Gerald Rolfe, a dedicated public servant who was a selectman and treasurer in Pownal for 26 years, died Monday after a brief illness.

He was 84.

Mr. Rolfe operated a 39-acre sheep farm at his home in Pownal for 43 years. He was remembered Tuesday for his love of Pownal and his fierce commitment to land preservation.

“He (dedicated) a lot of time to the town,” said his daughter, Katherine Rolfe of Yarmouth. “It was a strong passion for him. … He had this vision of being a gentleman farmer. Keeping the rural character of Pownal was near and dear to his heart.”

Mr. Rolfe served on the Board of Selectmen from 1974 to 1993 and as town treasurer from 1995 to 2002. The Legislature in 2003 approved a “legislative sentiment” in his honor for his years of service.

“He was a man who was dedicated to his community,” said Donna Boyles, president of the Pownal Historical Society. “He was willing to take on civic duties for 26 years to see our community prosper when others were not.”

He and his wife, Joan Rolfe, were married for 53 years. The couple moved to Pownal in 1972, where they raised four children.

In the 1970s and 1980s, he owned and operated the Dudley-Weed Pharmacies in Portland. At home, he raised sheep on their farm and maintained several acres of vegetables.

His daughter-in-law, Tiffany Townsend of Yarmouth, said he liked the challenge of raising the sheep and the rewards it brought.

Mr. Rolfe was remembered by his family this week as a quiet, strong and stoic man who had a great sense of humor and valued time with family.

His daughter laughed, recalling the nights he would let the children stay up late when their mother was not home. She said her father would give them sips of Coke. When he saw the headlights of his wife’s car, he would rush them to bed and quickly tuck them in, she said.

Other nights, this softie would read and recite poetry to his children. Poems by A.A. Milne were among his favorites.

“He was a good dad,” Katherine Rolfe said.

Throughout his life, Mr. Rolfe pursued his passions for poetry, history and trains. His daughter spoke briefly about her parents’ life together, noting they were very dedicated to each other and supported the passions each had.

At Mr. Rolfe’s request, there will be no services. His family is holding a private graveside service to honor him. At the service, his daughter said she will read the poem “The King’s Breakfast” by Milne.

 

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