Brian McLenan Romer, 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 31, 2025. Born May 11, 1942, Brian lived a full and vibrant life and touched the lives of many people along the way.
Growing up in Kerrisdale, Brian attended Magee High School and, upon graduation, went on to receive his Master's degree in business at the University of Oregon. While returning home on summer vacation one year, he met the love of his life, Jill. And yes, it is true, he proposed to her on their first date!
Brian and Jill got married shortly after completion of school at the U of O and Brian’s career in finance, first with the Mercantile Bank of Canada, took them on an adventure to many different cities, including Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal and New York.
Brian and Jill adopted their daughter, Carly, while in Edmonton. When Brian was transferred back to Vancouver, they decided to stay and consequently adopted their son, Josh. This was also when a magical vacation property on the Sunshine Coast was discovered that would forever be referred to as “the cabin.”
The Romers would spend weekends and the majority of the summers in this rustic log cabin that overlooked the Salish Sea, and this is where Brian rediscovered his love of painting.
Inspired by the Group of Seven, Brian began to paint the local landscapes, which became his passion, and eventually was encouraged to market and sell his art. His art found its way into several art galleries in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and beyond.
Upon retirement nearly 20 years ago, Brian and Jill built their dream home on the same property that the cabin was built on, and made Sechelt their permanent home.
Carly and Josh were quick to follow their parents in permanently relocating to the Coast. And after them came the aunts, uncles and cousins. How blessed to be able to live out his life surrounded by stunning natural beauty and family…and of course…his English Setters.
As a self-proclaimed renaissance man, Brian kept a collection of his favourite quotes. These are two of his favourites:
“Damn…and just when I was starting to get it”
– Edgar Degas (on his deathbed)
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us" - Emerson
Brian is survived by his wife Jill, daughter Carly and son Josh (Tara), sisters-in-law Judy and Jane, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
