We Remember
MCEWAN, Rolfe
July 11, 1950 — July 18, 2025
Rolfe McEwan, 75, passed peacefully on July 18, 2025, in West Kelowna, BC. He was born to parents Harry and Elva McEwan in Clinton, Ontario, on July 11, 1950, and grew up alongside his two brothers, Brett and Clare.
Rolfe was smitten with his high school sweetheart, Sue, but life took them in different directions following graduation. After carving out their own paths, they found their way back to each other after university, where they married and moved to British Columbia.
Rolfe’s career in education began as a PE teacher in West Vancouver, BC before he moved to Rutland Senior in Kelowna, BC. When he switched careers to become a Financial Planner, he hung up his whistle – but only until his own children were old enough to hit the pitch, where, true to form, he successfully guided them to the provincial level in soccer.
His love for sports took root long before his teaching days. In fact, it ran through his veins. Always competitive, he excelled at all sports he enjoyed. He became a strong swimmer in university and competed at the national level. He water-skied, first learning as a high-schooler from Sue’s father, Hank, in Port Loring, Ontario. The activity would become the staple of his summers spent at the cabin on Kalamalka Lake. Rolfe would take the boat out at dawn, determined to claim the calm water before the tubers arrived (not to mention those pesky jet skiers!). The days and years would change, but the order of skiers remained the same: the best went first to enjoy the calm water, the worst went last. And if you didn’t know how to waterski at all? You’d be taught before the week was over. A visit to the cabin wasn’t complete without Rolfe encouraging – or gently insisting – that everyone, young and old alike, give it a try. Resistance was usually futile. And, if you happened to sleep in and miss the boat? Not to worry. There was always round two.
And of course, he downhill-skied in the winter. Rolfe cherished his time at Big White with friends and family. He loved capping off a long day on the slopes with a long stretch in the hot tub.
Rolfe was proudly particular – a man of routine. His love of structure was legendary among those who knew him well. But for Rolfe, routine wasn’t about restriction; it was his way of filling each day with purpose and making sure every precious moment was accounted for. Whether at work or on vacation, he was determined to live each day to the fullest – and that he did.
Because Rolfe was so much more than a sportsman. He was a financial advisor who cared deeply about the people he served, so much so that he considered them friends as well as clients. He was a loyal friend who loved meeting up at the Four Seasons, now Global Fitness, for a competitive game of racquetball or squash. And, he was a family man who enjoyed unwinding with a game of cards. He was especially fond of Hearts, and even more so when he was winning.
Many of the hearts he won belong to those he left behind: His devoted wife, Sue; his children, Bryce (partner Lanna), Megan (partner Kevin), and Travis (partner Laura) – all sporty in their own right; his grandchildren: Simon, Myla, Parker, Walter, and Elva; as well as his brothers, Brett and Clare McEwan.
His family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Village at Smith Creek for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honour Rolfe’s memory are invited to donate to one of the following Kelowna-based charities: Plan Okanagan, Elevation Outdoors or CRIS Adaptive Adventures. And, most importantly – get outside. Hike in nature. Go kick or throw a ball. Dive into a glassy, turquoise lake. Or better yet, strap on some skis or hop behind a boat – even if you’ve never done it before.
Rolfe would’ve loved that.
A Celebration of Life, will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM (PDT), at METRO HUB, 1265 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC. All are welcome and encouraged to come. Livestreaming may be available; check nearer to the service for updates.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM (PDT)
Location
METRO HUB
Share with Others:
Plan Okanagan; Elevation Outdoors; or CRIS Adaptive Adventures Link: planokanagan.ca, www.elevationoutdoors.ca, adaptiveadventures.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for MCEWAN, Rolfe is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
METRO HUB
1265 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
I’m heartbroken to hear about Coach’s passing. He wasn’t just my coach—he was my tutor, a mentor, and someone who truly believed in me. When my family couldn’t afford to send me to tournaments, he brought me along with him, Travis, and Sue, always making me feel like I was part of their family. The kindness and support they showed me made a lasting impact on my life, and I’ll always carry that with me. My deepest condolences to Sue, Travis, and the entire family. Rolfe will never be forgotten.
Patty and I send our thoughts and prayers to the entire McEwan family.❤️
Just returning from the Cottage, I left a note in the journal thinking of Uncle Rolfe. Spending time with him there, admiring the huger Rooster Tail while skiing or his incredible ability to swim to the Islands doing Butterfly all the way was awe inspiring. Our condolences to the entire McEwan Clan. Uncle Rolfe was one of a kind.
I was so sorry to hear of Rolf’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I imagine you have many beautiful memories of Rolf and I hope those moments bring some peace and light right now.
I was so sorry to hear of Rolf’s passing. I imagine you all have many beautiful memories of Rolf, and I hope those moments bring some peasce and light rightnow.
Sad to hear the news from the other side of the world. Can still remember all the McEwan’s have their mandatory bowl of ice cream after every dinner.
So sorry to hear of Rolf’s passing. Condolences to you and your family.
I was so sorry to hear of Rolf’s passing. Be sure to hang onto all of those precious memories. Please accept our heartfelt condolences to all of the McEwan family. Barb & Dave
I ran into some basketball players from high school a while ago and they remembered Rolfe from when Chatham would play against London 60 or so years ago. Quite the athlete.
We were so sad to hear of Rolf’s passing. I have wonderful memories I will cherish of spending many a early morning water skis with Rolf and Chuck where they would be at our dock first thing. He always gave me such great coaching tips and taught me how to drive the boat the right way. For this I am grateful. Over the years we got to know the family, watched their kids grow and enjoyed the occasional drinks together. We miss him here. Our heartfelt condolences go to you Sue and your loved ones❤️. Heide and Al saunders.
Rolfe and family became our neighbors on Kalamalka Lake in Cosens Bay approximately forty five years ago. Rolfe was one of a kind. His enthusiasm for life was contagious. He was the best neighbor anyone could hope to have. We will never forget his kindness. If we had company when our boat acted up; without a word, Rolfe would appear with his boat and offer everyone to ski behind his boat for the weekend. Rest in peace Rolfe. We miss you.
Our family has so many treasured memories of time spent with the McEwan family over the years. I can picture Rolfe standing in the lake coaching our kids to waterski and the smiles on their faces when they were successful. An amazing man and great friend who certainly lived life to the fullest. Condolences to Sue, Bryce, Megan, Travis and their families
Shawn, Cheryl, Jordan and Courtney Tait
Rolfe was such an amazing guy and I really enjoyed being able to spend so much time as a child and teenager around him at Kal Lake. He was instrumental in teaching me how to become a better slalom skier. To Sue, Bryce, Meaghan and Travis, I have such fond memories of spending time with your family and your father and husband. My favourite thing every time I came back to the lake after moving away was knowing I was gonna have a great conversation with Rolfe about whatever sports my kids were doing at the time or whatever I was coaching. Please know we are thinking of you all and our sincere condolences to all of you. The memories I have will last a lifetime and I hope you also cherish the wonderful memories of your husband and father and the time you all spent together.. Lots of love from TJ, Michelle, Zachary, Matthias, Ty and Brooklyn Klim
My husband Mark and I would occasionally be in Rolfe and Sue’s company when they would visit Chatham and his brother Brett and wife Barb. I will always remember his kindness of donating several pieces of furniture from his late parents estate to a Syrian family we were sponsoring while also helping to move it to their new home. Our thoughts are with the family, a wonderful role model.
Dear Sue, Bryce, Megan and Travis,
The very nice obituary and condolences have really captured Rolfe’s life. We look back on the decades of fun we had with Rolfe, Sue and the whole family over the years. Incredible memories which we speak of often. The post-RRSP ski trips were epic and brought a bunch of IG colleagues to the chalet at least a dozen times filled with laughter, amazing food, hours in the hottub, competitive Hearts and of course a marathon of skiing/snowboarding. Then the IG trips that we shared were amazing – whether it was golfing in Scotland or cycling in Austria or Germany we had the best travel partners with Rolfe and Sue. Rolfe really did fit in a full life in and certainly helped to make our lives richer from knowing him.
We were so sad to hear about Rolfe’s passing. We hadn’t seen him in recent years but we knew of his illness. As our adviser Rolfe would drive along Westside Road to our house at Trader’s Cove to explain to us, with great patience, the mysteries of the financial world. Pete knew him as a fine competitor on the squash and racquetball courts. Sue and Rolfe invited us several times to attend hockey games at the arena, always preceded by a social gathering with wine and appetizers in the box – always a great treat! We will remember Rolfe with respect and affection.
Dear Sue and family,
Rolfe was highly respected and admired by his colleagues, myself included. He was always so enthusiastic about sports and life itself…. He had a passion for so many things and shared his zest with all in his orbit. I feel blessed to have known and worked with him.
My deepest condolences to you all.
I was devastated to learn of Rolfe’s passing and no words will do justice to your loss. Sue and family, I am thinking of you in this time of loss and wishing each of you solace. I will always remember my times skiing with Rolfe at Big White, and at our many IG functions. Rolfe was a warm generous man, and I valued the time we had together. Wishing you peace!
Sue and Family, I am shocked by the announcement. Thinking about joining Rolfe for lunch only to discover that he has passed. I held a lot of respect for you both. I am deepy sadden by this news.
Sue and family
Just heard about Rolfe’s passing from a school mate.
Loved playing basketball for him at RSS,learned so much and loved his intensity.Also appreciated him starting me young as a client with Investors Group after he left teaching.
He was a class gentleman all the way thru.
My condolences to your entire family.