The Maritime music industry is mourning the loss of Pictou County's Carlton Munroe, who died of the same brain cancer that took his idol, Gord Downie.

Munroe never played in front of people, but he had an ear for talent and a drive to promote the careers of others.

He got his start at East Coast FM in New Glasgow. Ann MacGregor, who worked alongside Munroe, says he had a passion for the news as a journalist, and an even greater passion for music.

“He put a spotlight on Pictou County, and was a big part of why Music Nova Scotia came here 12 years ago with their awards show," says MacGregor.

Music filled his life and part of his home. He was a tireless promotor.

“(Munroe) started the East Coast Road Trip, and it was nominated for ECMAs and Nova Scotia awards," MacGregor says.

When he left radio for the Glasgow Square Theatre, his encyclopedic knowledge of music delighted his coworkers. His enthusiasm was infectious.

“He made us laugh. He worked hard. He loved his job, and it showed,” says community development director Geralyn MacDonald. “We worked well together, and we'll miss him. We'll miss him a lot."

He even appreciated the irony when he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, the same kind of brain cancer as Gord Downie, who was an idol he'd interviewed as a university student.

But Munroe did more than just work.

“He was very much a family man. He talked about his family a lot. A big smile came on his face when he talked about his children," says MacDonald.

The community launched fundraising events for Munroe and his young family when he became ill.

“He was a just amazing person to work with,” says Jannine Linthorne, program and events co-ordinator of the Glasgow Square Theatre.“He was an amazing friend. He loved music, arts, and culture, and he loved to share that knowledge with anyone."

Right up until the end, Munroe talked about music.

"He was always excited when he heard a new song to share with somebody, or when he found a new artist,” says Linthorne. “He was always excited to share the information or talent that he found."

Munroe leaves behind a young family: his wife, two sons and a daughter. He was 48.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ron Shaw.