The Lake Superior State University Athletic Department mourns the loss of Wes DeJong who passed away unexpectedly Saturday evening.
“I know that this touches all of us deeply as Wes was not only our coworker, but a dear friend to us all,” said LSSU Athletic Director, Dr. Dave Diles. “I’m personally grateful that my life intersected with his, even if it was for only a brief period of time.”
DeJong had served as the equipment manager for LSSU ice hockey for the past three seasons. He had always found a way to contribute to the program he loved, dating back to his time as an undergraduate student in which he was a student manager for the team for five years as well as a volunteer member of the hockey team’s staff for two years after graduating from LSSU with a degree in sports management.
“The LSSU campus community wishes to extend our prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Wes DeJong,” said Head Hockey Coach, Damon Whitten. “Our campus, and especially those of us in athletics, will greatly miss Wes. He was universally loved across campus with his huge smile, quick wit, and total commitment to all things Lakers. For over a decade Wes lived his dream of being part of Laker hockey. He inspired us to put the team first, attack each day with good humor, and to find a way to get the job done. He will continue to inspire our department and Laker hockey.”
In lieu of flowers, at the request of the DeJong family, gifts can be made to support the men’s hockey program in DeJong’s honor here.