Toronto’s Hotel Community Mourns the Passing of Nick Vesley

The Toronto hotel industry is deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of Nick Vesley on February 18, 2024. With a career spanning over five decades, Vesley made a significant impact as a hotelier. Although he initially aspired to become a chef, spending summers cooking at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and a hotel in France, Vesley discovered his passion for the hotel industry, dedicating nearly 50 years to it before retiring just a year ago.

Throughout his illustrious career, Vesley served as the General Manager of prominent hotels such as the Bristol Place Hotel on Toronto’s Airport Strip, the Park Plaza Toronto, the Sutton Place Hotel, and most recently, the Cambridge Suites.

Vesley was an active member of the Toronto hospitality community, contributing his expertise to local and international boards, including the Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA), Tourism Toronto (now Destination Toronto), and the Ontario Hostelry Institute (OHI). He served as a mentor to many aspiring professionals, imparting his leadership skills and invaluable guidance to elevate the industry’s standards.

Born on March 3, 1953, in Montreal to Joseph and Susan Vesely, he relocated to Toronto to pursue his career, where he met his beloved wife Heidi, sharing 37 years of life together.

Nick Vesley was cherished for his kindness and gentle demeanor, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is survived by his loving wife Heidi, their three daughters Jenny (Nate), Kristin, Stephanie (Jared), grandchildren Sophie and Jake, sister Donna (Kit), sister-in-law Gail (Dave), and nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Schulich Heart Program at Sunnybrook Hospital.