Minister who was found guilty in death of his wife dies

A retired United Church minister who was convicted of neglect in the death of his wife has died.

Rev. Nico Vanderstoel passed away Sunday at Health Sciences North, according to his obituary. He was 76.

The former St. Stephen's on the Hill United Church minister was charged March 26, 2013, with manslaughter and allegedly failing to provide the necessities of life to his wife, Heather Vanderstoel, who died April 6, 2011, at the age of 66.

He was convicted last year of criminal negligence causing death and was sentenced to three years. Greater Sudbury Police started investigating Vanderstoel in March 2011 after his wife was admitted to Health Sciences North's emergency department.

Heather Vanderstoel who, according to her obituary, lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 40 years, died as a result of injuries sustained through neglect, police said at the time.

A memorial service will be held in the R.J. Barnard Chapel on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Cremation will take place at the Park Lawn Crematorium.