Melanie J. Archibald
ARCHIBALD, Melanie Jordan – Our beautiful daughter and sister, passed away on November 30th, 2024.
Melanie was born on March 13th, 1982, in Ottawa, Ontario. She spent her early years in the Niagara Region, then moved to Guelph in 1987. She was engaged and interested in the world. She earned two diplomas, one in Photojournalism and the other in Community Social Work. She volunteered in multiple community organizations to care for others. She was an equestrian, photographer, cook, and beekeeper.
Melanie was a compassionate and loving person, who had a unique ability to sense when someone needed a kind word, a hug or just someone to talk to. People gravitated to her authenticity and she was a bright light in the lives of many. She was a fearless campaigner against social injustices, and champion for those who society left behind.
Melanie loved people and was genuinely interested in their lives. She loved being in nature and was always walking, seeking out new adventures. She was incredibly strong-willed, fiercely loyal, funny, and always brought positive energy to wherever she went.
Her network of friends and associates was incredible. It was impossible to go anywhere in Guelph without running into several people she knew. She constantly opened herself to others, initiating new connections and friendships. Her family and friends were cornerstones of her life.
Melanie is survived by her mother, Pat Van Benthem (Guelph), father, Bruce Archibald and spouse, Karen Atchison (Guelph), brother, Andrew Archibald (Taiwan). She was loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will all dearly miss her. While we are devastated by the premature loss of Melanie, we want to celebrate all that was so wonderful about her.
On Sunday, December 15th, 2024, we will be having a “Celebration of Melanie” at Cutten Fields, 190 College Ave E., Guelph, Ontario, N1H 6L3, from 3:00pm to 5:30pm with a formal program at 3:45pm. Please do not consume alcohol before attending or during the service. For those who are unable to attend but wish to watch the service remotely, you can do so using this livestream link.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
We are planning on creating a memorial for Melanie at the new Bee Research Station being built at the University of Guelph. We are hoping to donate a bench in memory of her, at a beautiful location to sit and watch the bees and remember Melanie. Donations to Melanie’s Memorial Fund at the Honey Bee Research Centre, at the University of Guelph would be appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of Melanie J. Archibald in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.