10/12/2026
The days since learning of Brian Bartow’s passing have been difficult and surreal, still not fully processing the loss of an extraordinary human being, caring, humble, and immensely talented and a much-loved member of our Squamish Days community. His presence reached far beyond our community, touching countless lives and leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
It’s impossible to find words that adequately capture the loss we are feeling, as nothing we say seems worthy enough for someone who means so much to us.
We didn’t just lose a competitor and a friend; we lost a family member and someone who truly understood the importance of enjoying the things in life that surrounded him and his family. Brian saw beauty in being together with those he loved, supporting others who shared his passions, and finding joy in the simplest of things. Things we so often take for granted by not slowing down enough to appreciate what is right in front of us.
Witnessing Brian’s love for Chelsea, Avery and Gavin, whether on the squash or tennis court, at the birling pond, setting up track and field obstacles on the infield of the grounds, strumming his ukulele under the bright sun, or keeping us captivated by his voice and words around the campfire, is something we will always be grateful for. He was always there with a smile on his face, a calm demeanour, and his family by his side.
Anyone lucky enough to know Brian understands the feeling of being at ease around him, that sense of safety and a temporary pause in time when everything feels as it should. Even those who knew Brian only peripherally, or not at all, still witnessed or heard of his energy and kind-hearted nature.
Brian leaves behind an entire community of friends and family across multiple countries, a community that will continue to be there for his family, just as he has been there for us.
We are grateful to everyone who has reached out to share their stories of Brian and offer support to his family. These acts of kindness are only a fraction of the love and connection Brian cultivated throughout his life. The outpouring of stories and memories shared already speaks to the countless lives Brian touched and the many ways he made a difference.
In some way, we are still getting to know Brian through the memories others have shared, learning more about the moments, connections and experiences that made him who he was. As we continue to share our own stories and listen to those of others, his presence will remain with us.
If you have photos of Brian that you’d be willing to share, we would love to see them. Whether it’s a favourite memory, a moment captured at the grounds, or just Brian being Brian, every photo tells a little piece of his story. We’d love to bring those moments together in a collage that celebrates the person Brian was and the many memories we’re so fortunate to have shared with him. Please share them in the comments below. ❤️
The song playing in this post, written and sung by Brian, brings back one of our fondest memories of him. Listening to him sing it for the first time during an evening spent with friends and family, many of whom were there alongside us as part of our extended Squamish Days family. It was that evening, with Chelsea by his side that we knew Brian would soon make the Squamish community his home and start the amazing family that we all hold in our hearts. It is a memory we will always hold close, and a reminder of the moments, music and friendships that will forever connect us to Brian.
Photos and videos thanks to: , The Squamish Chief, , , , and Larry LeBlanc.
