David Westby

David Niles Westby

Age 65 of Woodbury passed away on March 17, 2026, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Dave was born October 7, 1960 in Long Prairie, MN to Niles and Patricia Westby. A lifelong Minnesotan, he lived in Long Prairie, Albert Lea, Detroit Lakes, Willmar, and Woodbury. Dave graduated from Willmar HS (1979) where he played football and hockey, and UW River Falls (1985) where he played hockey. He also served as an assistant hockey coach at the University of Maine and Colorado College. Hard working and driven, Dave spent more than 20 years as an amateur hockey scout for the NHL’s Nashville Predators. His travels took him to rinks throughout the US and Canada, evaluating future pro hockey talent. Dave loved Minnesota sports, particularly the Vikings, Twins, Gophers, North Stars, and the State High School Hockey Tournament. 

Dave is survived by his brothers, Bryan (April) of Liberty Lake, WA, and Clark of Woodbury, MN; his nieces, Claire and Corinne, who were the sunshine of his life; his aunt, Kathy Holthe of West St. Paul; and numerous cousins, friends, and colleagues, many of whom visited, FaceTimed, or texted during his final days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Niles and Patricia, along with his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.  

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, April 21, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church (8260 4th St. N., Oakdale, MN), with visitation beginning one hour prior to service at church. A Celebration of Life and party will also be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Shine a Ligh7 Foundation www.shinealigh7.org  in Dave’s memory. The family would like to thank the Nashville Predators organization for their caring support and thoughtful tributes honoring Dave, as well as the staff of both Woodwinds Hospital and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.

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