Obituary of Cameron David Archibald

Cameron "Cam" David Archibald lived a wonderful life and was loved greatly by his family and friends, passed on Sunday July 10, 2022.  He was 29 years old. Cam was born with Miller-Dieker Syndrome which is a genetic condition that affects the brain development.  Most affected by the syndrome never survive beyond childhood.  But that was not the case for Cam who lived to the age of 29.  That was in part by his own will and the love that was showered upon him by his family.  Everyone wanted Cam to be happy and to be a part of their lives. They made every day they had with Cam feel special and important.  He was nonverbal and wheelchair bound, but Cam knew how to express his feelings, thoughts, and wishes to the point of being a bit stubborn.  He loved when he went to work with his dad riding shot gun in dump trucks, excavators, and snow equipment.  Everyone figured ways to hoist him into the equipment and loved seeing him beam. 

Summers were spent at Barth's family cottage on Belgrade Lakes in Maine.  His grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins were all so good to him.  They took him on boat rides to go fishing and outings to see fireworks.  There were campfires and every other activity a healthy child would enjoy. His family took the big step of purchasing their own home on the other side of the lake, in Sidney Maine, that was just perfect for Cam with one floor living, a level lot to the water, and land for all of Cam and the family’s toys.  His brothers were into dirt biking, so to include Cam in the fun they purchased a side by side off roader.  Again, he was his dad’s right-hand man and was thrilled as they zoomed through the woods, the mud, and streets in the community. He just exuded trust and was overjoyed with excitement. He was just as much a daredevil as his brothers.   On one trip the team went into a mud pit so deep that they were covered with mud from the chest down and lost a tire.  Cam loved watching his dad and brothers as they tinkered with engines and repaired motor bikes.  Cam even had his own trailer to pull wood and brush with his battery-operated wheelchair. 

His mom was his guardian angel, tending to his every need, making sure he kept his health regiment, and making sure he was happy.  His mom and dad wanted him to have the same experiences as his brothers.  His brothers were much the same, making sure Cam was happy, carrying him on the ski boat, having him tag along with their friends, and just bringing joy to his heart.  All of Cam’s extended family and friends always rallied to make him feel special, included, and loved.  On Cam's side, his joy and innocence were contagious.  He never had a worry, filled with trust and goodness and a huge contagious smile.  It was all this love that buoyed Cam to live so much longer than others with that disease. 

Cam was the much-loved son of Maureen (Barth) and Stephen Archibald of Burlington.  He was the loving brother of Daniel Archibald of Burlington and Tyler Archibald of Burlington.  He is the grandson of Dorothy and David Barth of Waltham and the late Pauline “Polly” and Roy Archibald.  Beloved nephew of Susan and Tim McCarthy of Mansfield, David and Ellen Barth of Northborough, Kevin Barth of Waltham, Rob Ripingill of CA, Joseph and Brenda Archibald of Burlington, Kathie Archibald of Pembroke, and the late Mark and Daniel Archibald.  Also survived by many caring cousins and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to pay their final respects to Cam on Friday night, July 15 from 5-7pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington.  

Donations in Cam's memory can be made to: Toward Independent Living & Learning on-line: TILL, Inc. or by mail: TILL, Inc.
Donations, 20 Eastbrook Road, Suite 201, Dedham, MA 02026