Rolfe Eugene Johnson

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
 

“Love your family, work super hard, live your passion.”
Dad certainly accomplished this and more during his full lifetime.
Miss you dad.