Francis Archibald Obituary

I met Frank on a rugby field at the University of South Carolina. He was a friend, mentor, and role model. He was also great sailboat crew both in Virginia and Colorado!
He had wit and soul. We miss him deeply.

Only a few days after Frank's passing, a loving Father in Heaven introduced me to his beautiful wife Lisa. For months after his passing, Lisa and I walked almost daily. I was able to walk along side her in silence many days and listen to her stories of courage, honor and love that she had/has for Frank. Although I was never able to get to know him in life, the memories I have of him through the stories of Lisa will be cherished. Lisa is an amazing woman. I have grown to love her dearly. I am excited for the day when she and Frank will be reunited again. True love stories never end.
Love, Natalie D

I was a career member of the State Department's Foreign Service. More than any other person in the world, it was Frank with whom I ended up crossing paths on overseas postings. We first met in Africa. I was so sorry to learn of his passing. He was a great conversationalist who took a broad view of history and culture. I was always so glad to see him. It was Frank who came to find me in Sarajevo to tell me when a helicopter went down with my friends and our compatriot on board. I shall very much miss him and extend my condolences to his friends and family. If his colleagues or family have a means to preserve his writings, I very much hope they will do so -- Frank walked through history, and knew he was doing so. RIP.

It’s been something like 39 years since Frank and I last met at USC and of course we lost touch, so reading this obituary is hard. I still picture him from those days coming by my dorm on the Horseshoe wearing those baggy camouflaged deer hunting pants, a t-shirt and flip flops. My roommate for a semester, James introduced me to Frank who became an instant friend and an unofficial mentor. Some of the funniest memories of my time at USC involved Frank who, from reading this lived an amazing life. Frank – till we meet again!

Frank made my first overseas assignment unforgettable; his intelligence and humor brightened many days for us in Lagos. We remained friends until my retirement, and I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Frank's memory will always be for a blessing. My sincere condolences to Frank's beloved wife and family.

Sincerely,

Carolyn LaFleur Sherman

Frank may well have been the best student I ever taught at Clemson. His mind snapped around geopolitical matters like no other. Frank could be seen on any Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning before my 9:05 history class sitting under a tree across the street from Hardin Hall studying for class, eating a Hardee's biscuit and drinking a beer. It was quite endearing.

Frank and I were student and professor. We talked for hours over topics ranging from Jimmy Carter's presidency to the situation in Pakistan. But we both played rugby and were active in the Clemson Rugby Club, so we had rugby stories on top of all the rest. And Frank, as good as he was in class and as much as he knew about the world and the way it worked, could have just as much fun as anyone else. Rugby at Clemson in those days was less about winning and more about having fun. When I think of him, a big smile comes to my face. He and I had so much fun together and shared so many laughs.

He promised me that after he retired we would sit town for a weekend of beers and tell stories. I was hoping for a de-briefing of some of the adventures he had had. I think we were both looking forward to it. We had serious thoughts to share and a lot of fun stuff. That weekend never came.

I loved Frank. I respected him immensely. I will miss him very much.

Rich Saunders

We only learned today of Franks passing and are deeply saddened by the news. We have very fond memories of our time together. We would very much like to connect with Lisa. Ed and Donna Rober

It is with great sadness that I heard of Frank's passing. I was a friend of the young Frank. We met on the rugby field of Clemson and he made a lasting impression. He was a bear of a man, fresh out of the Marines, but it disguised an erudite, empathetic and gracious human being. Whether he was using his "Grunt" training to square us away as captain of the rugby team or dispensing guidance along with cold pitchers of beer as the Philosopher of Sloane Street Taproom, Frank could always be counted on to be your rock. I was always proud that Frank had selected me to be interviewed by the government for a position that he coveted and told that this was serious. Frank was always a patriot and wanted to contribute all of himself to the well being of our country. I am proud to have been called his friend.

My wife and I had the privilege of knowing and working with Frank. An absolutely awesome leader and the epitome of the "Quiet Professional." While he had many accomplishments in his life to be proud of, several of which were heroic, he remained humble and approachable throughout. His loss is felt deeply in our community and by my wife and I personally. "Semper Fidelis" and RIP

I had the privilege of working with Frank in 2002/03 -- and it was a privilege. Even in those difficult days, he never lost his sense of humor, or his compassion. A student of history and people, a thoughtful decision maker, a man of principles. Frank was one of the too few leaders whose good opinion mattered. Sincere condolences.

Frank and I shared much time together playing "James Bond" in Elementary School, and he grew into a real life James Bond protecting our freedoms. In Middle School we learned and shared so many fun times together in the Boy Scouts, far too many to mention here! In High School we were friends and teammates in Football and Track. Frank was a tremendous competitor and never knew what the word "quit" meant, and yet he was a friend to all, always flashing his smile at everyone. His unflappable demeanor I'm sure served him well in all he did in his adult life. Several years ago we sat together watching a Hanahan football game during one of his visits home. We laughed as we reminisced about the old times, and we hugged as we departed that night. These are the memories I will always cherish when I think of Frank. My deepest condolences to his family. How fortunate we all are to have known him, a True American Hero. Rest In Peace my friend. Yours was a life well lived. Semper Fi

Frank, we rose through our careers together and always managed to stay in touch, no matter where in the world we each were. I will miss your friendship, your laughter, and your sweet nature. Rest well, my friend. May your family have peace and comfort in the coming days.

Semper Fi,sir. It was an honor and privilege to know you. My condolences to Lisa and the rest of the Archibald family.
Michael and Cheryl Locke

It was with great sadness that I learned of Frank's passing. We played football together at Hanahan High School. Frank was strong and aggressive on the football field and laid back and easy elsewhere. If you had Frank as a friend, you were blessed.

Frank, you have passed on the watch to others here, so stand down and wait for the rest of us in heaven.

To the Archibald family, May the Grace of God and the Peace that passes all understanding comfort and strengthen you.

Me ke aloha pumehana Frank. God bless your soul and keep your family safe until we meet again lei and family

Whenever I become aware that another Marine has answered his last muster, I am reminded by words in our Marines' Hymn that tells us, the streets of Heaven are guarded by United States Marines. Stack arms and rest your pack, Marine, and then take your post. You still have important work to do. Semper Fi, and carry on.

I joined the history faculty at Clemson in 1983, and soon after, I started attending rugby games with Rich Saunders. That's where I met Frank. We became good friends, and I was one of the people the FBI interviewed when he applied to the CIA. We kept in touch for years and I usually saw him when he came to Clemson, but then I moved to Kentucky and finally North Carolina. I never forgot Frank--the British Club mug he sent me from El Salvador still holds pens on my desk. I am certain that somewhere in the great beyond, Frank is smiling broadly, making new friends, and continuing to love all those he left behind.

I met Frank in El Salvador, where as fellow SC school graduate we bonded with accents, good-natured jabs about rival schools, and stories of rugby teams. Our paths crossed every few years thereafter. I remember fondly his consistently warm smile, genuine kindness, and professional dedication. He will indeed be missed.

Lisa, my condolences to you and the family. I was a teammate of Frank's on the football team at Hanahan High School. I will always remember his humorous side and his commitment to his teammates. Please pass along my sincere sadness to the entire family. May God bless you in this time of sorrow.

Frank was loved by all of his classmates, and he had a kind heart. Rest In Peace Frank

Sorry for your loss. He is man that you can say you are proud of. A true American. Praying for you all.

There maybe are and perhaps have been better men than Frank Archibald, but I have yet to meet any of them. May God bless his soul and extend His grace to the entire Archibald family

While I will like this world less without Frank in it, I take comfort in knowing his legacy will live on. I wish you "Fair winds and following seas" my dear friend. Semper Fidelis.

It was my privilege to know and work with Frank during his tenure on Richard Holbrooke's staff working on Afghanistan and Pakistan under Secretary Clinton. Briefly, I have rarely known a colleague as congenial, collaborative and, well, clever as Frank. My condolences to his family and friends; I think of him often.

We honor his service and are all better and safer for his life and contributions.

With deepest condolences, wishing Frank's family love and peace.

I had the privilege of Frank's friendship while working together in Pakistan and WashDC. I knew I could count on Frank for straight talk, hard-earned wisdom, or a cathartic joke -- as the situation required. Frank brought out the best in us; knowing he was nearby was enough for me to fell confident and capable of confronting some terrible situations. He was a good man. My deepest condolences to Lisa, the rest of the family, and all his colleagues and friends.

So sad to hear of the passing of Francis Archibald.
The son of a wonderful family so dedicated to the good of humanity.
You are in our thoughts and prayers

Lisa, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

My sympathies to Lisa and her family on their loss.

We are praying for his family

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Frank. We graduated Hanahan High together in 1973. He was so much fun to be around. I never heard anything negative from him, always uplifting and kind. Even though our paths never crossed in these years, it's good to know he had a good life and loving family.
Prayers for all who loved him, it is a great loss.

I will never forget Frank's kindness and compassion. I am heartbroken for Lisa and his family and all who loved him. Godspeed.

Rest In Peace Chief. The nation is indebted to you for your service and sacrifice.

Rest In Peace Chief. The nation is indebted to you for your service and sacrifice.

I was privileged to serve with Frank when I was the Director of the CIA. I thought the absolute world of Frank, and I am deeply saddened to learn that he passed away at such a relatively young age.
Frank truly epitomized the very best attributes of the exceptional "quiet professionals" who make the CIA the national asset that it is.
At the end of the day, what makes the Agency so special is the people who have volunteered to serve in its ranks, knowing that they will never be able to talk about the work they do and will never be recognized publicly for their extraordinary exploits for our country. Frank was universally admired for all that he did, much of which will never be known.
Frank was a man of enormous capability and great principle, one who embodied humility, as we all should, but also quiet confidence in his abilities and his convictions, which were always founded on solid, thoughtful analysis.
All of us who were privileged to serve with Frank are better for the experience. And all of us mourn his loss with his family and send our deepest sympathy to them.

May Frank's memory always be a blessing. Thank you Sir for your service. RIP.

What a great friend in Frank during our High School days at Hanahan. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I thank him for his serviced to our country and throughout his travels. He touched many lives. RIP!

So sorry to hear of Frank's passing. I started school with Frank in grade school and we played football together for Hanahan. Frank was an outstanding student, outstanding athlete and most of all, an outstanding human being. Prayers being sent for Frank's soul and for his family. God Bless.

So sorry to hear of Frank's untimely passing. My wife Carol and I served proudly under Frank's leadership in the CIA's Latin America Division. He was a great man, a great leader, a great American. RIP. - Patrick & Carol Scally

I worked with and (primarily) for Frank on several occasions. He was one of the most laid back, logical, reasonable, affable, empathetic, and friendly senior managers with whom I ever interacted. I also had the great good fortune to work with Lisa. Lisa, Frank was a unique man, and he and his ambling friendly openness is and will be missed.

Frank Archibald was a good man. I graduated HHS before he did but the Archibald and Cronin families were well know to each other. Rest in God's eternal peace Frank you will be missed by many. Kindly MaryAlice (Cronin) Ramsey

So sorry to read of Frank's passing in today's P & C. Although Lydia and I visited Archie and Mary several times in Hanahan, Frank was always off in some surreptitious location doing things we couldn't discuss. I think the only time I actually met Frank was at Mary's funeral, but I could see what an integral part of the family he was and how close all of you were. My sincere condolences to all of you, and my gratitude for what Frank did for our country and for the sacrifices he and his family made to keep all of us safe.

One of the best bosses a guy could have. A man of humility who had nothing to be humble about. A great judge of people, with astonishing patience. A truly kind man who never forgot to be thoughtful with anyone. He was a Pete Ellis Marine and the Corps was lucky to have him.
And we in the Directorate of Operations knew we had the very best when, for too short a time, he was our Deputy Director of Operations. God bless and keep you, Frank. You were a very unusual and surprising blend of Warrior and Man of Peace. Susan and I are really going to miss you, Frank, and our prayers are with that wonderful woman you were lucky enough to find and marry, Lisa. With the greatest affection, McKim and Susan Symington

I was informed today by a classmate that Frank had passed away. Frank was in my 1973 graduating class at Hanahan High School. I remember watching him play football as I was a cheerleader. He was great at it!!! Hanahan graduated some great people back in those days, Frank being one of them!! I remember his curtly hair and his friendly personality.

I have notified some of his classmates and old friends that live far away and they are so sad to hear of Franks passing. As am I.

My deepest sympathies to Franks family and close friends, because even though I haven't really spoken to him in many years, I am sad to hear the news and I know his passing is a great loss to all who knew and loved him.

Rest in Peace you good and faithful servant.

Kitty Farias
Hanahan High School Classmate.

A true American hero; an outstanding leader; and one of the most decent human beings I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Frank was a leader I looked to as a role model throughout my career - because he understood that fundamentally, the greatest leaders are at heart those that put people first, and have the courage to do the right thing. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.

I have fond memories of playing rugby at Clemson with your dear departed. My sympathies to family and dear friends.

Throughout high school, Frank and I were close, and much time was spent with him at his parents' house in Hanahan, playing games. He was a couple of years younger than I was, but we still went on an adventure together to pick peas in Belvedere, Illinois for the Green Giant company, playing the role of migrant laborer. It was shortly after returning that Frank decided the Marines was where he should go and we drifted apart as our lives went in different directions. The last time I heard from Frank was when I received a wedding invitation and by then, we were on opposite sides of the continent. I always suspected Frank was in the CIA, but thought it best to keep my mouth shut, even when his occupation became public knowledge. He was a great friend when we were both young, and I have no doubt that people who were fortunate enough to know him later in life found him to be that same loyal friend. I offer sincere condolences to his wife and family. All the memories I have of him are good ones.

There are many happy memories of watching those Hawks teams as he played with my brother., Randy Dangerfield. That was a great group of young men and several of them are reunited in heaven. I'm sorry for your loss!

My son, my son, I am proud to be your father. I love you. 09

Condolences and prayers for the entire family. I went to school with Frank and kept up with Him through my brother Billy. Frank was a wonderful person and even though we had not seen or talked with each other in years, he will surely be missed. God bless him and his friends and family.

Thank you for your service. You were a great boss. Such a fair and honorable leader!