Rolf Mewe: A Career Devoted to X-Ray Spectroscopy Jelle Kaastra SRON Sorbonnelaan 2 Utrecht, 3584 CA The Netherlands In this contribution I will present an overview of the life and work of Rolf Mewe (1935-2004) as an X-ray spectroscopist. He was one of the pioneers in the field of X-ray spectroscopy. His work illustrates nicely how this field developed from the early days up to the present high-resolution era. His plasma emission codes, developed by him and collaborators over several decades, is one of the most widely used. His thorough knowledge of the field, as well as his ability and enthousiasm to cooperate with many colleagues, made his carrer a succes. He will be missed by all of us for his work and personality.