(Editor's Note: This bereavement notice was written by the team at Firestone Pacific Foods on January 20, 2021.)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely death of our esteemed colleague, Brad Vesterby, Director of Sales at Firestone Pacific Foods. Brad passed away this past weekend as a result of complications following treatment for cancer. Brad is survived by his parents, Gary and Lucy Vesterby; his sister, Dawn Everard; and two sons, Jase and Craig Vesterby.
Brad was known by family and colleagues for his one-of-a-kind personality, his huge heart, and his kind and compassionate spirit. The friends he cultivated in the food manufacturing and grocery industry over the past twenty-five years were among his closest, and we know that he will be missed far and wide.
Brad was a passionate fisherman and cherished his time at his coastal home in Nehalem, Oregon. During his spare time, Brad would be out fishing or spending time with his nearby parents and sons. He was filled with pride when talking about the upcoming birth of his first grandchild and was so looking forward to being a grandfather and teaching his grandchildren to fish with him.
Brad joined the Firestone Pacific Foods team just over one year ago and made an immediate impact, instilling an ethos of service excellence as a valued and esteemed member of the leadership team. Brad had a long and successful career that traced an arc from the grocery industry to food manufacturing. Prior to Firestone Pacific Foods, Brad worked for NORPAC Foods, Ever Fresh Fruit Co, Tillamook County Creamery, and Albertsons. Brad attended Spokane Falls Community College in Spokane, Washington. He also gave back to the community through service on the board of the City of Hope and as a member of the Coastal Conservation Association.
“Firestone and the food industry prematurely lost a great friend and a seasoned pro” shared Firestone Pacific Foods CEO Josh Hinerfeld. “Brad’s signature contribution to our business was his passionate focus on setting up our customers for success; we will miss him greatly.”