Pretty, John
John Russell Pretty November 18, 1937 – October 14, 2026. It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of John Russell Pretty, who passed away on October 14, 2026, at the age of 88 at Bear Creek Terrace, Petrolia. John was the beloved husband of Jeanne (Vandevenne/Lewis), whom he married on May 19, 2012. He was previously married to Shirley Anne (Wilson), who passed away in August 2007. Shirley was the mother of his three children, and together they built a family that remained an important part of John’s life. John was a loving father to Jack and Marnie Pretty, Anne and Scott Stevens, and Mark and Shelley Pretty, all of whom survive him. Special grandfather to Michelle and Nick, Jeff and Taryn, Blair and Brett, Jordan, Aundrea, Shane, Ethan, Hannah and Nick, Lily and Tucker, Alex and Natalie. Loving great grandfather to Barrett, Remy, Fallon, Sam, Emma and Ellie and two more arriving in the next few weeks. Through his marriage to Jeanne, John also became part of her family, including Mark and Mary Anne Wighton and their family, Heather and JP (JJ), Jeremy (Elli, Drew and Abby), Laura (Lucy) and Emily. John was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Gladys Pretty; his brothers and sister in law – Bob, David (Hazel) and Ralph; his sister Jean (Les); his parents-in-law, Charles and Annie Wilson; and his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Eileen Wilson. John is survived by his brother Roger, sisters-in-law Helen and Shirley Marie, along with Jeanne’s sisters Helen, Betty and Ruth. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and cherished friends. John began his working life as a dairy farmer before spending many years working as an operating engineer. He was a member of Leopold Masonic Lodge in Brigden. He enjoyed camping and spent many happy years travelling to and wintering in Arizona, where he began playing shuffleboard and even brought home some trophies. He and Jeanne spent many days doing day trips across the countryside. They often didn’t know where they would end up and simply enjoyed the adventure with John driving and Jeanne taking pictures along the way. In his later years, he developed a special interest in antique tractors, enjoying both working on them and driving them. He belonged to a couple of tractor clubs, where he shared his enthusiasm with others who appreciated these pieces of history. This became a special hobby for John and he enjoyed heading out to his longtime friend’s Paul and Lorna Graham’s farm to spend many hours working alongside Paul on the tractors. He also enjoyed watching his grandkids participating in their sports and school activities. John’s life touched many people, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank the many healthcare providers at Bear Creek for their compassionate and loving care to John over the past year and a half. Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family burial at a later date. A celebration of life will be held at Thompson Gardens, Corunna on Friday October 23, 2026. 1:00-2:00 visitation, 2:00-2:30 service with light lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Canadian Cancer Society or the Sarnia Lambton Alzheimer’s Society.
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Our deep and heartfelt condolences to the entire Pretty family. John’s friendly smile will be missed. He was always kind and engaging, such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, a true patriarch. We know he was a great role model to our mutual grandchildren. May the many warm memories comfort you at this difficult time.