Don Nevill Archer ‘79

Donald Neville Frank Archer (1953 – 1995), affectionately called Don, was born to the late Donald & Amelia Archer on January 24, 1953 on the island of New Providence, Bahamas, in the capital city of Nassau. Being the firstborn of eight children, Don was the pride of his father, the joy of his mother, and the ultimate big brother to his sisters and brothers.

Don received his elementary and secondary education at St. Anne’s School, and Queen’s College in Nassau. After graduating high school, Don managed one of his father’s service stations, then went on to work at the Port Department of the Bahamas Ministry of Transport.

In 1975, Don entered State University of New York Maritime College, graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation. After graduation he continued his tenure with the Bahamas Government, serving as Deputy Director of Maritime Affairs, Chief Executive Officer at the Port Department, and he also worked at the Meteorological Department.

Don was a people’s man. With his fine looks, charisma, and always welcoming smile he made friends wherever he went. During his years at NYMC, many of his college friends visited the Bahamas at Christmas and summers, staying at Don’s family home. May became lifelong friends and brothers of the heart. 

For many years, on the Bahamas Emancipation Day holiday weekend in August, Don ran a mailboat excursion from Nassau to the islands of Eleuthera or Harbour Island. He and his college friends Robert Cook and Howard Wyche used the skills they learned at Maritime College to assist the captains of the excursion boats in navigating to the islands. 

Don met the beautiful Donette Wells at their church bike-a-thon in 1980 and they married in 1983. Donette was his true love, friend and greatest supporter. From their union they had three children.

Don was a great father who got his children up for school and church and saw that they had their bath and breakfast. On school nights at eight-thirty he would ask them “What time is it?” and they would answer “Time to march to bed.” Don also had three other children before his marriage, and they were very much a part of he and Donette’s family, spending weekends and holidays with them. 

He enjoyed entertaining and cooking, especially Bahamian souses and soups, and invited family and friends to sample his tasty dishes. 

Don was a member of the Nassau’s Kiwanis A.M. Club and was very active in their community projects. He was also a member of the Usher Ministry at Holy Cross Anglican/Episcopalian Church.  

In 1992 Don discovered that he had a heart condition, and on the morning of March 4, 1995 a great son, loving husband, devoted father, supportive brother, and faithful friend slipped away into eternity. 

May he forever sail on the high seas!