It is with broken hearts that we announce that Nolan Lewis Ostgard passed away suddenly on January 4, 2017.
Nolan was born December 7, 2000 in Comox, BC. He is survived by his mom Cathy Lewis (Jeff), dad Darrell Ostgard (Michelle), younger brother Nic, grandparents John and Mary Lewis and Don and Lorraine Ostgard, uncles and aunts Johnny (Tyra) Lewis, Robert Lewis (Janine), Lisa Lewis, Dale Ostgard, Brad Neuls, Lisa Ostgard and Shelley (Joao) Domingos, and cousins Shyanne, Jenna, Hope, Rhyan, Camryn, Colten, Kylie, Amanda (Chris), Jesse, Julian, Jack and Faith.
Nolan was a Grade 11 student at GP Vanier, and was a member of the school鈥檚 Rhythm and Blues and Jazz Bands. His passion for music spilled into every aspect of his life. Nolan felt his most comfortable when he was lost in playing his guitar, and he could often be found playing in some corner of the halls during lunch hour. In Nolan鈥檚 own words, 鈥淢usic helps me focus, and surprisingly retain more information. I just love music in all its art forms, and in my mind it is humanity鈥檚 greatest achievement.鈥�
Nolan truly enjoyed working at Thrifty Foods and always had funny stories to tell at the end of a shift. We as a family are grateful that this job was a very positive part of his life. Nolan was saving his money in preparation for attending Capilano College, where he was planning to pursue a career in musical therapy. We are very proud to say that Nolan had saved $2320.08, which we will be donating to honor his dream and help other local students follow their path in music.
Anyone who knew Nolan and his brother Nic, knows that they shared an incredibly special bond. Nic could not have asked for a better big brother, and it was apparent in the way Nic鈥檚 eyes lit up whenever Nolan was around. Ever polite and kind, Nolan always had a friendly hello and a big smile. He was someone who always put everyone else鈥檚 happiness before his own, and he was the kind of friend who always offered a shoulder to lean on. His laughter was loudest around his family and his cousins. He loved family dinners and was always up for a good game of chess or crib.
A Memorial Service will be held for Nolan on January 18, 2017 from 2-4 pm at the Florence Filberg Centre (441 Anderton Avenue) in Courtenay. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nolan Lewis Ostgard Memorial Bursary via GoFundMe (www.gofundme.com/nolan-lewis-ostgard-bursary-fund) to support Nolan's passion for music, so that his voice鈥攚hich will be heard forever in our hearts鈥攚ill bring hope and promise to others as well.