Read Archie Lee Stimpson's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Archie Lee Stimpson

Fort Myers Beach, FL, USA

July 4, 1948 - December 14, 2018

Jul 4, 1948 - Dec 14, 2018

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Archie waged a heroic battle with cancer for 10 years, all the while doing what he loved~sailing, fishing, or living aboard his classic 36’ Columbia sailboat, ‘Sahara Wind’. He was an icon at Maximo Marina for 14 years. When the marina sold, he ‘cut lines’ as he used to say, and moved to Matanzas Bay (Ft
Myers Beach). He was there the last 4 years, always waiting for the next adventure.
Archie was born in Pownal Maine and still has Aunts, Uncles, and a boat load of cousins there. Youngest of four, he moved his family to Tampa when he was nine. At 18 he joined the Navy and did two tours in Vietnam. After his service and while working as a car mechanic, he studied and joined Tampa’s 911 call center, where he became a supervisor. He was integral in establishing a computer program to assist in handling emergency calls.
After retiring from 911, he became a licensed master captain, delivering, sailing, or repossessing boats from Mazatlan Mexico, Puerto Rico to Ft Lauderdale, or pleasure sailing to the Chesapeake.
While helping a friend transport a North Sea Trawler to Honduras, all power was lost one night in high seas. Archie hoisted the sail and headed for the closest port, Cuba, firing flares. This was before the US and Cuba had relations. They were initially towed to Mariel Harbour before transferring to Hemingway Marina for repairs. Archie and his good friend DL Caton and two other crew were basically impounded in Cuba for 11 days. Very scary as they were not supposed to be in their waters at all. Just one of his adventures!
Captain Archie was predeseased by his parents, Archie Stimpson Sr and Emily Fogg Stimpson.
Surviving are his brother Ralph (Jimmy) and Peggy Stimpson of Inverness,
His sister Arlene Burns (Dave) of Inverness, and his sister Pat (Bill) of Hernando.
His sons Johnny Owens (Kim) of Land O’Lakes, and his son Michael (Heather)
Stimpson of Ocala.
Captain Archie leaves sad first mates Karen Watmough and fat cat Axel aboard Sahara Wind in Matanzas Bay.
Also very close family, Capt. Gayle Gordon and late husband Bruce of Tierra Verde and Gayle’s daughter and her husband , Allison and Bobby Garrett of Carrolwood.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 16 at Ft Desoto (Tierra Verde). For details please call Gayle Gordon at 727 542 7669

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