Rolf Juergen Wesche passed away after an extended illness on September 23, 2022 at his home in La Pêche, Quebec, surrounded by his close family. He was 81.
Rolf was born in Hamburg, Germany on February 8, 1941 to parents Gerda Pietsch, a teacher, and Kurt Wesche, an apprentice judge. Rolf’s childhood was marked by World War II, during which his mother migrated east with Rolf and his younger brother Ulrich (1942) to join her extended family in Silesia (now Poland), while his father sought work nearby. When Rolf was three, his mother died of cancer, leaving child-raising to his beloved Oma Pietsch and aunts.
While Kurt was drafted in the final days of the war, the women and children fled westward, away from the Russian occupation zone. They made it safely to Rolf’s paternal grandfather’s home in Kaltenkirchen, north of Hamburg in the U.S./British zone. There, Kurt rejoined his family to take on management of the house and precious food-producing garden. Due to the scarcity of living space, home-owners were for several years required to fill their space with relatives and refugees – in the Wesches’ case as many as five families – which brought cousins Dietlind and Doris into the household. Soon after, Kurt met and married Rolf’s second mother, Charlotte Wulfekoetter, with Rolf’s sister Barbara (1949) making her appearance several years later.
Rolf remembered the Post War period – while very difficult and stressful for the adults – as fascinating for the children. Along with school, gardening and other duties, he and his siblings had a lot of autonomy to devise imaginative and sometimes risky ways to entertain themselves in their rural environment. In school, Rolf was interested in political history, geography, and languages (though the six years of Latin were not his choice). He was active with school friends in organizing a Boy Scout troop that specialized in rugged, daring, low-budget adventures, including hitchhiking across parts of Western Europe. His lifetime friendships with Gerd Nickoleit and Klaus Schuricht were kindled there.
Rolf emerged from this challenging beginning with an insatiable wanderlust, that throughout his life led him and his family to explore cultures and geographies in many parts of the world. This complemented his school interests and language skills (first Latin, French and English; later Spanish and Portuguese). Rolf would confidently deploy these languages as he improved his skills “in the field,” focusing less on grammar than the opportunity to engage with people different than himself.
Rolf undertook studies at Goettingen University, where he befriended students from other parts of Europe, Canada and the United States. At age 21, he was granted a Fulbright scholarship to study at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he completed his Master’s degree in Geography in 1964. During his studies, he employed his creativity and risk tolerance to avail himself of opportunities from which others shied. This included a summer job gathering environmental data on Alaska’s Juno ice field, for which he was questionably qualified on paper, but happened to be the only applicant. Similarly, a chance encounter led to his choosing the University of Florida in Gainesville for doctoral studies, enticed by the promise of an eventful expedition up the Amazon River to Colombia. There, he studied rural agricultural settlement, and solidified the focus of his ongoing research on South America.
In Gainesville, he met and married fellow graduate student Mari (Marjorie) Bingham in 1966. He was warmly welcomed by her parents and extended family, including sisters Merna (Bill), Sally (Josh) and Janie (George).
In 1967, Rolf accepted a faculty position in Geography at the University of Ottawa. He and Mari moved to Ottawa, not imagining that they would spend their lives and careers there. Both their children, Sonia (1975) and Stefan (1981), were born in Ottawa and eventually settled nearby.
One of Rolf’s greatest satisfactions was leading the Andean Summer Field Program, an experiential learning program with groups of students in Ecuador and Peru, from the 1970s to 1990s. In the 1990s, Rolf initiated the bilingual (French/English) Environmental Studies Program at the University, which emphasized the importance of interdisciplinarity and multilingualism.
During their post-retirement years, Rolf and Mari enjoyed two decades at their home in the woods on Island Lake, receiving many visitors and making positive contributions to the local community and environment. Often accompanied by family members or friends, Rolf continued his travel and adventure – from exploring the local woodlands to visiting international destinations of historical and contemporary interest. He was grateful for ongoing family connections in Germany and around the world, as well as good friends nearby, including the Island Lake community.
Rolf is remembered by family, friends, and strangers alike for his inquisitiveness. Overcoming his innate tendency to introversion, he learned to skip the small talk with new interlocutors from diverse backgrounds, leading to many interesting conversations.
Rolf was a loving husband and father, adventurer, outdoorsman, and gifted storyteller, happy with a canoe on his back or hiking up a mountain. He loved the Canadian wilderness, which became his retreat in later years and remains special to all his family. While Rolf was happy to undertake adventures on his own, those around him were fortunate that he shared his creative ideas and welcomed their company.
Rolf is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife Mari, daughter Sonia (Brian) and son Stefan (Savithri); energetic grandsons Zander, Findlay, and Logan; sister Barbara (Dieter); sisters- and brothers-in-law and their families, German cousins and god-daughters, as well as dear friends. He is predeceased by his brother Ulrich (Sylvia).
We are grateful for the support of the Masham CLSC team and caregiver Sandra Marsters, who helped Rolf remain in his home during the final months.
Rolf’s ashes will be scattered in the Canadian wilderness near the home he loved. The family will celebrate his life at a later date.
He would be honoured by a commitment to treading more lightly on our Earth, or a contribution to an environmental or social justice cause, or an organization such as Wakefield Trails (www.sentierswakefieldtrails.ca).
The family is compiling stories of Rolf’s shared adventures and memorable moments with friends and family across the globe. If you would like to share an anecdote, please post it below or send it to Sonia or Stefan.
Wayne and I were saddened to hear of Rolf's passing. Even though we haven't seen him for many years we always enjoyed his company. Please know we are thinking of you all at this time.
Wayne and Gerry Leus
As recent members of the Island lake’s community, we didn’t have the opportunity to share much time with Rolf, but enough to get to know him. In just a few minutes it was easy to discover what kind of person he was: kind, curious, respectful, sharp in his reflections, with an intelligent and subtle sense of humor.
We will always remember him with great affection.
We send a warm hug to Mari, Sonia, Stefan and the whole family.
Rolf was a wonderful man, he will be dearly missed.
Our condolences,
Kelly, Charlie, Hendrik and Finley.
Take care
Saddened to hear of Rolf's passing.
You are in our thoughts at this difficult time .
What a remarkable life lived. I enjoyed reading about how much in common you have with your dad's educational pursuits and love of the great outdoors. My sincerest condolences Sonia. I hope that the many wonderful memories of your dear dad bring you and your family some comfort during this very difficult time. Warm hugs, Jen
It has been such a pleasure knowing Rolf, Mari and family over the years. Rolf was such a kind, respectful, thoughtful and loving man. I’ve known the family for close to 17 years. Our relationship was business as I helped with cleaning their home. Although our relationship was established as business it never felt like that. Both Rolf and Mari were always so kind always offering warm drinks, cool drinks, snacks, treats or a dip in the lake to cool off! Rolf and Mari had an obvious intention of creating caring relationships locally and globally. Our friendship grew over the years. There was a time when I arrived for work and Rolf knew that I had been going through a tough time. Instead of a brief conversation and right to work he suggested we sit down over coffee and relax and talk. He cared for his circle. Another fond memory is that after work one day Rolf offered to take me on the trails by his house that he happily hiked and maintained for years! I’ll never forget that beautiful summer day hiking with Rolf! We had great conversations among the pristine beauty of the trails he proudly cared for and enjoyed for many years. Rest In Peace Rolf
Please accept our deepest sympathy myself, my wife and my son Prabath were sad to hear this news. We had wonderful time with Rolf during Stephen's wedding and I still remember the talk I had with him and his knowledge about everything. I will pray for Rolf when I go to temple today
Nissanka and family
Mes plus sincères sincères condoléances ma chère Mauri à toi et aux enfants et petits-enfants.
Je n'ai que de beaux souvenirs de Rolf tant durant le temps au Département de géographie qu'après lorsque l'on pouvait se voir tous les trois. Je les garde précieusement.
Je t'embrasse avec toute mon amitié.
Arlette (Henry)
We were so saddened to hear of Rolf's passing. Rolf was a great man. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard and I are very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your father's fascinating life story. An inspiring life well-lived and clearly full of love for his family and our natural environment. May you find comfort in your many happy memories of him.
When my partner and I moved to the area, Mari and Rolf were some of the first people we met and that encounter confirmed my feeling that we had picked a great place to live. Over the past 10 years Rolf has shared his love of the lake and woods with me and many others.
Whether walking up wooded trails, snowshoeing in a blizzard, or paddling around the lake to collect water samples, he was a thoughtful guide- sharing his knowledge and passion, asking questions and being in the moment.
He shared a story with me once about newly arriving in Canada and travelling up the coast of B.C.
Short on cash and with a long way to go, hitchhiking was the only option. The problem was that drivers were reluctant to give rides to young men in the middle of nowhere so he put on his Lederhosen.
He did not say in words what happened but his expression told me that this was their ticket up the coast.
I will remember his understated humour most of all.
Sue Gravel
We were saddened to hear of Rolf's passing.
We will always remember him for the person he was. Our times with him and you, his family, were always joyful with meals, hikes, canoeing and conversation.
Bob remembers fondly the India and Nepal trip Rolf invited him on. Rolf organized and looked after everything and made the trip exciting and memorable.
We will miss him.
Bob and Barbara Woods
Dear Mari: Sincere condolences on this terrible loss. I am thinking of you and your wonderful family at this time. Hugs, Sharon (Lapkin)
Dear Mari,
Florence and I have been at the lake for some 20 years now. Not being full time residents, and myself being a frequent and constant traveler for the most part of my professional life until my retirement, we haven't had the opportunity to exchange with Rolfe and family as much as we would have liked to. The few times we did however, it was with pleasure that we shared our common passion for countries and communities we had the privilege to establish contacts with, in particular in Peru and Ecuador. Albeit too brief, these encounters with Rolfe, were always rich, enjoyable and allowed me to appreciate the great man, the devoted citizen, the strong family man he was, as well as his deep respect and care for our fragile earth.
Toute notre affection à la famille,
Philippe et Florence
I was so sad to hear about your Dad’s passing. I have so many fond memories of time spent with him growing up. He was always so much fun and up for adventure. I was always amazed at the things he would let us, or actually encourage us, to do! It was amazing and inspiring and led to so many great adventures and memories. I loved reading about his life, so many parts I didn’t know. I haven’t seen him in a very long time but am grateful I was lucky enough to have spent time with him and your whole family during my childhood. I’m thinking of you all and sending love. Xo Kier
I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I have so many fond memories of him growing up. He was always so much fun and up for adventure. I was always amazed and inspired by all the things he would let us do (actually encourage us to!). It made for so many great adventures and fun memories for me. I loved reading about his exciting and interesting life, so many things I didn’t know. I hadn’t seen him in a very long time but I’m so grateful for having known him and having him and your whole family be a part of my childhood. Thinking of all of you and sending love. XO Kier
Our Deepest Sympathy to you and the family, Rolph was a great man, he always had a smile when I saw him. I will always remember when he had walk in our snowshoe trails with only his boots sinking about a foot and a half in the snow, I realize then how he was in good shape, I was a bit jealous.
Rolph will miss by our community.
What a wonderful friendship we have enjoyed. So many years here in Wakefield and down in Mexico, visiting and eating and chatting and reminiscing. And sorting out the world. Common European roots and global life experiences kept us chatting away. And how curious it was that Rolf and I had shared acquaintances in Brazil and Peru and Colombia, even though our work worlds were so different. But we overlapped on work done in the Amazon region, in particular. I also relished my understanding of his German roots, having been a visitor to and admirer of Germany since the mid 50s .
Maureen and then Luna loved the lake and Rolf paddling them to see the loons and to circumnavigate the known world in the late afternoon sun of a summers day.
And Rolf running the kilometers straight down the rocky mountain in Mexico, while Mari, Maureen and I took the bus. Guess who got home first?
Thank you for all these real life experiences and for hosting me when I needed a bed for a week between two winter overseas trips. And for the chats and thoughts, and doubts and simple joys of the intellect and shared love of people and the planet and life.
I get old too, and will miss all that, till memory fades or life passes. And then again, there is The Next Great Adventure, as Peter Pan said.
And thanks Mari for all the delicious food!
Still here for you. Just call.
I’m so sorry to hear of Rolf’s passing and send my deepest condolences. I have so many fond and warm memories from spending time with your family growing up - from long walks in the woods to the jovial, and always fascinating, dinner-time conversations. I remember always being sure we were lost on epic wilderness walks, but with Rolf we always found our way home. It was really special to have been a part of Rolf’s world, and though I haven’t seen him in years, those memories are still strong and as meaningful. He was a gracious, fun, incisively smart and adventurous person - thank you, Rolf for always being so incredibly generous and welcoming. Sending love and condolences to Mari, Sonia, Stefan and their families, Rolf’s family and all who knew him.
Condolences on Rolf’s death. A vivid memory from the 1980s is Rolf taking adults and kids by canoes thru the Ottawa locks.
You had a long and loving marriage with a great guy. He will be missed by many. Sorry for your loss.
Mary Alice Regnier Hecht
Seattle
Dear Sonia and Stefan
I was so sorry to hear about your dear father's passing. What a lovely man he was.
I am sure the values he held dear are yours, also. His gentle ways were unforgettable. It was my privilege to have known him as neighbour and friend. I know that my departed husband, Shlomo, felt as I do.
May he rest in peace
Wendy
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss that your entire family must feel.
I have fond memories hearing his stories and adventures at my grandma, Dorothy Bingham’s house.
Prayers,
Marla Walsh & family
News of Rolf'death was unforseen and a shock to us all. He always appeared so fit and strong. I have known him and followed his exploits since 1954 when he was a teenager at Immenhof. He will be missed by all the Pape family.
Manuel, Rosalind, Jonathan, Sophie and Andrew.
I loved reading and learning more about your Father. My memories of high school - leaving Glebe to roller blade to your house to make ramen noodles, often times saying quick hellos to your Mom or Dad. Their love of the outdoors and your generosity to invite me to your chalet in Mt. Saint Marie is what allowed me to learn how to ski at 16 years old. I'll treasure all those memories. I'm deeply sadden for your family's loss.
Hi Mari, thank-you for email. Paul and I were saddened to learn of Rolf's passing but consoled by his agency and the peacefulness of his death. We are happy to have had you both as neighbours at Island Lake.
we haven't spent much time together, due to living half a world apart. On our few but precious trips together I experienced Rolf as an energetic, positive person always eager to learn and listen to people. Last week I went out into the woods of Brandenburg. While walking on a little path almost stepping on a little bug I remembered Rolf explaining to me how many micro organisms are being affected by the footprints we leave behind and how this piece of soil will change afterwards. He definitely inspired me for new ways of thinking and broadened my view upon some topics of life. I am very thankful for that and keep him in my heard as the wonderful "Canadian cousin of my mom (Doris)".
Dear Mari, Sonja and Stefan, we are thinking of you in these times and send you a warm hug from Dallgow-Döberitz. Let's keep in touch and stay connected.
We still cannot believe it that Rolf is no longer with us. We have known him for more than 40 years and our families have spent many many visits together. We shared so much, lived vicariously through many of his adventures in the Amazon and in Africa, had some adventures together, like Mari and I sitting in two canoes, both of us very pregnant, with the waves washing into our canoes, the older kids a bit scared and freezing, trying to reach firm ground - we made it, of course! When Rolf said that a hike was not very far, we made it only with a lot of effort and often wet feet! We had lots of good conversations, laughter, read poetry together, ate and drank, walked some more. How can you fit so many memories into a few words!
So we can only be grateful that we had the privilege of knowing him and we share his family's grief and tears. Doug and Maria, Oliver and Daniel.
Dear friends,
Like all of you and everyone else who knew Rolf, I am so saddened by your loss. He was such a remarkable man - in every aspect. All my life I have marveled at his physical strength and stamina, and if anyone was going to live to be one hundred, surely I thought it would be Rolf. However, when I last saw him at the beginning of last month, I realized that there was no turning back. I am fortunate to have had that last chance to be with him at the lake.
Next year would have marked 50 years of friendship with Rolf. In 1973 I wrote to him to ask if he would supervise my master's studies at the University of Ottawa. He was with Mari on sabbatical in South America. He accepted and so I met him for the first time in September of 1974. In 1975 he asked me to be his assistant in the Andean Summer Field Program (ASFP) in Colombia and Ecuador. He truly was the grand master of fieldwork! There we went on a wild excursion through the jungle which lasted several days. It was a great experience, but I ended up at the hospital in Quito where I stayed for over a week. The next year Rolf didn't want to do the ASFP and asked me if I would do it. I couldn't believe that he was serious - I was so young! But he insisted that considering my previous experiences in South America, I could do it. He believed in me, and that I will always be grateful for. Two years later, when I was a PhD student at the University of Georgia, he asked me to run the ASFP again - and I accepted again!
Other than South America, there are so many memories of visits, excursions and trips with Rolf, attending conferences together in Canada, the U.S., Colombia, the Dominican Republic, etc. One of the most memorable trips was hiking down the Grand Canyon and camping for several days with Rolf and his old friend Gert. Rolf was constantly thinking and planning new excursions. He just couldn't look at a mountain or a forest, and not want to climb or explore it!
Rolf was a very special friend over this past half-century. We met from time to time for a drink, a meal, or just a conversation. Mari also organized baking lessons for the kids; that's how my daughters Oriana and Sofia first learned to bake cookies while Rolf and I got caught up or, of course, went on a kike!
Rolf was a fair, honest and kind individual, always so respectful of other individuals and cultures. He had great curiosity for so many things and knew so much about every topic!
Rolf, rest in peace. I already miss you dearly.
Mari, if I can be of any help, at any point, don't hesitate to ask.
Love,
François Bélisle
To me Rolf was the brother, I never had, but always wished for. Why was he the one I picked to be my brother of Choice? What made him this special, extraordinary man?
Rolf could share his extensive experiences, easily spark curiosity and a wish to follow in his footsteps. He always shared the excitement for the discoveries of those around him. His positive approach to live and his charisma carried strength. Life is full of challenges and when it wasn't, he created them.
He had the ability to, without instruction, help make decisions.
He had a great love for the thrill of the unknown. He was able to face any adversities due to his „Urvertrauen“. I like to recall a smaller adventure, where he and I took off for cross-country (lake)-skiing whith no more than one match in his backpack.
We all feel he was the only person we have ever known to approach others with ease and instantly create connection. Rolf could – in the glimpse of an eye – grasp the entirety of situations and people, through pointed questions. This ability is something we treasure and one day may hope to achieve for ourselves, though it might be in smaller proportion.
He stayed young for the longest time.
Rolf, we miss you.
Tadjana, Andreas, Helena and Simon from Germany
PS: Helena: He created a trust that enabled me to tell him things I might not have admitted to myself. I adopted him to be my grandfather of choice.
In loving memory of Rolf from the entire Paust-Family
MY sympathy, Mari,to you and your family. May good memories bring you comfort.
I am so sorry you your loss. As Stef and I recently reflected on Rolf all could say was: my goodness, what a life he led with such a beautiful family. My deepest condolences.
Uncle Rolf was a special human being. He lived with joy and commitment and he shared both with those around him. There are many stories, but the one that best depicts how he was and my connection with him is the story of canoeing at Green Lake, CA. During my visit with my two, then young, sons in 2005, Stefan and I planned a canoe trip to Green Lake. We packed everything, carefully supervised by Mari. She 'laminated' the map for us in 2-3 layers of Ziploc bag, made sure we had food for weeks and shared plentiful 'caution and survival' advice. We heard some 'doubt' about our capabilities in there, so Stefan and I made a bit of a hasty departure between all the 'Fürsorge' and the eager young boys. We drove the approximately 1 hour path to the lake, the last bit through some dense woods on some very uneven gravel roads. We arrived, all proud that we found it on the first try, based on the map (pre-cellphone and MapQuest days). We untied the canoe, stocked it with the rations and other items and went to grab the paddles. Well, there were no paddles. In our hasty retreat, we had left them at the house. So much for proving we were capable. :) We debated for a short time and Stefan suggested that we had to go back to get them. I remained firm, that I was not going back in capitulation, admitting that maybe Mari's 'Fürsorge' was even slightly warranted. We looked around. My inner MacGyver kicked in. We can use this small tree/giant stick to make a paddle. Remember that faded sign we saw on a tree about a half mile back? It's no use to anyone, can't even read it anymore. Stef, you get it off that tree and we'll use some of the canoe rope to tie that sign to this stick and viola, paddle. We were in the process of concocting our alternative paddle, when we heard a car approaching. It was Rolf. He had noticed (pretty quickly) that we left without paddles. He took them and followed us (probably just to catch us and hand them over), but on the way he had a flat tire. He changed it and kept going. When he caught up with us, we were already at our destination, so he just decided to join us, even though that was not the plan. He looked at our concoction in progress and stated with confidence:" Sigrun, I will never worry about you - you will make it in life." I will never forget that immense confidence in my abilities to MacGyver something in a pinch or the canoe trip that followed where we enjoyed such immense beauty together. We say amazing nature, chatted about all kinds of things, swung from a rope swing into the lake, caught crayfish. One of the most beautiful days of my life to this day. I will always remember and be grateful for it.
What a sad news!
We thank you for the detailed report of Rolf's life, his work, his travels and his many other activities. Yes, it has been a rich life and we have benefited from his vast knowledge, his passion to travel, his openness and his kindness. He brought us closer to Canada, the U.S.A. and Mexico on trips that we enjoyed together a lot and will never forget.
Rolf and I had the greated closeness as children in Kaltenkirchen on the Immenhof, where we ended up as a family during World War II. He, his brother Ulli, later Barbara and I were inseparable, we met daily for all kinds of adventures and games. Our parents were busy getting food, and so we all had a lot of free time together.
When the boys left for the Boy Scouts, we went our own separate ways and it was only in later years that we found ourselves together again.
Our family center was our beloved Omi Pietsch in Kaltenkirchen. When Rolf moved to America, she hoped he would return to Germany with his family. She hoped so till the end of her life - she lived to be 100 years old. But Rolf came to visit every 2 years, and on this occasion he reconnected with all the relationships in Germany that were important to him. We met Mari and the children Sonia and Stefan and they met Eberhard, Katrin and Christina. We visited each other and became familiar with them. We are happy that in the meantime our children keep in touch with each other as much as their busy professional lives allow.
Rolf preceded us - perhaps we will all meet again one day? We think of you and wish you all the best!
With love, Doris and Eberhard
Dear Mari, dear Sonia and dear Stefan!
Thank you very much for your letter and for the detailed obituary of Rolf. We think this is a marvelous summary of his live. We read it multiple times and learned many details so far unknown to us. At the same time we remembered common experiences. To me, Gerd, Rolf was more important than my parents.
Thinking of Rolf now we see him sitting on „his“ hill next to the lake looking to the distance. We admire his foresighted courage.
Gerd: One of my most beautiful memories with Rolf is a common adventure when we both had finished school. We immediately left cold and wet Kaltenkirchen without any ceremonies and hitchhiked to Lugano. The sun, the warmth, the nature, the landscape, and the spring there were symbol of a new stage of life combined with a tremendous happiness which we both shared.
We often think of you and of the many beautiful adventures, experiences and conversations we had together and we are grateful for all.
Our thoughts and warm feelings accompany you.
With love
Gerd and Regina
Mari Sonia and Stefan
December 17 2022
My belated condolences on your loss.
I was part of what must have been one of the first Andean Summer Field Trips, 1972.
We went to Colombia only. Definitely an experience to remember. Besides going around and having amazing instructive meetings all over the country arranged by Rolf, we went as a group to Putumayo province. Most people you would meet in Bogota would never have been there in their lives. We entered from Pasto, then went down into the Sibundoy valley. Slept on concrete floor in our sleeping bags near (or at?) the Puerto Assis Texaco installation, columns and columns of ants after us.
Rolf early on passed on good advice for that kind of travel, often with long stretches of jungle between habitations and not a lot of restaurants. If you are at a food stop, don’t get caught up that it is not lunch time, go for it.
Our group did a composite study of the Putumayo, sort of mosaic in writing. So pairs of us were dropped off here and there all over the province. I was the last, and not in a pair. My background was in anthropology, so I was to go to a native village, accessible only several hours by motor canoe from Puerto Assis which was the end of the road in those days. The people there were inganos, (lowland Incas, speaking a kind of Quechua). Houses on stilts. Giant snakes. Yage. Rolf went with me in the motor canoe, dropped me off, waved good bye. About a week or ten days later he was back; my hosts had been wonderful, but I was happy to see him.
My life took a different turn later – law practice! – but I always had very fond memories of Rolf and his mixture of calm good humored and good natured with lots of knowledge, theoretical and practical, back there.
Melvin Weigel
Thank you for your detailed obituary putting together all names and places on both sides of the Atlantic to an account of Rolf’s rich and colorful life.
As his godchild I met Rolf relatively late in my life. Apart from brief encounters during his regular visits to Germany I really got to know him after I finished Highschool. In 1990 he invited me to Canada, booked a flight to Ottawa and picked me up at the airport in his old Volvo station-wagon. The weeks I spent with Rolf, Mari, Sonia and Stefan in their townhouse introduced me to his way of living and thinking: His never-ending curiosity made me think about politics, people and relationships in a new way; his pragmatism helped to adapt to all sorts of strange situations; his numerous challenges pushed my boundaries. He was always so generous with his support and confidence in others. His unobtrusive interventions had the power to change peoples’ mindsets. He was deeply rooted in the physical world. Intellectual discourse could make him yawn while he’d rather share his wisdom in the guise of the jester.
After he changed the course of my life at least once, we stayed in touch as well as long distance permitted. One of the last things Rolf showed me when I visited him in 2018 was the well-designed network of hiking paths he and Mari helped to build around their home. I think they embody everything that was important to him: sharing his passion for nature, environmental topics and community work creating paths for everybody to make their own discoveries.
It was a real pleasure to have met him. He leaves a huge gap. And a great treasure of fond memories.
Merci de tout cœur à Mari, Sonia et Stefan pour ce survol de la vie comble et comblée de l’homme tout à fait remarquable que fut Rolf. Votre récit est à la mesure de la fortune de nous tous qui avons eu le bonheur de l’avoir côtoyé et d’avoir, avec lui et vous trois, construit tous ces souvenirs. Ce sont ces souvenirs qui maintiendront Rolf très près de nous, malgré son départ: l’invitation de l’infatigable marcheur à poursuivre la marche et les escalades, à nous dépasser, à découvrir et à nous émerveiller.
À l’exemple de ce que confie François Bélisle, jusqu’à il y a à peine quelque temps, l’énergie débordante de Rolf, son attitude positive et confiante, sa vivacité d’esprit et son intrépidité jamais ne m’auraient fait craindre qu’il irait nous quitter si tôt.
Suite à son décès, un retour sur nos rapports au fil de cinq décennies me fait conclure sans hésiter que Rolf aura eu une influence déterminante sur mon parcours professionnel et personnel.
Avant de devenir une très grande amitié, notre association au plan académique à prime abord n’allait vraiment pas de soi. Au Département de géographie de l’Université d’Ottawa, je n’aurai suivi aucun de ses cours en classe, lesquels il offrait en anglais, alors que je suivais mon programme en français. Et même si lui et moi nous nous intéressions à l’Amérique latine, Rolf s’inclinait pour les régions rurales, les zones de peuplement marginal et les approches qualitatives, alors que ce sont les zones urbaines qui m’intéressaient, ainsi que les méthodes quantitatives - alors en pleine croissance au Département. Rolf serait mon directeur de mémoire et trouverait moyen de combler les lacunes en me mettant en contact avec des experts au Département et ailleurs.
Comme beaucoup avant et après moi, j’ai d’abord appris à connaître Rolf et son épouse Mari dans le cadre de ma participation à son cours de géographie de terrain dans les Andes, offert à chaque été à l’époque. Après avoir suivi ce cours une première fois en Colombie à titre d’étudiant, durant mes recherches en Colombie Rolf m’inviterait à rejoindre une seconde édition, cette fois-ci au Pérou; plus tard, tel qu’il l’avait fait avec François Bélisle, lui et moi en organiserions une autre édition en Colombie, durant mes études doctorales aux États-Unis, une marque de confiance de sa part qui me reste inoubliable.
Si le cours de terrain dans les Andes à mon humble avis aura compté parmi les plus importantes contributions de Rolf au renom de son Département à l’époque, ce cours aura surtout permis à ses douzaines de participants d’apprécier le scientifique de terrain hors-pair qu’était Rolf: son sens aigu de la curiosité, son questionnement incisif des apparences, sa remarquable capacité à saisir des contextes complexes et élucider des comportements problématiques. Sans oublier son talent inné de chef de file, d’explorateur, de conteur et de mentor.
Pour tout cela, Rolf aura laissé une empreinte qui ne ternit pas sur le parcours de plusieurs de ses étudiants. Je lui dois d’avoir choisi la ville de Cali (Colombie) pour mes recherches de maîtrise, période durant laquelle j’y ferais la connaissance de mon épouse, Carmen Milena. Je dois également à Rolf d’avoir pesé lourd sur mon choix de l’université ou je poursuivrais mes études doctorales, décision qui éventuellement nous conduirait, moi et ma jeune famille, à vivre en Amazonie brésilienne durant plus d’une décennie. Aujourd’hui nos deux fils et un petit-fils parlent toujours le portugais, et le premier échange de notre aîné avec ce qui deviendrait son employeur actuel se fit en portugais.
Alors que tous deux étaient professeurs débutants à l’Université d’Ottawa, Rolf et Mari ont reçu le jeune couple que nous étions, et plus tard notre jeune famille, à leurs résidences à Ottawa, à leur chalet du Mont Ste-Marie dans la Haute-Gatineau, enfin à leur appartement au centre-ville d’Ottawa et à leur résidence d’Edelweiss. Carmen Milena et moi avons eu la fortune de voir grandir et s’épanouir leur fille Sonia et leur fils Stefan. Lors d’un séjour postdoctoral dans le Schleswig-Holstein, j’aurai eu le plaisir d’un après-midi magique, hors du temps, auprès de Charlotte, sa seconde mère, à Kaltenkirchen. Rolf et Mari auront aussi connu mes parents, la mère et deux frères de Carmen Milena, assisté à la célébration des noces de l’un d’eux à notre résidence à Ottawa, et visité ma mère à sa résidence de Gatineau après le décès de mon père.
Durant et après mes études universitaires, Rolf et moi avions trouvé façon de nous maintenir en contact malgré mes nombreux déménagements et déplacements. Nous nous écrivions souvent durant mon stage de terrain à Cali; il aura pris le soin de m’y visiter; et pour célébrer l’approbation de mon mémoire, Rolf et Mari m’inviteraient à un repas à la Ferme Columbia à Hull (Québec). Ce sont des attentions que je n’oublie pas.
Face au choix d’universités qui s’offrait à moi pour le doctorat, Rolf m’aura fortement conseillé de choisir celle qui me permettrait de vivre une culture universitaire différente de la canadienne. Lors de mon programme à l’Université de l’État du Michigan, il me rendra visite - je l’avais recommandé pour une conférence invitée à l’un de mes cours. C’est à cette époque que nous coorganiserions une nouvelle édition de son cours de terrain andin; ce qui me permit de recruter un contingent d’étudiants américains et le joindre au contingent canadien réuni par Rolf.
Après l’obtention de mon doctorat et retour au Brésil au poste de professeur-chercheur à l’Université fédérale du Pará (Belém), Rolf passerait quelques jours avec nous. Nous venions d’emménager et avions des draps couvrant les fenêtres du salon contre le soleil éblouissant. Voyant le décor à son arrivée à notre appartement, Rolf s’élança sans hésiter: « Votre mère m’a chargé de vous remettre d’autres draps pour couvrir vos fenêtres! »
Durant mes années au Brésil, je soupçonne grandement que Rolf m’ait recommandé pour organiser et enseigner en Équateur un cours panaméricain sur la géographie de l’énergie en Amérique latine. Il m’a recommandé pour une mission de terrain en Acre (brésil) pour le compte du Centre de recherches pour le développement international (CRDI), et plus tard pour un poste que j’y convoiterais avec succès. Après mon retour à Ottawa, Il m’invitera à offrir des conférences à ses étudiants et appuiera mon idée de créer un programme de bourses pour la recherche sur l’agriculture urbaine dans les pays du Sud, phénomène controversé à l’époque.
Rolf souhaitait insuffler la confiance, le sens de l’initiative et l’enthousiasme pour la découverte chez ses étudiants. À un étudiant peu dégourdi qui lui demandait à quel endroit poster une lettre à sa mère, au lendemain de notre arrivée à Popayán (Colombie), Rolf, tout à fait sérieux et lentement: ``À la sortie de l’hôtel, tu noteras qu’il y a une ligne blanche au centre de la rue; suis la ligne blanche et elle te conduira à la boîte aux lettres.`` Rolf avait surtout ce don de conteur qui nous prenait à l’improviste et toujours fascinait. Il nous faisait revivre ses aventures, anecdotes et rencontres avec le mot précis, moult détail, un langage coloré et beaucoup d’humour. Avec franchise, Il n’inventait rien mais savait comment ramener le vécu au vivant.
Rolf ne tarissait pas de curiosité à explorer la nature humaine dans tous ses états. Sous son vernis germanique, il s’intéressait foncièrement à établir une proximité avec les gens qu’il croisait, comprendre leurs défis dans les circonstances les plus diverses, les alternatives à leur portée pour y faire face, et le raisonnement qui guidait leur choix. Il savait influencer sans imposer, toujours généreux de son temps. Imbu de respect pour la diversité sous toutes ses formes, il fut l’apôtre d’une géographie humaniste dans toutes ses dimensions.
Sous l’armure de sa discipline de vie, frugalité et détermination, ce que j’ai surtout perdu c’est un être d’une très grande sensibilité, probité et joie de vivre, qui aura vécu une enfance en période troubée, embrassé le défi de construire sa vie en terre étrangère, cultivé tout azimut les amitiés et aimé jusqu’à sa fin ceux qui lui auront été les plus chers.
Perhaps I was one of the first… Now, apparently one of the last… One of the last to wish you my sincere condolences and to convey my love and sympathies. And one of the first students on your most memorable Andean Summer Field Programs. Your inspiring personalities and our journey and adventures together through Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia made such a positive impact on my life and future. Our lives intersected in so many ways, both directly and indirectly. A couple of examples: My daughter in law is second generation Peruvian and my daughter Mary (a medical doctor with Global Public Health credentials from Chapel Hill) did several medical research projects with children in the Andes (Bolivia and Peru). I did several cross cultural cooperative projects with South American countries while in the Navy. I now teach cross cultural communications, etc. at the College of Missionary Aviation near Gainesville, Florida. Rolf will be missed but his legacy and impact lives on. His personality was larger than life. An inspiration and a life well spent! You were an incredibly well-balanced team. Love to you and your family,
Dear Mari, Sonia, Stefan and the whole family,
We are so sorry for this belated condolences for Rolf’s passing. It was from Sonia’s email about the arrangements of a celebration for Rolf’s life that we were aware of and very saddened by Rolf’s passing…
We read the life of Rolf. He lived a gorgeous, amazing, successful life. We are very impressed by his life stories.
We met the Wesche family back in 1994, almost thirty years ago. We are forever grateful and can never forget your sincere help, support and friendship, without which we won’t have our life today. We remember that Christmas Party you had for our family reunion at your home in Ottawa. Rolf gave Dehui his own fur coat that warmed our hearts deeply.
Rolf, you are dearly missed. May you rest in peace.
Mari, Sonia and Stephan, we are thinking of you. Rolf will live in your hearts, ours, too.
Your friends Yi, Dehui, Shirley
I was just rereading this lovely tribute to Rolf-with the well imagined stories of family life. Oh Mari-what a life you had together. Sending hugs and love and an invitation to come for an extended visit ….we are here in Bozeman and await you! So much love, Sally
Dear Mari, greetings from Mtunzini in Zululand after many, many years. Sad to read about Rolf’s passing. Hope you and the family are well.
Anita de Villiers