Robert Archer

Robert Ellsworth Archer—beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, scholar, and friend—passed away on July 23, 2026, at the age of 88. Known to most as Bob, he will be remembered for his remarkable intellect, unwavering integrity, gentle humor, gift for conversation, and profound love and devotion to his family

Although born in Seattle, Bob spent much of his childhood in California. Bob graduated from Alhambra High School in 1955; he lettered in baseball and basketball and captained the basketball team that won the only CIF championship in the school’s history.

Bob attended UCLA from 1955 to 1959, where he majored in English and played four years of basketball under legendary coach John Wooden. More importantly, UCLA was where he met Georgine Ann Johnson, the love of his life. They married in 1960 and shared 66 years together, raising their three children, Sonia, Margaret, and John.

After graduating from UCLA in 1959, Bob served as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He later earned a master’s degree in English and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Southern California.

In 1969, Bob joined Harvard School (later Harvard-Westlake) in Studio City, beginning a career that would span nearly three decades. As an English teacher, department head, basketball coach, and mentor, he influenced generations of students and colleagues. He encouraged independent thought, intellectual curiosity, and personal integrity while always treating others with patience, kindness, and respect.

In 2023, a former student honored Bob’s profound influence by making a $2 million gift to UCLA to establish the Robert E. Archer Chair in the Study of Religion, the first endowed chair of its kind at the university.

Bob was a lifelong scholar and insatiable reader who loved literature, philosophy, history, movies, politics, country music, college basketball, and major league baseball. In retirement, he served his community through Kiwanis, Meals on Wheels, and mentorship of local Key Club students. He especially treasured time at the family’s Big Bear home, surrounded by books, trees, beloved animals, family, and friends.

Bob is survived by Georgine Archer, his wife of 66 years; his children, Sonia Lister, Margaret Porter, and John Archer; his son-in-law, Glyn Lister; his daughter-in-law, Candice Archer; his sister-in-law and brother in-law Marilyn and Jerry Prewoznik; his nephew Frank Prewoznik; and his seven cherished grandchildren, Henry, Max, Naomi, Josh, Sierra, Taylor, and Hunter.

Robert Ellsworth Archer lived a life defined by scholarship, service, integrity, humor, and profound love and devotion. He inspired generations of students, mentored many colleagues, delighted in thoughtful conversation, filled his life with books and beloved animals, and, above all, gave his family the priceless certainty that they were deeply and unconditionally loved.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship will be established in Robert’s honor, and we will share those details as they become available.