BELFAST — Brian George Ross, 75, of Belfast, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 23, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends. 

Brian was born on September 23, 1949 in Melrose, Massachusetts, to parents George and Barbara Ross. Brian attended Austin Preparatory School in Reading, where he was known as a talented student athlete. He studied at Northeastern University for a year before enlisting in the Navy where he served 3 years as a Corpsman. Brian pursued his beliefs and was Honorably Discharged as a conscientious objector. 

Brian and his wife Peg moved to Belfast in 1979, joining Dr. Bob Keller at the Waldo County General Hospital, where he worked as an orthopedic technician for the next 18 years. They raised Kristi, Heather and Leah in Belfast, and were deeply active in the community. He was on the school board, supported the Belfast Co-Op, played YMCA volleyball on Sundays with The Fiddleheads, coached soccer goalies, and was even part of a barbershop quartet. Brian discovered a passion for theater, joining the Belfast Maskers with whom he worked, both acting and building sets, through the rest of his life. 

In 2000, Brian married Dyan and they resided in Ashford, Kent in England, with her three sons and dear friend Jaime. Brian worked as a fine finish carpenter, and loved the opportunity to work on older buildings and projects. He generously shared his talent for making the very fluffiest pancakes, a tradition our friend Jaime has continued. He was especially proud of founding the Ashcan Theater Company, a collaborative group of dear friends and thespians. 

Brian and Dyan moved to Belfast in 2012 where they renovated a home on Wight Street, reconnected with old friends, and made many new ones. Brian had a busy social schedule, playing in weekly pool games, acting with the Maskers, cheering for his favorite football (soccer!) club, and later learning to play cribbage with his many visitors. He was a lifelong learner, a bibliophile who loved to use words that his daughters had to look up in the dictionary. 

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Dyan; his sister, Diane Martin and husband Ken; his brother, George Ross and wife Molly; his children Kristi, Heather and Leah, along with Glenn, Ben, and Jack. His grandchildren will remember the chats over tea, the lessons on lawn mowing, and gingerbread treats. 

A special thank you to Dr. Jim Delehanty, Belfast Fire Rescue, Gentiva Hospice, and WCGH Oncology for their loving care of Brian and his family.

We will miss you, Bri. 

Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com.