W. Galen Weston
1940-2021
The Royal Ontario Museum is deeply saddened by the death of Galen Weston, our dear friend, a visionary leader renowned for his professional acumen and his expansive philanthropy, and a treasured Canadian. For more than five decades, the venerable Weston family forged a deep relationship with the ROM—as engaged volunteers and generous donors supporting the growth and development of the Museum.
The Westons’ passionate commitment began with Galen’s parents, Garfield and Reta Lila, and his father was the first to donate to the ROM. Generations of the Weston family have volunteered and helped the ROM reach ambitious goals—for collections, education, and galleries—and named spaces throughout the Museum reflect their extensive interests and contributions: The Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall, the Reta Lila Weston Room, the Weston Family Wing and the Hilary and Galen Weston Wing.
When presenting the Weston gift to Renaissance ROM—a transformational cultural project chaired by his wife, The Hon. Hilary M. Weston, C.M., O.Ont.—in 2004, Galen Weston recognized that the ROM is “doing great things for the city, community and country.”
Galen’s friendship and support will be deeply missed by all of us at the ROM, and we will always cherish that lasting connection carved in stone at the iconic Weston Entrance on Queen’s Park.
It is said that those who live in the hearts and minds of those they leave behind never die. Galen Weston’s extraordinary legacy here, across Canada, and around the world will be felt for generations to come. He will live on forever.
The ROM salutes and mourns our remarkable friend, Galen Weston.