A first generation Canadian, born in the Vancouver General Hospital to Jean McCallum (nee Allan), of Woodend, Australia, and Frank McCallum, of Taunton, Massachusetts USA. He spent the first four years of his life in Abbotsford, BC before moving to Vancouver, and graduated from Kitsilano High School in 1957. He started employment in the mailroom with Imperial Oil Limited in Vancouver on June 18, 1957, and worked his way up the ladder during his career.
On a blind date, he met Elaine Ewart and they married on August 31, 1963, in Vancouver. They were transferred to Edmonton in 1964, and to Toronto in 1980. He completed his career as an Information Management Supervisor and retired on July 31, 1991 at the ripe old age of fifty-one! Golden parachutes aren’t for everyone, but he took the money and ran! No regrets!
He spent his retirement years in White Rock BC, Salt Spring Island BC, and Edmonton (again) before settling in Ottawa in 2019. Rollie and Elaine were fortunate to see a large part of the world on land and sea. They did a lot of volunteer work on Salt Spring Island and in Edmonton.
Rollie played an enduring game for more than 15 years with prostate cancer (Final Score: Cancer 1 – Rollie 0), but he gave it his best shot. Survived by Elaine, best friend and loving wife of 63 years, daughter Dr. Dawn Davies, (Paul Davies), son Gordon (Dr. Jennifer McCallum), grandchildren Dr. Jacob (Jake) McCallum, and Aidan McCallum, on his way to becoming another Doctor (Dentist). Also step-grandchildren Steven Davies, Lauren Davies (Darryl Whitehead) and step great-grandchildren Avery and Ellie. Pre-deceased by his parents, and brothers Donald and Douglas.
No service by request. Rolston is finally going to university! He has donated his body to the University of Ottawa Medical School. While he won’t become a doctor, he may get a free funeral! Och! The Scottish blood.
His ashes will be spread in the cool waters of Vesuvius Bay on Salt Spring Island, but you will find his soul near the reef at the Outrigger Canoe Club in Honolulu, below Diamond Head, listening to the Royal Hawaiian Band in Kapiolani Park on Sunday afternoons. A Hui Hou!
Donations to Hospice Care Ottawa, Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, or Salt Spring Island Foundation– Rollie and Elaine McCallum Fund.
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