John E. Archibold ’55

John, a noted Colorado attorney whose ancestors included an author of the Colorado Constitution and another who was a founder of the Colorado Bar Association, died July 17, 2024. He spent most of his more than 30 years as a lawyer with the state Public Utilities Commission and was a leader of the pro-life movement in the United States.

John was born March 15, 1933, in Denver and attended East High School, where he was active in student government, debate, and the boys’ cooking club. At Princeton, he joined Elm Club and majored in history. He was chaplain of the Class of ’55, parliamentarian of Whig-Clio, and active in the Senate Debate Panel, Princeton Evangelical Fellowship, Baptist Students of Princeton, and the Rocky Mountain Empire Club. His senior-year roommates included Stephen Nelson ’57 and Robert Goodspeed ’56. After Princeton, he graduated first in class at the University of Denver College of Law and earned a master’s degree in law from Georgetown University.

John was a decorated veteran of the Army and Army Reserve, serving in the Judge Advocate General Corps for 35 years and retiring as a colonel. During his law career he was listed in five versions of Who’s Who: America, American Law, the West, the World, and Finance and Industry. Friends noted that John was an avid reader and political junkie with a keen interest in history, philosophy, truth, and strategy. He was generous and compassionate, supporting many charitable causes and organizations. He was admired for his integrity, wisdom, and courage.

John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Molly; sons Christopher and Stephen; daughters Maryel and Sarah; 20 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.