Rolf Ehrat

Rolf was born in Lohn, Switzerland on April 11, 1936. He married his life partner, Rosemarie, in 1960, and together they immigrated to Canada where they established their future together. They settled first in Toronto, where Rolf started his career as an electronic design engineer, designing geophysical instruments to detect mineral deposits in the earth. He continued this work until fully retiring at age 70.

In 1972, Rolf, Rosemarie and their two children moved to a property near Kettleby, Ontario, where they built a home and managed a 10-acre lot. They lived in this home for 50 years. In 2022, Rolf and Rosemarie moved to a retirement home in Bronte, Ontario, where they lived until his passing.

Rolf was an innovator, creating solutions to everyday problems that were always meticulously crafted. He loved his forest and his garden, and he was very concerned for the environment and the sustainability of the planet. He cared deeply for those less fortunate. Rolf was an avid traveller, and during his later years, he travelled widely, including to Chile, Tierra del Fuego, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, China, and hiking in the Yukon, Baffin Island and Ellesmere Island. Always keen to connect with the people on his travels, he learned Spanish and Cantonese prior to his travel adventures, often practicing his skills at the dining room table.

Rolf is remembered for his kindness, his helpful nature, his gratitude for others and his devotion to his family.

Rolf leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Rosemarie, and his two children, Andrew (Deb) and Caroline (Paul), and four grandsons, Stephen, Ethan, Noah and Matthew. He was predeceased by his parents, Hans Ehrat and Frieda Ehrat-Ziegler. He is survived by his brother, Hans Ruedi (Roesli) and sister, Beth (Emil).

We wish to extend our special thanks to the staff of Amica, Bronte Harbour, for their excellent care and kindness to Rolf during his last years.

A celebration of Rolf and his incredible life will take place on Saturday January 18, 2025 from 1 pm to 4 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local food bank, Parkinson Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.