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 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: