March 29, 1926 - September 28, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our dad Rolfe Eugene Johnson, a long time resident of Revelstoke. He died peacefully at Mount Cartier Court extended care on September 28th, 2023 at the age of 97 years. Born on March 29th, 1926 to Harold and Adelaide (McCrum) Johnson in St. Stephen, New Brunswick.
He is predeceased by his parents, all of his siblings, his son Paul and his loving wife of 74 years, Beatrice (who's passing left a large hole in his life). Rolfe married Beatrice in 1946 and they settled in McAdam, New Brunswick where they raised 6 children.
At an early age he developed a fierce sense of independence which enticed him to leave school during the early stages of WWll to work alongside longshoreman in Saint John N.B. Later he was hired onto the railroad (CP Rail). Rolfe enlisted into the army in 1944 and was assigned to load ships with supplies and ammunition in Saint John, N.B. and Halifax, N.S. His favourite job was driving a jeep around the base pumping up tires and transporting German prisoners of war.
As fate would have it he boarded a ship destined for the South Pacific which never left the port, on account the war ended the very next day. He then returned to the railroad as a fireman on steam engines and married Beatrice Gillies.
Because he only worked seasonally for CP Rail, he wore many hats to support his growing family. Rolfe drove an assortment of trucks (transport, cement, logging) and also rock trucks during the construction of the Mactaquac Dam, N.B. He was an electrician's helper in Maine and also painted houses on occasion.
The railroad took him to summer employment in Hamilton and Smith Falls Ontario. Dad was proud of his tenure as Chief of Police of McAdam and was a licensed hunting and fishing guide for American tourists that wanted to explore the many lakes and forests surrounding McAdam. He had a great love for the outdoors and was well known for his famous moose call.
A strong sense of adventure and a motivation to find regular employment resulted in Rolfe moving his wife and their 4 youngest children to Revelstoke B.C. in 1971 to work as a locomotive engineer which he enjoyed until his retirement in 1990.
Rolfe embraced life in Revelstoke. He made many new friends and colleagues and carried on his policing interests as a volunteer Auxiliary RCMP.
Once retired, mom and dad enjoyed many vacations to Florida, Arizona, and the Hawaiian islands. He also maintained his lifelong involvement with the Masons and Shriners and Legion as well as many outdoor pursuits including active memberships in the Revelstoke ski-doo and ATV clubs.
When dad could no longer ride his ATV at the age of 91, he continued walking daily which contributed to his long and healthy life.
Dad had a great sense of humour and many tales to tell. You were certain to know he was in the building by his boisterous laugh and always had a joke on hand.
He is survived by his 6 children, Lowell Johnson (Yvonne), Darrell Johnson, Karen Maloney (Ken), Jo-Ann Huber (Frank), Dean Johnson (Randine), Brian Johnson (Carrie), 12 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, one great great grandson, and several nieces and nephews.
Our family would like to extend our warmest thanks to the many wonderful medical staff who provided our dad with the best care in the last years of his life.
Special thanks to Dr. Molder, Dr. McCaroll, Anne-Marie NP, and all the staff at Mount Cartier extended care.
A private family graveside service will be held at Mountview Cemetery in Revelstoke, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Revelstoke District Health Foundation.
http://revelstokehealthfoundation.com.
To leave an online message of condolence, visit www.bowersfuneralservice.com
"Love your family, work super hard,
live your passion."
Dad certainly accomplished this and more during his full lifetime.
Miss you dad.