JOHN STEWART PRETSELL

JOHN STEWART aka "PRETS" PRETSELL Mississauga, Ontario (Hamilton born) April 23, 1956 - October 23, 2012 In his "Beddian" Birthday Year Peacefully surrounded by his family and loved ones after an incredible battle with cancer, which he accepted and handled just as he handled his whole life, "straight-up". A wonderful, loving and devoted husband to Catherine (Cathi Piva) for over 35 years. Proud and solid father to Thomas John and Tyler James (Amanda). Supportive and amazing brother to his little sister, Mary Ann (Johnston). Much loved son-in-law to Gino Piva. Terrific "brother" to Rob, Paul and Wendy, Michael and Candy, Dennis and Kim and David and Lori. Lifetime buddy and brother to David and Susan Andrews and special uncle to Godson, Michael (Lauren) and Richard. Fun-loving and proud uncle to Godson and nephew, Michael Johnston and exceptionally supportive uncle to Godson and nephew, Marcus Levy Johnston, his sister Mary Ann and Rob Johnston's amazing 14 year old son and younger brother, Michael. John has always showed such compassion and love for this special young man in his life and one of his first thoughts was that he wouldn't be here to be of help to his sister Mary Ann, for her, for Marcus, and for their whole family. Respected and level-headed uncle to Eddy and Lindsay, Godson, Christopher and Mindy, Paul Jr. aka Ace, only niece, Nickie and Shawn, Brian and Alli and Joshua, Zachary, Jarod and also Jamie and Philip. Great-uncle to Aislyn, Brayden, Nate and Kara. Proud nephew and Godson to Jack Pretsell (Carol), Mary and Bill Tisdale and Lil Pasternak and many cousins and extended family. Prets will be sadly missed by his cherished lifelong family friends, "The Hamilton Gang" and their families, his numerous golf buddies, his Thursday morning and Sunday night hockey team buddies, the LP and Braves Hockey Families, all the 20 VIC families, colleagues, peers and tenants, at both his Toronto and Mississauga offices and all our neighbours and friends. Predeceased by his parents, Jim and Alma Pretsell and Margaret Piva and many special aunts and uncles. John exemplified a life well lived, albeit shockingly shortened, cultivating his strong character values and the drive to succeed in whatever he did with integrity, as a devoted family man and well respected businessman, with his keen mind, positive attitude, competitive disposition, sharp wit and clever sense of humour. Always the gentlemen. John was a longtime member of Markland Wood Golf Club where he shared his love of golf with many of his golf buddies, family and/or business friends, taking their toonies, playing poker and stacking up his chips, dishing out one-liners, sharing his hearty laugh, huge smile and contagious personality and seemingly, constantly winning a draw or prize of some sort. Lucky at life. Loved and respected by many. John especially enjoyed the times when his sons would join him at the Club for a round of golf or poker night with the guys along with the numerous family functions enjoyed at Markland over the years. John was a loyal, dedicated and proud employee of the 20 VIC Management "Family" where he established many amazing long term mutually-respectful relationships not only with management, being in the industry for over 30 years, but with his support staff and colleagues that he loved and shared a wonderful repour with, and numerous business friends and acquaintances that he admired, respected and took many golf trips with over the years, that have become an extended part of the Pretsell Family. As expressions of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to "The Marcus Levy Johnston Trust Fund" in support of Marcus' future autism care and needs or to a charity of your choice. Visitation will be held at Turner & Porter, Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON L5B 1M8 on Sunday, October 28, 2012 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. from where Funeral Services will take place in the Chapel on Monday, October 29, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Assumption Catholic Cemetery (Tomken and Derry Rd.). Reception to follow at Markland Wood Golf Club. We will carry your hearty laugh, huge smile, positive attitude and zest for life in our hearts always and forever. God blessed us with you! Your legacy will live in each step we take. God speed. Online condolences can be made at www.turnerporter.ca