation”, a term today which is politically incorrect. Archie was very generous. In our small bungalow on Nordin Ave., he renovated the basement into an apartment and washroom for Martha Clancy, Bertha’s mother. Martha was very happy there, surrounded by family.
In 1964, a surprise package arrived. Patricia was born. She was the ‘apple of her dad’s eye’, referring to her as his “Patoot”. Tragedy suddenly struck, October 27, 1979 when Bertha suffered a heart attach while visiting her sister Ruby, in Calgary. Family Life would never be the same. In 1981, Dad remarried, Betty Wedden. They spent many happy years together.
Thanks to Brian and his wife, Mary Louise, Dad was finally given the opportunity to fulfil one of his life time dreams, to visit Scotland. Dad continued to enjoy golfing with his brothers and welcomed five beautiful grandchildren: Ken, Jenny, Mark, Kathleen & Sean.
Archie will be remembered for his love for his family, his wonderful sense of humour, and his generosity to anyone in their time of need.
~ Linda Braithwaite (Killin)
Photographs
