Archer Poor

1919 – 2015

SOUTH PARIS — Archer Poor, who lived all his years in Andover, passed from this life on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the age of 96. Known for his independent spirit, a practical world view and a natural ease with people of every variety, he was beloved by all who knew him.

Junior was born on May 8, 1919, to Archer and Susie Goodwin Poor, who raised their son in the ways of western Maine, where his love of nature grew. He graduated from Andover High School in 1936.

On March 19, 1941, Junior entered the U.S. Selective Service, 43rd Division, and was sent to the South Pacific, where he fought at New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, and the Philippines until August 1945. He received many military honors, including a Purple Heart, and in 2010, was awarded a Gold Star for his service.

Back in Andover, Junior’s life began anew in 1947 with marriage to Frances Delong, then the birth of two daughters, Penelope and Paula, followed by a son, Peter. Today, they and their families carry on his traditions.

Junior’s lifelong work was as a registered Maine guide and manager of Camp Bellevue on Upper Richardson. He learned to graft apple trees and made snowshoes and ax handles. In the early springtime, he made maple syrup in his sap house that he turned into candies to share at Christmas. He loved hunting, snowmobiling and fly-fishing. He tied his own flies developing the classic featherwing streamer. Junior also enjoyed writing stories documenting his past.

In 1951, while exploring the shoreline on Upper Richardson, Junior found a smoothly polished stone, later to be identified as an Native American artifact. Thus began his lifelong study and collection of Paleo-Indian and Red Paint artifacts. He shared his interest with his family and others who had caught the bug. Junior’s collection resides now with the Maine State Museum.

In 1994, Junior received the Annual Historic Preservation Award for his archaeological findings, and in 1996, he was awarded a Master of Science degree from the University of Maine at Farmington for his work in the field.

In retirement, summers were spent at his beloved Camp Clear Quill on Upper Richardson with his wife, Frances, and their “kitty.” They were joined by his daughter, Penny, until 2004, when she passed away.

Junior’s spirit of living and learning has its home now in all of those he loved and guided through a long and wonderful life.

Junior was predeceased by his wife, Frances; daughter, Penelope; and sisters, Althea Milton and Thelma Clark.

He is survived by his daughter, Paula McDonald and husband, David, their children, Ryan and wife, Lorien, and their daughter, Beatriz, and Cory and his wife, Marissa; and soon-to -be great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his son, Peter and wife, Belinda, and their children, Jenna Tibbetts and husband, Nicholas, and son, Peter John II.

Friends and relatives are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.meaderandson.com.