Meet Wes & the Pat Docherty Memorial Golf Tournament Founders
“What began as a way to honour a friend has become a force for good in our community. That’s the kind of legacy Pat deserves.”
In 2014, what began as a casual round of golf among friends became something extraordinary.
Friends Wes Zannet, Don Slaughter and Ed Neave, gathered that summer for the simple joy of the game and each other’s company. But when their close friend Pat Docherty passed away in 2016, the game changed. The annual golf day evolved into something more meaningful, a way to honour Pat’s memory and continue his legacy of community giving.
Together, they launched the Pat Docherty Memorial Golf Tournament: a heartfelt tribute to a man whose life was rooted in generosity, friendship, and a deep love for Nanaimo.
Why It’s in Their Nature to Give
Pat’s friends knew that the best way to remember him was by doing what he did best: bringing people together to make a difference. Since 2017, the tournament has raised an incredible $429,000 for local charities, with $353,405 going directly to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. The funds have supported critical care at NRGH, ensuring others in the community receive the same level of compassion and care Pat did during his final days.
For Wes and the founding team, this event is more than a fundraiser. It’s a tradition that brings people together year after year to share stories, laughter, and generosity – all in Pat’s name.
A Room for Pat. A Legacy for All.
Pat’s connection to the hospital was personal. He was born at NRGH, and he passed away in its ICU. Honouring that connection, the tournament team set their sights on something ambitious: raising $124,000 to support the new High Acuity Unit (HAU) and name a room in Pat’s honour.
In June 2023, that dream became reality.
Family and friends gathered to unveil the “In Memory of Pat Docherty Room” inside the newly built ICU at NRGH. It was a moment of pride, of reflection, and of gratitude. A powerful reminder of how one life can spark lasting change.
Honour Through Action
The Pat Docherty Memorial Tournament continues to grow, inspiring new donors, players, and sponsors each year. But at its heart, it remains what it’s always been: a group of friends showing up for each other, for their community, and for the man who brought them all together.
