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 conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, in Coffelt's Funeral Chapel. Dale Coffelt will be officiating.

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.

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. Dougies 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 school 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.

Dougie leaves behind his parents, Ed and Paddy Wesselman; two brothers, Ed Jr. and James; two sisters, Tammy Kramer and Cyndi Sutliff (and Mike); three nieces, Toffer (and Jeff), Kayla and Keila (and Rob); three nephews, Derek, T.J. (and Star), and Mason; great-nephews Jagger and Skylar; great nieces Shaelynn and Peyton; another great niece who is expected this summer; several aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins; and all his special friends.

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

Dougie shall be dearly missed by all that knew him.

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

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.