Seventeen-year-old Aaron Archer is being remembered for his outgoing attitude and his gracious spirit as his family and friends gather together following his death last week.

Archer, a resident of Mapleton and a junior at Presque Isle High School, was driving his pickup west on Route 163 when he crossed the center line and was struck by a tractor trailer truck. He was later pronounced dead at The Aroostook Medical Center.

Archer is survived by his parents, Lloyd and Rose Archer and a brother, Jake. All three agreed that the outpouring of support from the communities, schools and businesses from all over Aroostook County has been unbelievable.

"We just can't say enough about all of the help and support we have received," said Lloyd Archer. "Anything we have asked for has been done for us."

The Archers said in the days following the accident, more than 60 of Aaron's friends from school came to their home to visit and offer support. Many of them stayed overnight, sleeping on the floors of the Archer home.

Lloyd Archer, who works for Coca-Cola Bottling co. in Presque Isle, said the visitors went through more than 30 cases of soda, donated by the company. Archer said the family has received an "unbelievable" number of food platters, flowers and cards, all of which are appreciated.

"All of this support has given us the energy to get through this," said Lloyd Archer. "All of Aaron's friends, family and teachers who have called or visited have made things easier. They are all still welcome here, day or night."

A WILDCAT: Archer was a member
of the Presque Isle High School varsity baseball team

Aaron Archer played on the varsity baseball team, the JV basketball team and was active in other outdoor sports. His father said they often went on canoeing, hunting, camping and fishing trips together.

TIME WITH HIS DAD: Lloyd, left, and Aaron Archer
stand atop Mt. Katahdin after a climb last September.
Aaron Archer, 17, was killed in a truck accident last week.

"Aaron was just a regular kid," said his parents. "He was special, but all kids are special. Parents need to realize that life can be short and they need to spend as much time as possible with their children... always tell them you love them."

"We have so many fond memories of Aaron. He just loved people and always had fun no matter what he was doing." Lloyd and Rose Archer said.

Lloyd Archer said this spring would have been Aaron's first trip to Florida with the Presque Isle Wildcat varsity baseball team. The Archers have decided that memorial donations should be made in Aaron's name to the Florida baseball trip at Presque Isle High School.

"Aaron would give the shirt off his back for anybody, so we're hoping these donations will help make the baseball trip special for all of the kids who go on it. Aaron was really looking forward to making the trip himself," Rose Archer said.

Wildcat baseball coach Tim Olore taught Aaron while he was a student at Skyway Middle School and worked with him during the spring and summer baseball seasons.

"He always gave you his best effort and did exactly what was asked of him," Olore said. "One characteristic that stood out was that he always owned up to his own actions... that's a great quality to have."

"He always had a way to make people smile... when he came into a room, everybody knew it. He would always help people and was dependable. I'm sure his parents are responsible for instilling those qualities in him," Olore said.

Olore said the memorial donations for the Wildcat's annual spring trip will be greatly appreciated by himself and the members of the team. "His father said that this would be one way Aaron could still be part of the team," Olore said.

Aaron Archer was also a member of the Ashland Boy Scout Troop 179. He joined the troop in 1994 since Mapleton did not have a troop of its own.

Scoutmaster Ralph Dwyer said Aaron held the rank of Star, two steps away from the Eagle Award, scouting highest rank. Dwyer said he was sure Aaron would reach the rank of Eagle, as his brother had already accomplished.

"He was easy to get along with and very well liked by the entire troop," said Dwyer. "He definitely had leadership qualities and worked well with the younger boys of the troop. He'll be missed."

"He was a great person, a hard worker and a great friend," said Ethan Perry, a Life Schout in Troop 179. "We had some good experiences together at many different scouting events... the whole troop is going to miss him, a lot."

Lloyd and Rose Archer said all the support they have received and the wonderful comments made about Aaron proves to them just how special he was. "This is every parent's nightmare, but people have been there for us," they said.

Officials at the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. have decided to send the Archers on a week's vacation to Florida this month. Both Lloyd and Rose Archer agreed it would be nice to get away for awhile.

"I think we're dong well thanks to all of the support we have received," said Rose Archer. "We have our moments, but all of the calls and visits help. We're heart broken, but we're so happy Aaron was loved by so many people... that's what we're holding on to."