Herbert Clar Rolfe

Herbert “Herb” Rolfe was born July 9th, 1945, in Cottage Grove, Oregon by a midwife to William and Leona Rolfe. Herb spent his childhood in Cave Junction, Oregon. He is one of 8 kids. He grew up with his brothers, Ted, Alvin, Larry, Bill, John and sisters Sheri and Judy. He is survived by his sister Judy.

In his early years, he spent time logging in the woods in Southern Oregon. Later he met his wife, Judy, while working at the Umatilla Army Depot. They spent time in California and Florida picking fruit. After that, they moved to Echo and raised their children William “Bill” and Tammy. While living in Echo, Herb worked at a wrecking yard and then for himself doing mechanic work, and wood cutting.

He carried his love for working on anything with a motor to Yakima, Washington where he lived for 40 years. Here he spent all his time working with his hands. Whether that be mechanic work, painting, playing guitar or building things around the house. He enjoyed anything to do with music, whether that be listening to it or patiently trying to teach his granddaughter to play the guitar. He also enjoyed painting in his free time. He often painted things for his wife and family. Whenever you visited, you could almost always find a “home improvement project” he was working on. Herb was always working on something. Rain, snow or blazing heat, he could be found working in his shop on a car or project. When he wasn’t in the shop, he could be found fishing next to the Yakima River or in his chair in the kitchen tinkering with something. He also enjoyed collecting all sorts of things. He collected knives, guitars, cars, guns, tools and anything else he could find. He had a passion for cars and especially his prized possession, his 1957 Studebaker that he spent years working on.

More than anything, Herb enjoyed being a grandfather. He had 3 grandchildren, oldest Devin, Ashlynn and youngest Nathaniel. Every summer growing up, Devin and Ashlynn spent weeks out at grandma’s and grandpa’s house. They spent their time riding four wheelers until they broke down or ran out of gas. Then, they would wait for grandpa to fix them and then go out and ride again until they broke down again. Although grandma didn’t enjoy the tire marks left in her grass. They enjoyed going on adventures to the junkyard or parts store because they knew it would end in a candy bar and soda. Spending countless hours sitting in grandpa’s shop being shown a new project he was working on. Grandpa always had a new toy for his grandkids to play with. Grandpa could always be found at events for the grandkids. Even when it was hard for him as he got older, you could find him at birthdays, graduations, ball games or anything else he was invited to. His grandkids will always remember their grandpa as a strong hardworking man who did anything he could for his grandkids. His granddaughter’s favorite memory of her grandpa is when they were staying at their house one summer. Grandpa had just finished painting the entryway of the house a bright blue color. Grandpa had said to stay off of it until it was dry. Ashlynn forgot it was wet and walked over it, tracking bright blue paint all over the house. Instead of getting upset grandpa grabbed the blue paint and helped Ashlynn repaint what had been messed up. That pretty much sums up the kind of grandpa Herb was. He was eager to teach his grandkids anything he knew. He was patient, kind and loving. His grandkids Devin, Ashlynn and Nate are deeply saddened by the passing of their grandpa and will miss his bright smile. We love you grandpa.

Herb was a father to four children. Teresa and Ken Vetter, Bill Rolfe (Elizabeth), Tammy Greer (Brian). Bill enjoyed hunting with his dad in the mountains for deer, elk and antelope. Tammy enjoyed many adventures with her Dad, whether that be, fishing, walking on the beach or car shows, as long as they were together. One fond memory that Tammy has with her dad was when she was little and went on a woodcutting trip where it was just her and her Dad. She fondly remembers he stayed up late coloring with her while camping. The next morning, she was her Dad’s wood cutting helper. He was a loving father and will be deeply missed.

As well as being a loving Grandpa he was also a loving Husband to Judy Rolfe. Together they had 2 children who they loved dearly. They enjoyed doing everything together, traveling, gardening, wood cutting or anything that involved them being together. They were married for 60 amazing years. Together they shared a passion for animals. They had many animals over the years whom they loved dearly. Herb and Judy shared a deep love for each other. Through every good and hard time, they were by each other’s side for all of it. They truly were partners in life.

Herb left us to be with Jesus on August 13th at the age of 81 years old. He went peacefully in his sleep. The family is finding comfort on knowing he is surrounded by family and friends and no longer in pain. Herb’s ashes will be spread in the mountains per his wishes. He wanted to be in a hunting spot that he loved. There will not be a public service but instead the family will honor his memory privately. Herb was a lot of things, a son, brother, father, husband, grandfather and friend. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. He will be remembered in every nice car that drives by, in every fishing or woodcutting adventure, and in oldies music we listen to on the radio. Although his loss is devastating his memory will live on forever. We love you Grandpa, thank you for all the memories. What a privilege it is to be called your granddaughter.

-Ashlynn and the Family