In the week of Phil's funeral, there could be no better tribute to character and actor than this sonnet, from the Fantasy Archers topic of .
Norman Painting (Phil Archer) 1924-2009
For nearly six decades we've overheard
The joys and woes of Ambridge fold each night
When dramas and the commonplace occurred
And everything would always turn out right.
For all those years one presence constantly
Was overseeing all whom came and went
'Young Master Phil' to head of family
Dispensing wisdom, always kindly meant.
Now Phil has gone and leaves an empty space
In homes across the land and Archer clan
No-one will ever come to take his place:
Philip Archer - unique Ambridge man.
To Phil and Norman here's one last big hand
From everyone out here in .