Archie Mishkin passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritan in Boise, Idaho, on Oct. 30, 2012. Archie was 94 and began coming to Ketchum in the 1960s and lived in Ketchum since 1985.
Archie was born in Queens, N.Y., was in the Army serving in Italy in World War II and attended City College of New York. After the war he worked as an accountant in New York City and Havana, Cuba. While in Cuba he became a partner in a tobacco leaf dealer and eventually in the early 1950s became the president of Bayuk Cigars Inc. in Philadelphia, Pa. Bayuk made Phillies Cigars, Garcia Vega Cigars and other labels. Archie was an innovator in the popular-price cigar industry. The company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange and in 1976 the headquarters was relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In 1982, Bayuk sold Garcia Vega to General Cigar Co. and Phillies to Hava Tampa Cigar Co. Archie was the last ICON standing of his generation in the tobacco industry.
Archie always encouraged friends and acquaintances to better themselves as much as possible through education and hard work. He treated everyone with respect, generosity and decency.
Archie was as wonderful as he was unique. His impact to those who knew him will always be remembered.
He is survived by his son Barry and his daughter, Nina Rothstein, his son-in-law, Larry Rothstein and two grandchildren—Adam and Ira Rothstein.
Donations can be sent to: Wood River Jewish Community, 471 Leadville Ave., Box 837, Ketchum, ID 83340 or to Hospice of the Wood River Valley, Box 4320
Ketchum, ID 83340. The family can be contacted via Nina Rothstein at 954-290-9460 or ninnaski@aol.com.
