TORONTO ―The hotel industry is saddened by the news of the sudden passing of Nick Vesely on Feb. 18, 2024. Vesley had a successful career as hotelier spanning more than five decades. While Vesley originally aspired to be a chef in his early years ― working three summers as a cook at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and a small hotel in France ― he quickly discovered a love for the hotel industry where he worked for almost 50 years before retiring a year ago.
During his successful career, Vesley served as GM of the Bristol Place Hotel on Toronto’s Airport Strip; as GM of the Park Plaza Toronto and Sutton Place Hotel; and most recently as GM of the Cambridge Suites.
Vesley was a very active member of the Toronto hospitality industry. In addition to managing several large hotels, over the years he also participated on local and international boards in the hospitality industry, including the Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA), Tourism Toronto (now Destination Toronto) and the Ontario Hostelry Institute (OHI). Vesley served as a mentor to many, guiding them with his strong leadership skills and advice while also helping make the industry more professional along the way.
Born on Mar. 3, 1953 in Montreal to Joseph and Susan Vesely, the hotelier moved to Toronto to begin his career where he met Heidi and began their life of 37 years together.
Vesley was a kind and gentle soul, loved by all who knew him and will be missed dearly by his family and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Susan and Joseph Vesely and is survived by his loving wife, Heidi; their three daughters, Jenny (Nate), Kristin and Stephanie (Jared); the lights of his recent years, grandchildren, Sophie and Jake; his sister, Donna (Kit); sister-in-law, Gail (Dave); and nieces and nephews. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Schulich Heart Program at Sunnybrook Hospital.
