Ralph Anthony “Tony” Archibald

By Sun Advocate

WEST VALLEY/PRICE- Ralph Anthony “Tony” Archibald, age 50, passed away from this earthly life at his home in West Valley City, Utah on Friday, March 3, 2017.
Tony was born August 13, 1966, in La Mesa, California to Ronald L. and Ann Kay Marsing Archibald. He was their first-born son, followed by three more little brothers.
He married Rita Adams on March 18, 1989, in Helper. They were blessed with two fantastic children, Audrey Ann and Kaden Anthony Archibald, whom they dearly loved and cherished. Tony and Rita later divorced.
The second chapter of Tony’s life began when he married Becky Petty in December of 2006 in Carbonville. Together, they loved and cared for her six children as well as several grandchildren. They also later divorced.
Tony was a chef almost from the day he was big enough to stand on a stool to help his mom and grandma in the kitchen. His early skills were perfected when he joined the staff of his brother and sister-in-law’s hometown restaurant, Cowboy’s Kitchen in Wellington, where he worked for Glen and Tammy Wells. During his time there his grandma Lola Mae was the club’s “Girl Friday.” It truly was a family affair for many years.
Tony worked in the food industry in different capacities for his entire life, including Little Ceasars, Carbon Country Club, and the Elks Club. Together, he and Becky managed food services for a time at USU Eastern. Upon moving to West Valley City in 2014, he worked at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel at the Salt Lake City Airport.
Tony crossed paths and touched lives with more people than one can count as is testified by the many tributes that have poured in on social media. He didn’t care who you were, where you came from, or what your life story was- whether he knew you or not, he always lent a helping hand with an open mind and a big heart. When his dad married Connie Christensen he inherited another brother, three sisters and a second mom. Tony never made a distinction between his biological family and his second family. There were no such words as “real, step, half or foster” in his mind, vocabulary or heart. He loved us all equally.
Music was part of Tony’s soul and he loved to sing, play guitar, pound the drums or keyboard, and even took a turn on the coronet when he was a kid in band. He loved the outdoors, especially the mountains in Joe’s Valley and Scofield. He had his father’s ability to tinker and mechanic, and eventually helped his best friend, Jamie Evans, build a Jeep.
When he found God his life took on a new meaning. He was the happiest man around when singing and playing Christian music to honor the Lord. He was a member of Liberty Faith Fellowship Church and was a member of their praise and worship band.
You are missed already by a host of family and friends, may you rest in peace in the arms of our Savior.
Tony is survived by his children, Audrey Ann and Kaden Anthony Archibald, Wellington; his mothers, Ann Kay Marsing, Sun City, AZ., and Connie Archibald, Kemmerer, WY.; brothers, Chris (Shandelle) Archibald, Carbonville, Brian (Cheryl) Archibald, Colorado Springs, CO., Steve (Robin) Archibald, Price, Tracy Christensen, Kansas City, KS.; sisters, Vickie Christensen, Denver, CO., Shellie (John) Shaver, Denver, CO., Yvett Lacy, American Falls, ID.; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his father, Ronald L. Archibald; grandparents, Ralph Marsing and Lola Mae Marsing Easton and Doug Easton, Leland and Sylvia Archibald, Lawrence and Lora Pike; his niece, Emily Archibald; cousin Samantha Wehus.
Funeral service, Saturday, March 11, 2017, 10:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home. Family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday one hour prior to service at Mitchell’s. Interment, Cliffview Cemetery, Price. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.