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On July 24, 2008, surrounded by his family, Douglas Barry Vestby passed away at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital from complications of a heart attack. Left to mourn his tragic loss are his teenage sons Kyle and Brett and the boys’ mother Chris of Nanaimo; Doug’s father Vern (Marlene Wood), sisters Debbie Horn (Bill) and Pam Zalusky (Ed), all of Brandon, Manitoba; and his brother Blaine (Tracy) of St. Andrews, Manitoba. Doug was predeceased by his mother Norma in 1991.

Doug was born in Wawanesa, Manitoba on April 23, 1963 and moved with his family to Brandon at a young age. He graduated from Vincent Massey High School in Brandon and earned a business degree from Brandon University.

Doug was an accomplished athlete and played both competitive hockey and baseball as a young man. He was a key member of the Brandon Wheat Kings AAA Midget Hockey team that won the Manitoba Provincial Champoinship in 1980 and he later played Junior A hockey with the Portage Terriers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. As an adult, Doug used his extensive hockey knowledge to mentor and coach young hockey players, and took particular pleasure in passing along his expertise to his own sons. Doug was very active in the Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association.

Doug had a strong work ethic and put his full effort into everything he did. Although much of his work career was spent in sales and business related jobs, Doug had a particular love of working with his hands. He was an excellent carpenter with an intuitive, largely self-taught set of skills. At the time of his death, Doug was employed at Cardelo Contracting in Nanaimo.

Doug’s sons were the most important things in his life, and they will surely miss their Dad’s steady hand, encouraging words and unconditional love. He was a good friend, son and brother. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

A Celebration of Doug’s life will be held at the Cottonwood Golf Course in Nanaimo on July 31, 2008 from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, friends of Doug may, it they wish, contribute to a trust fund set up for the benefit of Kyle and Brett. Funds can be contributed to The Vestby Family Trust at any branch of the Coastal Community Credit Union.



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