Samuel Eldridge Archer

Samuel Eldridge Archer, 87, passed away at his home in Independence, OR on June 1, 2026. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Sandra Kay Archer, his loving sisters Judith Heaney and Carol Fox, his parents Eldridge Allison Archer and Avis Moore Archer, and his son-in-law Jerry Pittman. He leaves behind two daughters, Amy Archer and Cindy Pittman, three grandchildren Ian Archer Carney, Christopher Pittman, and Andrew Pittman, two great-grandchildren, Isla Juul and Teo Juul Carney, and his chihuahua Carmi.

Born on December 29, 1938 in Bunker Hill, Oregon, Sam had a long career as a log scaler (affording him the skill of being able to name every creek in Oregon) but it was his family and hobbies that filled his life with joy. From making jewelry to restoring cars, Sam always loved to tinker in his workshop, but most of all it was cooking and flying that filled his days. Along with his wife Sandi, he built an airplane hangar and a Murphy Elite float plane, traveled the country attending countless air shows, and meticulously maintained his Cessna and Ercoupe.

In addition to attending every possible family reunion and a monthly "cousins' lunch" with his 1st cousins in Coos Bay, Sam was also the chief family historian. He compiled a comprehensive family history going back multiple generations and reconnected with distant relatives in Wales.

Sam was also an active member of St. Luke's by the Sea in Waldport, OR and deeply valued his time there.

He leaves behind a tremendous group of friends of all ages, his Church Family in Waldport, his amazing airpark community, and an even larger extended family, and will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers, especially Donna Bolding and Alma Almazan, as well as Willamette Valley Health, whose kindness and dedication brought comfort to Sam and peace of mind to those who loved him.

Donations in Sam's memory to EAA Aviation Foundation Scholarships are welcome. These scholarships help young people join the aviation community.

https://www.eaa.org/eaa/apps/donations/scholarships-donation-form