In Focus | Rose Sexsmith

Meet Rose. She moved to Kelowna 40 years ago this year!

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Lebanon and we immigrated to Canada in 1956. I grew up in Calgary but we moved to Kelowna September 1978. Wow! 40 years this year. I am so grateful.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Someone's time is the greatest gift one can give or receive. I have many favourites. I am blessed with a beautiful, diverse community of family and friends. Spending time with my youngest grandkids is fun right now as they are five and eight!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Well, it depends on if it is food, clothing, or rocks and gems. I have many favourites and there are so many wonderful places to choose from, I couldn't possibly choose one.

Describe yourself in one word.
I am far more complex than one word!

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Machu Pichu. It's on my radar to go to this year!

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love to walk, hike, kayak, moon gaze, star gaze, sing, dance, laugh and play whenever I can. All of these I can do anywhere but they are better in Kelowna.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
After watching a movie downtown, I saw RCMP around my truck. I asked if there was a problem. 'Yes, you left your truck running for over 2 hours'. Keys in it. Unlocked.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I got to move to Canada when I was four years old from Lebanon. I would have to say that was inspiring because my life would have been totally different. Inspiration comes in different forms from many directions. Bud Mooney, who was my employer for 11 years, inspired me by believing in me and encouraging me plus he introduced me to fundraising. I was awarded the Sarah Donalda Treadgold Award one year and was awarded Restauranteur of the Year one year. Also becoming a mom and a grandma!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I came from humble beginnings. Six siblings and I was the eldest at seven when our father passed away. My mom who was and still is our wonder woman; she loved us more than herself and still does! She took care of our every need but there wasn't time for one on ones. We had a neighbour who invited me and only me to a movie on a Saturday afternoon. I will always remember how special she made me feel. I hope that I have passed that feeling on to others whenever possible!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I was helping out at the Perking Lot at the Kelowna General Hospital but I got a virus in the fall that has stopped me from going back yet. It's fun and I get to see so many familiar faces, it doesn't feel like volunteering. I co-started a group here called '100 Women Who Care' a few years ago. I did take a year off and just started back again this January. Over the years there have been many different organizations that I have been involved with. I hope I will always do at least my part to contribute to our beautiful city and community.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would sprinkle kindness on and in everyone.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love Kelowna Mountain!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
It would be nice if we could do something about the homeless. It's beyond sad. I am sure we wouldn't have to reinvent the wheel, as they say. We could probably learn from other cities who have made positive changes. Add Heart Sculptures in as many places as possible. At the airport, Orchard Park mall, Stuart Park, Mission Park, City Park, and other places. We are the heart of the Okanagan Valley and it makes people think of love and compassion.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Besides the obvious, the lake, the four seasons, being able to water ski, snow ski, sail and golf all on the same day. I would say it is the people. We have shown over and over again how we can come together when our community needs us. Kelowna has heart.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Places I want to visit:
1. Galapagos
2. Peru
3. Argentina
I do have an 'Icing on my Cake' list though and these are things that have happened in my life I would have never thought would:
1. Being in the delivery room for my only granddaughters birth. Wow! Thank you to my daughter in law.
2. Sailing in the British Virgin Islands
2. Dancing with Warren Eaton for the very first Swinging With the Stars

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I've just about drowned three times so I don't like to get wet.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook and Instagram. I have Twitter & Linkedin but I have no more social media time so I've never been on them.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Rose's Waterfront Pub and Peace Rose Self Catering B&B.

Why did you get into/start this business?
It was meant to be! I got into the food and beverage business in 1973 with a goal of always getting out of that business. We bought our first pub in 1989 and the rest is history.

What is the goal of your business?
Rose's Waterfront Pub is where we serve food and beverages, and Peace Rose is a self-catering B&B private suite in my home.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Learning to love myself, trust myself and be myself. If I could go back in time, I would appreciate myself and my gifts so much more.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'I am gratefully blessed and highly favoured'

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't take anything personally.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Elon Musk. He fascinates me. Then there is George Clooney, Jimmy Buffett, Warren Buffett, Oprah, Obama, and Paul McCartney. I can't pick just one.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support our people who have worked hard and invested time to bring us their services.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My life. All of it!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Karen Close. She has volunteered her time with seniors and she started an online journal called 'Sage-ing with Grace & Gratitude'.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Karen Close.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you so much for this opportunity to connect. I am gratefully blessed and highly favoured!

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!