Norman Randolph Archer, Jr., affectionately known to family and friends as Randy, passed away on July 22nd, 2026, at Upstate Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Constance Archer; his sons, Travis (Emily) Archer and Wayne Archer; his cherished grandchildren, Lincoln and Marigold Archer; and his bonus daughters, Danielle DeMarse, Bridget (James) Austin, Tracy DeMarse, and Jaime (Jessie) Hall. He also leaves behind bonus grandchildren (Luke (Breyha), Alexander, Gavin, Liam, Rye, Jack, Charisma) and great-grandchildren (Indigo, Phoenix, Orion).  Randy is predeceased by his two sisters Mary Bryant Bradley and Susan Cates.

Randy was previously married to Sheela Ken, Travis’ Mother, and Christina Otoole, Wayne’s Mother; Both marriages ended in divorce.

Born on June 1, 1947, to the late Colonel Norman and Dorothy Archer, Randy was an Army brat whose Alaskan childhood culminated with his graduation from Kahlua High School in Hawaii.  His upbringing instilled in him resilience, adaptability, community service, and a lifelong appreciation for adventure.

Randy graduated from Texas A&M University as a cadet, where he developed the strong work ethic and determination that would define his life. He eventually made his home in Boulder, Colorado, where he built a successful career as a master electrician. He later became the Facility Manager for the Bank of Boulder.

Service to others was one of Randy's greatest callings. As a white water rafting specialist, he became a dedicated member of the Boulder Emergency Squad.  Randy served as Assistant Chief, Connie as a Rescuer, and together they received life-saving awards.

It was in Boulder that Randy met Connie, who he affectionately referred to as Daksha, and later on, as “the Queen of the Universe.” They married on July 4, 2004, and had a life filled with fun, laughter, travel, adventure, and a mutual love for the Denver Broncos.  Later that love expanded to include the Buffalo Bills. 

In 2009, Randy and Connie moved to Charlotte, VT, where he worked as a deckhand for Lake Champlain Ferries. Randy then became a security guard at the Shelburne Museum.  

During Covid, Randy and Connie moved to Sackets Harbor, NY where he spent time kayaking, enjoying “magnet fishing” with his grandson Alex, and volunteering on the Board of the Sackets Harbor Historical Society, the Board of the Sackets Harbor Battlefield Alliance, and was an active member of the Sackets Harbor American Legion.  Randy led battlefield tours teaching history surrounding the War of 1812. 

Randy's most faithful companions were his dogs, Gypsy and Little Bear.  

Randy was an avid gold prospector who loved sharing the excitement of prospecting with his grandchildren. He volunteered his time teaching others about gold prospecting.  He wrote about the Vermont Gold Rush of 1855, and presented at museums, rotary clubs, and gem and mineral shows.

Randy will be remembered as a man of many talents and passions— a dedicated public servant, gifted teacher, loyal friend, gold prospector, devoted husband, loving father, amazing PawPaw, Broncos fan, and proud Aggie. 

Service details will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown and online condolences to his family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.

Donations honoring Randy Archer can be made to your local Emergency Rescue Squad or Volunteer Organization.  If you are local to Northern NY, the rescue squad of choice is TIERS (Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Squad), P. O. Box 524, Clayton, NY 13624.