This picture of Gerry is from an obituary placed in Vancouver newspapers on Oct 8, 2022. The obit was shortened for publication. Here is the full version …
Norman Gerald (Gerry) Rolfsen died peacefully on Aug. 15, 2022 at his home in Lunenburg, NS. He was 83.
If you ever visited the Vancouver home that Gerry shared with his first wife Janet and their sons Torben and Erik, you probably noticed an Italian racing bike mounted on the wall. Gerry once said he wouldn’t want to live if he couldn’t ride his bike anymore, and recently that day came.
He was born on a farm in Rimbey, AB and raised in Nanaimo by Norman and Elsie Rolfsen. He studied architecture at UBC and became the first Canadian to earn a doctorate degree in architecture, from the University of Michigan.
He and long-time business partner Dr. Kaien Shimizu left academia in Ann Arbor in 1974 and returned to Vancouver where they formed The APRA Group Inc., an architectural consulting firm specializing in research and planning. Favourite projects among many others included research for Phase 1 of Whistler Village and master plan for what is now Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
Gerry was keenly interested and involved in provincial politics in Point Grey and was a board member of MOSAIC, a non-profit that helps settle immigrants and refugees in Metro Vancouver. A fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, he served as president of the Architectural Institute of BC and later as chair of the Committee of Canadian Architectural Councils. Architecture was the only profession recognized in the 1988 Canada-U.S. free trade agreement, and Gerry signed the reciprocity agreement between the countries’ regulatory bodies.
He and second wife, Judith Carey, retired in 2000 to the town of Lunenburg where Gerry served for more than a decade on a local steering committee that guided redevelopment of the Lunenburg waterfront. In retirement, Gerry eschewed CAD and used his ancient drafting machine to produce the architectural drawings for his many projects.
Gerry loved art, jazz and blues. He and Judith hosted musicians for Lunenburg’s annual Folk Harbour Festival. After helping one of those guests build a didgeridoo, Gerry began to build them as personalized gifts for friends and family, using fallen trees he found while out cycling.
He was an avid world traveller and outdoor adventurer. He sailed three times from Hawaii to Vancouver (but probably wished he had stopped at two). One adventure he didn’t regret was Odyssey 2000, an around-the-world bike tour covering more than 40 countries and 30,000 kilometres in the year he retired. And the lasting friendships that ensued.
Following his last bike ride on Nova Scotia’s South Shore in June, Gerry experienced the rapid onset of a rare disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy – JC virus. His experience left doctors with questions. Gerry donated his body for them to find answers. He asked for no service.
His family—Judith, Torben, Erik (Lora), Jameson (Katja), and granddaughters Sophie, Isla and Aria—will miss him dearly, as will his extended family, friends, colleagues, cycling buddies, and cherished Danish travelling companions.
Remembering Dad with a ride on his vintage Colnago bike one year later.
toasting Gerry – Aug 15, 2023
raising a toast to Gerry
wearing shirts from Lunenburg Red Ribbon Team Reunion 2003
Judith
Know this is a difficult day for you and our thoughts are with you. Gilles and I took a ride today in memory of Gerry, and of course stopped at Gerry’s Bench.
Needless to say we miss him … the rides are not the same without our good friend. One day, thinking of Gerry will bring a smile to our lips before a tear to our eye.
May Gerry’s memory be a blessing.
Ian, Marg, Gilles
Thinking of you and Gerry on this date. We all find comfort and solace in different ways so it is impossible to predict what words another person might find to be of comfort. Perhaps this quote will resonate for you as it did for me, from the Bard
‘Do not let your grief be measured by his worth, for then your sorrow has no end’
Love
Pam
Diana and Kelly Kincannon – Enjoying Gerry’s Bench, August 2023
“For there is always light, If only we’re brave to see it, If only we are brave to be it”.
Amanda Gorman
Thank you both.
I just read through your site and did more research. As most, I’m pretty sure, this is the first I hear of the JC Virus. Our bodies are such mysterious entities and we walk around harbouring such an incredible array of potential afflictions. Gerry was traditionally so active and, I’m assuming, continued to be quite fit, so, one expected him to beat the odds much longer so it had to have been a jolt, or a trauma – an accident on the bike – that sparked the otherwise slumbering virus! His body would otherwise have continued to suppress it.
I’m so, so sorry, Judith. They say love and a life well lived are the ultimate goals to reach before our sojourn back. He seemed to have done both. And you, dear beautiful and wise Judith, evidently were a major part of this accomplishment.
I know why I missed his passing and your intense grief. Last year I moved mountains to create a larger home on the water for my parents and all the moving of chess pieces to get here required my ongoing focus. I was preparing two houses for listing and sold both, packed and moved them and myself. I care for them full time now and we are only just settling into a type of routine of ongoing doctors and hospital visits. They now wonder why they wanted to live long lives: 88 and 91. It’s difficult to watch their struggles.
Gerry – if I recall correctly, and you can correct me if I’m wrong – was a very proud and extremely capable alpha male who could do anything and everything – all well thought-through and perfectly executed. A divine human being as such doesn’t fit into an image of an elderly man deteriorating into a routine of diapers, ambulances and end of life false alarms. Not in my mind. I can’t see that.
My Dad can be pretty miserable and irate with any gesture of care and yet he is now helpless. It’s difficult to watch and only confirms my own desire to have a good full life but to exit before that final plateau.
Your Scandinavian Superman still did it as perfectly as possible with this end of life scenario, it seems.
But that doesn’t lessen your grief and loss. And that is what I am sorry for and am sending you warmest, and warmest, and ever more warmest, of love.
And total and full admiration.
I don’t think his presence could ever wane.
Would love to see you when I have an opportunity to come back to where my heart is still residing.
Leisje is the realtor and now dear friend who brokered our house purchase in Lunenburg 1999. Thank you for taking the time to write. Please come and visit me when you are able. I hope you are also able to take care of yourself during this phase of life. Sincerely, JC
I am writing on behalf of my sister, Bonnie Conrad, who is no longer able to express her thoughts. Bonnie and Gerry were friends who participated regularly in the adult skate at the Lunenburg Arena. Gerry would put his arm through hers and skate with her… what a thrill for her to have the ” big hunk” by her side. Bonnie was a gold and silver medal winner in the 1997 Winter Special Olympic Games.
During one of their skates at the Arena Bonnie ended her skating when she had a nasty fall on the ice. Gerry was quickly at her side to comfort her. He was such a sweet man. I just wanted to let the world know that Gerry had friends from all stations in life. We loved you Gerry.
Thank you, dear Barbara, for writing. Gerry and Bonnie had a wonderful relationship. Her spontaneous hugs & kisses were always treasured by both of us. As the older sister, your own generosity and kindness must have been the example she followed. Hugs from Judith
My father, Steve Zibin, met Gerry while they were both studying architecture at UBC. They maintained a friendship until my Dad’s death and he and Judith continued to be friends with my mom. Gerry and Judith kindly hosted us in 2008 in their Lunenburg house while my mom and my family of five were on a 3 ½ month cross-country trip. We will never forget their generosity and hospitality! I am sorry for the loss of Gerry. This website gave me new insights into the gifts and talents of this long-time family friend.
My mother, Marg, is alive but not able to write. If she were, she would express her appreciation for Gerry and Judith’s friendship and great sorrow over his loss. Thank you for taking the time to create this memorial to Gerry!
Thank you dear Tonya for writing. Gerry deeply felt the passing of his long-time friend Steve and continued contact with Marg whenever we were in Vancouver.
Judith
Dear Judith and Family,
I joined APRA in 1983-1984 after Douglas Shadbolt, Dean of the UBC School of Architecture, recommended me to the firm. I had completed a 4-year Science degree, and a 3-year B.Arch. degree in succession, so I was anxious to work and pay off my student debt. Gerry and Kaien Shimizu gave me my first chance in the “real world,” as Canada was coming out of a long, global recession. The opportunity that they gave me, really meant everything to me.
I was intrigued by Gerry, not only by his physical stature, but his high intelligence, quick wit, calm demeanour and meticulous problem solving ability. Gerry was the ultimate educator and practitioner, and as such he could always see both sides of the equation. There are not many in our profession that can successfully do both, especially to that high degree, and we must recall that PhDs in Architecture were quite rare at the time.
I will always remember his classic repose in the office, with Gerry slouched in his office chair after a hectic day, razor thin reading glasses perched on the top of his head. I often wondered if his chair was too small for him, but alas ergonomic assessments were not in vogue at that time!
Gerry and I would play squash at the Bentall Centre at mid-day, usually before the lunch rush hour, and I was often impressed with Gerry’s quickness and athleticism. He was very competitive, never giving up, especially on difficult shots. That was in Gerry’s DNA, to always make the extra effort, and that is one of the many attributes that made him so special.
He was extremely thoughtful as well. To this day, I still have my prized bottle of imported Port, a Christmas present from APRA. I am not sure it is still viable after 40 years but will open it one day to salute my days at APRA.
After my stint at APRA, I sought out Gerry’s (and Kaien’s) valued opinion on whether I should go work as architect in Singapore. He highly encouraged this move, explaining that any opportunity to travel to new destinations or experience new things would be a great growth opportunity and benefit my personal and professional life. Indeed his prodding resulted in the most wonderful experience for me, with many life-long friendships made and large projects built.
As I recently retired, I have had a chance to reflect upon all those who have helped me build my career and my life, and definitely Gerry would be right up there. Thank you so much Gerry. What an incredible mentor and friend. You will be missed by anyone who had the privilege to meet you.
I take comfort that you were able to read my note to him. As you say, we will cherish all the wonderful memories of Gerry, and have comfort in knowing that we shall meet again, one fine glorious day.
Love and respect – Robert Jim
Thank you Robert for both of your heartfelt messages. And also for the generous contribution to Gerry’s bench. Perhaps you will come visit & sit upon it one fine day. Best wishes to you – Judith
As a fellow Architect and also a past President of the AIBC, I had the highest regard for Gerry and always shared good times with he and Judith. My wife and I had always planned to get to visit them in their new home but never did. Obviously he and Judith got settled and were well respected in their new home. The AIBC and the RAIC owe a deep gratitude for Gerry’s contribution to our profession. My wife and I wish Judith all the best in life as she carries on.
Thank you Brian and Gillian. Perhaps one day, we will get together again.
JC
I am heartbroken to hear of Gerry’s passing due to the JC virus. I had learned about the virus and its nastiness from personal experience and was shocked to find out that my good friend, Gerry, had it activated and that it took his life.
My late wife Marilyn met Gerry and his family in 1969 at the University of Michigan Northwood IV Married student housing. We lived a few doors down and became great friends. Gerry was working on his PhD in Architecture and I in Environmental Engineering. My wife and Gerry and his wife were all artists and they shared art skills like macrame, pottery, weaving and drawing. Gerry got us into recreational cycling and we watched him in competition races. Gerry and I became competitive handball players as we were about equivalent in ability, competitive spirit, and physical size. He was a few inches taller than my 6’5” and had a greater wingspan. Always friendly competition.
We shared many personal experiences beyond U of M. One was a magical week trip to NYC where we wined and dined and saw Broadway shows Hair – Jesus Christ Superstar and the interactive program Liquid Theatre at the Guggenheim Museum.
And we traveled to Vancouver and Nanaimo with them as well.
We stayed in touch over the years but never got together after U of M. My biggest regret.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Gerry and I am sure that all who knew him share my sorrow.
My heartfelt condolences to Judith and Gerry’s family (Torben and Erik, whom I knew as youngsters and followed through correspondence with Gerry).
Love and Peace
Paul
Thank you for keeping in touch, Paul. Very glad “you” did not have that virus. Best wishes for your continued good health. Judith
I am very sorry to hear of Gerry passing. I was on the NCARB board of directors when Gerry was assisting with the exam and trade agreement between the USA and Canada. His help and leadership was critical to the success of our joint efforts. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Thank you, Homer. I appreciate you writing.
Dearest Judith:
We are saddened to learn of your family’s loss. I met Gerry on my first NCARB exam writing committee. And later we worked on the 1988 Canada US free trade agreement for NCARB. A friendship grew. Rennie and I will remember with fondness our visits to you and Gerry in Vancouver and Lunenburg and your visits to us in Rochester, NY and Canandaigua and Florida. What a lovely guy we have all lost.
Ann and Rennie Chaintreuil
Thank you for your kind words, Ann and Rennie
A fitting tribute to an extraordinary man. Gerry was a brother-in-law, but more like a big brother to me and will be missed so much by Sue and myself. Lunenburg is a lucky town to have had Gerry contribute in so many ways.
I owned a building in Lunenburg which required a major rehabilitation. I had a list of architects who might be helpful. Gerry was the first person I called and after meeting him I didn’t contact anyone else. He helped me through that project and we quickly became friends.He liked that lunenburg building so much that he and Judith moved in to one of the apartments! Later, he designed the home I now live in. I have many wonderful memories of cycling with Gerry and of hanging with he and Judith . Lots of music, stories and scotch.
Goodbye Gerry… I will miss you.
Thank you, Eric. Come and choose a cycling jersey as a keepsake.
A wonderful tribute!
thanks for sharing this. Gerry was my moms cousin, and recently .when our daughter lived in N.S. we spent some wonderful times with Gerry and Judith. Hope to keep in touch with Judith and I regret not getting to know Torben and Erik as adults. Sincere love and condolences.
Thank you dear Leanne and Ron.
Thanks Norman and love to your Mom.
I met Gerry through my parents, and our common affiliation with sailing. Gerry sailed with my dad on two return trips from Hawaii, the second trip with myself. On his earlier trip he was watch mate with my mom and he showed remarkable patience with her complete inability to sail a straight course. Gerry was a great friend and sailing companion. He remained friends and kept in touch with my folks, especially after my dad’s passing. He will be greatly missed.
I first met Gerry in 1975 while a student in the UBC School of Architecture. He brought a perspective of understanding how space was used and how it could be transformed into a built form. He was a great prof.
In regard to the house on 12th I remember with a couple of other students helping Gerry and his father pour the concrete foundations and basement slab during their renovations.
After graduating I was hired to work at APRA, lots of good memories of projects in Regina, Edmonton and Kamloops.
The last day spent with Gerry going to a Mariners game – the drive both ways was consumed with stories [mostly hilarious] about the Odessey bike tour. Though we had not connected much in the years prior to his bike ride, the ease of conversation driving down, during the game and back was if we had connected every week.
He had the gift of making those around him comfortable.
He helped me become a better architect. I wish I had gone back to see him in N.S.
I will so miss him.
scottgordon
Thanks for writing, Scott.
I am sorry for your loss.
In the early days of your courtship I remember his love for you and am sure it never waned.
He was a very special man and remember him fondly.
He was a good friend and not replaceable. I wish I had known of his illness earlier so I could have visited.
Thanks, Scott
We were so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing and send our condolences to Judith and the family.
Our memories go back to Vancouver and spending time hiking in the mountains. I always felt so small compared to Gerry when standing side by side.
Of course there were the times spent up at Corbett Lake XC skiing in the Kane Valley and enjoying the hospitality of Peter McVey over the Christmas holidays. Despite living on the other side of the country you and Judith always kept us up to date with your lives and especially when you were cycling the Odessey bicycle tour.
Will miss you.
Thank you, Doug and Sandra.