Hans has left us to explore the alpine meadows in heaven, correcting the misnamed plants and finding unknown species. Having spent his early years growing up in the shadows of the Alps, he was passionate about plants and mountains all his life.
In 1965, Hans’ life path was shaped by a mountaineering expedition to Afghanistan. In 1967 a call from Marc Bell in Canada offering work as a research assistant at the new University of Victoria changed his path again. He signed up for one year, but he never left Victoria.
Hans’ kind, generous, and adventurous spirit will be remembered by future generations of professionals, friends, and family who have benefited from his knowledge and mentorship over the years. In his life he published a native plant guide and was honoured to have a native grass named after him (Festuca roemeri). Hans leaves behind a legacy of research, stewardship, and leadership in protecting rare ecosystems… as well a special alpine rock garden.
He will be missed by his family: his wife Heidi, son Markus (Emily van Lidth de Jeude), daughter Julia (Keith Davies) and grandchildren Taliesin, Rhiannon and Evan, as well as his siblings in Germany and the family labradoodle Mädi.
The family wishes to thank Hans’ doctors and the compassionate and dedicated team of palliative and hospice care givers. Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to the Marc Bell Scholarship in Environmental Studies at UVic. https://extrweb.uvic.ca/donate/marc-bell
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd, Victoria, BC on May 10th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Roemer” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Briony Penn
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Evelyn Hamilton My sincere condolences to the family. I have many fond memories of time spent in Hans’s company. Most recently, I had a chance to spend time with him as he shared some of his vast knowledge of native plants with Botany BC participants in Nanaimo a few years ago. His gentle ways, passion for the natural world and extensive knowledge were appreciated by all. Hans will be greatly missed.
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Sherry Ridout Heidi and family,
Was saddened to learn of Han’s passing. Hopefully it was peaceful and pain free. A gentle, quiet man who modeled all the best human qualities. Heidi, I think of you often whenever I see your clay garden gnome in the garden and dust the singing girl sculture on our piano. You will miss your life partner and know you and your family are held in my heart … Take care.
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Heidi Bell Dear Heidi, Julia, and Markus. We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Hans. We have many fond childhood memories of our family gatherings in our respective backyards. Hans was such a kind and cheerful man. He and our father were such kindred spirits in the their love of nature and passion for environmental education.
Our deepest sympathies to you all.
From Heidi, Christine(Kitty), Marcus
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Martha Burd I did not know Hans, but in January a friend showed me “NATIVE PLANTS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA’S COASTAL DRY BELT”. I immediately bought copies for myself and my family. It is definitely the BEST nature book I have ever seen. I would have loved to meet Hans and tell him how much the book means to me. I take it on my local walks and now I understand the array of plants. Thank you Hans and the co-author Mary Sanserverino.
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carmen varcoe Heidi
So very sorry to see Hans obit in the paper today. He was such a gentle kind soul . He was a very valuable member of VIRAGS. He passed on so much of his love of alpines to me and I shall always remember the field trips that he led and how they were so much richer because of him.
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Paul Spriggs Heidi and Family.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Hans will not soon be forgotten. Those of us who were close to him will forever hold his memories dear. For those outside of his inner circle, his legendary status in the world of botany, horticulture, and love of wild places and their plants will live on through his many contributions to the greater community which we can certainly say he gave immensely and selflessly to. Rest in peace now Hans. You will be missed, but your presence will travel with us as long as we roam this wild earth.
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Sandra Hough Emily, Markus, Heidi and Julia my deepest condolences for your loss. Although we know our loved one’s departure is known it’s still a shock to our system and to our hearts. Hans was a kind and gentle soul I can see that in his beautiful children so he will live on through them and their gentle ways. May he rest in peace.
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Gail Mitchell Dear Heidi, Markus, Julia and your family,
Stephen and I send our condolences to you. We have known you for a long time. Andrew and Jenny remember Hans fondly too. We are all sad to hear that Hans is no longer here, but we are all the better for having known him. He was the ultimate gentleman, always greeting us with his warm smile.
We will cherish our memories of him.
Gail Mitchell
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ken wong Dear Heidi and family,
My heart aches for you in your loss. I may not recall the scientific names of most of the species we encountered during our botanizing adventures and mushroom forays over the last twenty years, but the bunchgrass Festuca roemeri in the Sooke Hills is etched deeply in my mind.
Hans, thank you for your companionship. You are sorely, deeply missed. Memories… just memories… now fill the void.
With love,
Ken Wong
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joyce lee dearest Heidi and family.
I am so sad, missing Hans.
Hans was such a special sweet guy. I had the privilege of knowing him over the years from the very first time, 1973?
Then, he and Bristol stepped into our Kamloops home. they had driven your old Volkswagen van through the interior to help promote the ecological reserve program.He did grow with the ER program, and, the ER grew to protect special BC Garry Oak ecosystem types due to Hans meticulous and persistent efforts.
Over the years, advocating in this program,he became the willing teacher that most know.
I had no idea we would finally move to Victoria and meet you.
you so kindly invited us, newcomers, greeted us into your new home next to Thetis nature Sanctuary now a crd park.
Hans was an early supporter, 1992 of our new movement, the GarryOak Meadow Preservation Society.
And Hans would be, that meticulous member of Wayne Erickson Master thesis committee.
A passionate nature lover Hans gave us the background, PhD, which helped to bring public awareness, journalists,media, government awareness and slowly scientific interest to our Garry Oak Meadows.
I remember how proud he was of his hardwork, rescuing all the sods of shooting stars in the van. Now rehomed in your yard from the Saanich Broadmead development.
I have met people recently who have met Hans at some meeting in Victoria. They spoke of him, in awe,having met Hans Roemer.
he was a very good teacher to so many people and having the passion. His passion has inspired so many more to love plants and later, thanks to the Ceskas, fungi and little Sannich Mountain.
Retirement?
he became that consumate plant hunter.
I heard the stories. Hans and company chasing, climbing, hiking difficult places seeking Vancouver Island rare plants and grass meadows.
Hans has gifted our province with a deeper understanding of BC ecosystems. Ecoreserves that represent more fully our special grasslands.
My deepest condolences with love Joyce Lee
and Wayne Erickson and Arlo Erickson
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Heather Maclennan What a great photo of a lovely human. I have known him since I moved to Victoria at the age of 9 years old. I made quick friends with his daughter Julia who remains a cherished friend to this day. I often think of the smile on his face when talking to him, like he was amused by me (highly possible).
You will be greatly missed Hans.
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Lisa Jones We are so sorry for your Loss. He was such a gentle sweet man always with a smile on his face. I know he will be missed by many especially his loving wife Heidi. We are sending out hugs and prayers to you all in this difficult time as you and your loved ones continue your healing journey together. Love from the Joneses
Mark Lisa and Gracie Lu, and Willow too! xoxo
Dear Heidi and family
Joyce Lee wrote so beautifully about Hans and how he supported all of us amateur botanists and activists with his time and patience to get the Garry Oak Meadow preservation society going. He was always so kind and patient as tried to learn our grasses. He has left so much of his love for this province in the hearts of others. The day he died I was walking with Tara on Christmas Hill where I first met him. I’m sure he was there that day pointing out his fescue. Much love Briony