Obituary of Archie Breedlove

Archie was born in Tacoma, WA and passed away Sunday evening, February 2, 2014 at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise, ID. Though he had many health complications during his last few years, he lived life fully and always could keep friends entertained with stories of his adventurous life. He was married and divorced twice and was predeceased by his first wife and mother to his children, Patricia Fowler, who he met in Ellensburg, WA. His second wife, Francine Breedlove, still lives in the home they owned in Seattle, WA. Archie was also predeceased by his youngest daughter, Vangie Rae Joseph. He is survived by daughters Toni Jo Haley of Redmond, WA. and Becky Ann Breedlove of San Diego, CA. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Archie was happiest when he was in the outdoors. He loved fishing, skiing and was an avid golfer. He was also a great photographer and would have made MacGyver look like an amateur. His wife Francine describes him as gentle, kind and fun loving. He had a gift for gab and for many years enjoyed success as a great salesman at Kodak at Sandy's in Portland, OR. He later retired and enjoyed all of his hobbies in the New Meadows and McCall areas. He was proud of his service to our country in the US Army. Archie entered military service originally in 1942 and spent two years overseas in the European Theater winning five battle stars for action in Normandy, Central France, Germany and the Rhineland. He was separated from the service in 1945 as a sergeant and in civilian life was a flight instructor and crop duster in Ellensburg. He entered active duty again and served in the Korean War as a second lieutenant. Archie graduated at the top of his class specializing in light antiaircraft artillery while stationed at Fort Bliss Texas with the 39th battalion, 35th brigade. As a helicopter pilot in Korea Archie carried blood and medical supplies to the front-lines to help save the lives of other soldiers and transported many severely injured to field hospitals. He is remembered in the book M.A.S.H. (which became the basis for the long running TV series) which was written by one of the field surgeons he often worked alongside. Archie's life found him crisscrossing the country in later life but always found him working at or near a golf course. He lived the last part of his life in New Meadows and McCall, Idaho areas where he endeared himself to many who treated him like family and we were all glad to call him our friend. A military service will take place on Friday, February 21, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, ID. A gathering with his daughters and friends will take place later this summer in the Central Idaho Mountains. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Archie's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com. ARCHIE'S THEME Come share it with me Touch the softness of morning See the dew on the meadow Feel the warmth of the sun Hear the cry of the osprey Hear the trumpeting chorus Of the elk in the valley Know your day has begun Try rafting the rivers Glide and soar with the eagles Hear the backcountry calling Make the summit your goal Feel the skiis in the powder Sing the song of the mountain Feel the beat of the heartland Creeping into your soul Come on, Come and share it with me (by Archie Breedlove)