Douglas Kent Wesselman, 44

Douglas Kent Wesselman, 44, passed on Monday, Feb. 18, 2008, at Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane, Wash. Dougie went peacefully, with his family at his side, following complications after surgery.

A celebration of life will be held this spring, on a “hot day,” for Dougie. The day and time will be announced in the Daily Bee.

Dougie was born Dec. 12, 1963, in Sandpoint, Idaho, the son of Harry E. and Patricia Wesselman. He was born with Down's Syndrome. The first several years, Dr. Fred Marienau, his wife Delsie, and his staff gave Dougie excellent medical care, and the Wesselman family is very grateful. The family is appreciative of Dr. Crane, Dr. Farr, Dr. Olds, Dr. Cotter, Dr. Bering, all the intensivists, Nurse Kurt and all the staff at Deaconess that assisted in Dougie's care.

When Dougie was born his family was told that he would probably have a short life. He was a miracle - to have lived 44 years. Dougie's mom, dad, and siblings were very blessed and grateful to be chosen to love and care for Dougie throughout his life.

Dougie loved people. Everyone was his friend and he had a kiss for all. He truly enjoyed his “Nick” at nite, his bowl of “pink,” music, “people”, “brides' books,” his work, a hot day, and a warm fire in the winter. His world was very simple and he enjoyed that.

You may remember Dougie riding his bike around town, playing at Pine St. Park and the family residence. Dougie's Uncle Smokey and Aunt Freda took him for a ride in the Sandpoint “Bulldog Bus.” His friend Larry Davis gave him rides in his logging truck. His brother Ed would ride him around in his “hot rods” with joy (tickets were included).

Dougie attended the special ed school, in the little white building, across from Washington School, and the junior high on Euclid. He also went for rides in the fire chief car with Grandpa Art. Dougie had his own language, most family and some friends could understand, he was unique in many ways.

Dougie enjoyed road trips with the folks to the Armours in Oregon and jaunts to Spokane. His trips to Parma, Idaho, usually going on to “Big Petes” to gamble. He always beamed when babies were around him. He received two new great nieces this past summer and was thrilled when he got to see them; two brothers, Ed Jr. and James; two sisters, Tammy Kramer and Cyndi (Mike) Sutliff; three nieces, Toffer (and Jeff), Kayla, Keila (and Rob); three nephews, Derek, T.J. (and Star) and Mason; great-nephews, Jagger and Skylar; great-nieces, Shaelynn and Peyton; several aunts, uncles, numerous cousins; and all his special friends.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Art and Vi Chubb, and William and Wilhemina Wesselman; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; a brother-in-law; and many other friends who greeted him on the otherside.

Dougie shall be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book, for Dougie, at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.