July 30, 1957 – April 19, 2022
It is with deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, Rolf Dorsch at the age of 64 on April 19, 2022.
He will forever be lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon, daughters; Kyla (Mark) and Kristin (Jordan); grandson Wyatt, brother David, sister Mona as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Rolf was predeceased by his parents Herb and Hilda Dorsch, brother Ed and sister Ingrid.
Rolf was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB. He married the love of his life, Sharon in 1981. He planted his roots deep in Woodlands, MB and proceeded to build a house and make a home there. Rolf started working in his dad’s welding shop (Dorsch Iron Works) at 13 years old and eventually built his own shop. Rolf was definitely a jack-of-all-trades; there wasn’t a reno project that Sharon or the girls could think of that he couldn’t do. The quality of his work was impeccable. Marcel Blais (Mouse) was a long time employee of Rolf’s company (Dorsch Metal Works) and now a longtime friend and yes, he considered him family as well.
In his younger years he spent time with long time childhood friends, Grant Brusegard, Ron LeRoux, Sheldon Scott (Schultz), naming just a few in Grant’s cabin in Rossburn, Rolf’s old “Shaggin” Wagon, trips to fly in fishing lodges etc.
Family always came first and foremost in his eyes. Whether renovating the girls’ homes they purchased, his sister’s home in Warren or flying to Florida to build a gazebo, he was there for you.
Pre-Covid, the annual boy’s poker night took place the 1st Saturday in February at Rolf’s home and ran for a full 20 years (1999 -2019). The May long weekend was always the “boys” first trip up to Pine Island Lodge, a working trip to fix or repair whatever damage our Manitoba winters inflicted on us (again, drinking, card playing and many more shenanigans too numerous to mention, invariably took place). It was a 2nd home for Rolf. August long weekend you would always find Rolf and the family upriver at the Lodge, fishing, bonding over drinks, fish frys, shore breakfasts and always with much laughter and of course card playing (and yes, money was always involved whether it be cards or the 1st fish). He helped Brian Burgess build docks, railings, steps and landings on the cabins and the main lodge etc. He has left his mark everywhere at the lodge. Brian, his wife Barb, Brian’s brother Gerry and his wife Judy are considered honorary Dorschs (whether they like it or not!) and part of our family. Our Lodge family has grown over the years to include Allan and Lori Hopkins, Darren and Katherine Terry, Rodger and Tina Benoit, Josh Butler and many more too numerous to name. Sharon is Rolf’s first love, fishing is his second and both his girls were introduced to fishing as toddlers!.
Rolf taught the girls many life skills such as the value of money, shop skills, renovations knowledge etc. It is natural that their husbands had to be handy and pass Rolf’s critique. Now both girls are handy and can refurbish all kinds of furniture, among their many talents.
Rolf was diagnosed with cancer in January 2021 and as with anything else in life, he was very pragmatic and took it in stride. His famous saying before and during his cancer struggle was, “I love pain”! Rolf wanted to help Sharon organize the final details of the shop, clean up scrap metal so that she wouldn’t have to deal with it afterwards and agreed to treatments that could make this happen. He fought it with all his might as long as there was hope for a better tomorrow and to stay longer on this earth with his wife Sharon. As soon as his quality of life was lost, he took control of his final days with dignity, strength and courage. He was prepared to say, “good-bye” to his family and friends here in this world and looked forward to seeing his best friend Grant, his parents, siblings, in laws and others on the other side.
He was the most practical, thoughtful, kindest and gentlest man anyone could ever meet and hope to have in their life. A heartfelt thanks goes out to Rolf’s Cancer Care doctors, HSC staff and doctors, his Palliative care and Homecare people.
In accordance with Rolf’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2022 from 1pm – 5 pm at Rolf’s home in Woodlands MB.
Rolf will be missed so very much by everyone that his life has touched and the world will have lost the wonderful man that he was.
Rolf, as long as I’m living, you will also be never forgotten and living in me
Love you always, Sharon.
Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences on Rolf’s memorial page using the comment field below.
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Alan and I are honoured to be a part of Rolph’s family. Always quiet and gentle with that impish grin (not sure if he was ever naughty though…) and worked hard on the ‘Rock’ but was never loud or boastful about. Just sit and enjoy a beer afterwards in his signature overalls. Our favourite memories of Rolf are having Dorsch shore lunch breakfasts on the River, and the time his love spilled over when we all talked at Pine Island Thanksgiving about what Thanksgiving meant for each of us. His emotions for his family was especially was palpable. Rolf, rest in peace.
Oh geez, the late night road trips to Rossburn in the shaggin wagon with Rolpy, Schultzy, Granty, Rhonda (Ron) and Eddy was a hair raising experience. We had so much fun laughing, telling tales and maybe just a wee bit of drinking was involved while arriving in the wee hours of the early morning. From playing cards at the cabin or singing Christmas carols, my favorite memories of the early years are where we all got together for Thursday family supper nights at Herb and Hilda’s. I will always be thankful for being a part of the family and for those wonderful memories. Until we meet again, Rolpy, love you Myrtle (Cindy).
Sharon & Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll never forget how good Rolf was to my mom when she was living alone is her Woodlands house. She could always count on him to help out with the tasks she couldn’t manage.
May he Rest In Peace.
My condolences to the Dorsch and the Pine island families
My condolences to the family. I always looked forward to the annual woodlands poker championship hosted by Rolf, they were always fun times and a great excuse to get together for some friendly neighbourhood competition. Cheers to you Rolf, for always playing a good game with the hand you were dealt.
Sharon, Kyla and Kristin. It is never easy say goodbye, however, as you know this goodbye was Rolf’s brave and loving choice for his family. May long weekend and August family visits will never be the same without Rolf but his prescence is everywhere at Pine Island. Your Pine Island family looks forward to maintaining these special events as long as I am alive. Rest In Peace Rolf.
My condolences to the family. Rolf was a good friend and will be sadly missed.
Rolf was amazing! He was one of the kindest people I’ve met. My time in the family was brief and it’s been a lasting memory. Wish nothing but the best to Sharon, Mona, Dave, Kyla and Kristen the best.