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It is with unbelievable sadness that I announce the passing of Jeffrey Andrew Pretli at the age of 61 on September 1st, 2025, after a long-fought battle with cancer. Jeff is survived by his devoted wife Jeannine nee Sanford and loving son Benjamin. He is also survived by his sister Linda Vajna (George), brother-in-law Stephen Sanford (Denise) and sister-in-law Andree Sanford (Zlatko Lukic), nieces and nephews Dianne McIntosh, Danielle Sanford, Liam Srigley (Kélianne Legault), Reagan Srigley, Madeline Vajna, George Vajna, and great nephews and niece Bryce McIntosh, Kieran McIntosh, Owen McIntosh, Lincoln McIntosh, and Eloise Srigley. As well as aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. Jeff was predeceased by his parents Andrew and Linda Pretli nee Kreiter.
Jeff was an incredible husband and father, with patience and commitment abound. Lived life large and if he was going to do something he did all the way. His passions were fishing, BBQ and smoking, gardening, carpentry, food and wine, The Toronto Maple Leafs, golf, chess, Scotch, sports and life in general. For many years he volunteered his time to Strathroy Caradoc Youth Hockey through coaching and convening as well as 1st Brights Grove Scouting as Leader and Coordinator. He was in the process of becoming a volunteer track and field coach for the Sarnia area.
Jeff grew up on an apple farm in Leamington, Ontario. Like most kids he played hockey. Once in Highschool he played football and the track and field events of shot put, discus and hammer throwing.
Jeff was a graduate of University of Toronto in Chemical Engineering. While studying UofT he continued with his aspirations in Football and Track and Field. His incredible work ethic would lead him to a career in the petrochemical technical sales to oil refineries and water treatment that took him to Eastern Ontario, Edmonton, Alberta and back to Southwestern Ontario. Over the years he earned several awards for his professionalism and sales capabilities. Finalizing his career selling specialized gaskets to the same industries.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the wonderful care he received from the Nurses, PSWs, Staff, and Volunteers, at St. Joseph's Hospice in Sarnia.
In keeping with Jeff’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Please sign the family's online guestbook at smithfuneralhome.ca
There will be a Service/Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Four Points Sheraton, 1498 Venetian Boulevard, Point Edward (Sarnia) Ontario.
As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph Hospice of Sarnia, Canadian Concussion Centre, Canadian Cancer Society or Ryan House of Sarnia, will be gratefully accepted.
