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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ROLFE, John Frederick (Jack) - "I lived a good life”
John is the last surviving child of Ellen Cecilia (Boutilier) Rolfe and Newman Rolfe. Ellen was a remarkable mother who, on her own, provided for five sons -Newman, Gerald, Ernie and Jimmy and two daughters - Agnes (Burke) and Helen (Wilson) after World War I, with a little help from the kindness of others - lessons he learned early and paid forward. John will be in the hereafter with his son Dwight, grandson Adam Cashen, and the many thousands of people now passed, but whose lives he touched. They will keep him in good company until he reunites with Marguerite (nee Meister), the love of his life and wife of 73 years, his family and his special kitty Isabella.
John served his country in WWII, as a Merchant Marine, and post war in the Canadian Armed Forces (RCN, RCAF and CAF) in Canada and Germany and was an active member of the Royal Canadian Fairview Legion Branch 142. He retired after a distinguished military career, then continued to work for the Canadian government for 20 more years. He was known for being a quality, prolific and skilled home builder and woodworker. His other passions included baseball, curling and attending his grandsons’ hockey games; league bowling until age 92 (lastly on a team with his daughter Brenda); and 25 years of cottage life, boating and fishing on Sherbrooke Lake.
John lived a purposeful life and is leaving a family tree well rooted with offspring who will continue his legacy, and make the world a better place. He continues to live on in his children Deborah (Greg) Sheen, Derrick (Susi) Rolfe, Brenda (Paul) Boutilier, Sherry (Richard) Neima, and Carol (Mark) Rolfe-Higney; his twelve Grandchildren - Gerri-Lynn (Chris) Ard and Gregory (Wendy) Sheen; Byron (Ashley) Rolfe and Sarah (Joe) Prodan; Emilee Boutilier, Bradison (Allison) Boutilier and Mandi (Talal) Alawaid; Erin Moore, Jennifer (Joe) Cederquist and Matthew (Carla) Moore; and Michael (Juliann) Cashen; and fifteen Great Grandchildren- Hudson and Heathcliff Sheen; Adelaide Rolfe; Lexi and Drew Boutilier; Waleed and Kareem Alawaid; Dylan and Devin Moore, Lief Cederquist, and Luca, Isabella and Sophie Moore; and Jack and Annica Cashen. We would also like to acknowledge Debbie Rolfe (nee Willett), David Moore, Brian Cashen and many nieces and nephews.
He lived an authentic life - one of empathy, compassion, extreme generosity and goodwill towards everyone. He was charitable and a man who truly practised his Catholic faith. A role model who helped shape us to be the people we are today. He kept all of his relationships alive, and passed on his wisdom and values to three more generations. He was a true patriarch.
Heartfelt thanks to John’s caregivers who became extended family - the amazing angel Theresa Simmonds, Donna Schroeder, Kelly Baker and Stephanie Hudson.
Thank you to Dr. Sean Taylor and the staff on 7.3 QE11 for providing the care and compassion to allow John to peacefully enter his heavenly home.
In the spirit of his charity, and in lieu of flowers please make donations to Souls’ Harbour Rescue Mission (5568 Cunard St, Halifax, N.S. B3K 4B4, www.shrm.ca) or charity of your choice.
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