December 24, 1937 - April 19, 2024
We are heartbroken and saddened to announce the passing of Jack Petrie on April 19, 2024.
Jack will be lovingly remembered and is survived by his love of 28 years, Jytta Kristiansen, and his children Darren Petrie (Becky) and Donna Petrie (Sebastian), and stepchildren Mark and Darlene Kristiansen, Allan and Mandy Kristiansen, Tanya and Brian Kuiack, and Kim Kristiansen.
Jack also leaves behind his grandkids Derek Petrie (Taylor) and Josh Petrie (Olivia), and was Papa Jack to Ashley (Justin), Zachary, Lucas, Matteus, Austin, Benajmin and Gavin, and a great-grandfather to Emmet and Kessler.
Jack is also survived by his extended family members, Betty Petrie De Vos (Frank) and Gerry Banbury (Joyce).
Jack was predeceased by his son Derek “Pi” Petrie (1986), and we are comforted by the thought of them reunited.
Jack was born in Stratford on Dec 24, 1937 and spent most of his life in Stratford.
He raised his family here and worked at Reliance Electric until retirement. He made many friends during his employment there and loved the home and life he built on Norman St.
He was a family man.
Jack was always a huge fan of spaghetti westerns, and you could often find him at home watching his movies at the loudest volume. He would comment on scenes before they happened and laugh loudly at the parts he had seen a million times before! He also loved listening to music at full blast – specifically 50s and 60s music – and you could hear those 8 tracks and LPs playing all the way down the street! He was interested, curious and knowledgeable about music and passed that down to his children.
In his younger years he could be found playing his guitar and working on old cars with his friends in Stratford. He liked playing practical jokes and having fun, and photos from his life during that period look like a scene from the movie Grease. He was just so cool! He had a vast knowledge of cars and carried this throughout his life. Friends and family will remember the variety of classic muscle cars sitting in the driveway being worked on.
He loved his GTO.
Dad was also an entertainer and was always up for hosting a house full of teens and young adults. He will be remembered for his Christmas Eve parties (where Spumante Bambino and Baby Duck were heavily consumed). He’d play DJ and make blender drinks, and the house was rocking with music, laughter, and celebration. He always had room for kids to hang out and enjoyed being part of the action.
In his later life, you could find Jack outside in the garden, feeding the squirrels in the backyard or tinkering on projects in the garage. He loved nature and his long walks in the woods and along the train tracks, where he’d find elderberries for his pies.
He survived a serious health crisis and although this slowed him down, he never lost his sense of humour. His passion for laughing and joking around with everyone is a testament to how strong and resilient he was, given the setbacks he faced during his life.
Most recently, Dad and Jytta could usually be found surrounded by friends and laughter at Tim Hortons on Huron St., or at the bingo hall. His couch was also a favourite place for him to be, watching his favourite old movies or various history programs with his pal Jake (the cat) nearby. He had a generous appetite, a penchant for sweets and loved food, and Jytta made sure to keep him well fed! We will always laugh at the memory of the numerous miniature condiment bottles that he would collect (but never use!). He was a funny, well-loved man. Ask anyone about Jack and they will say the same – he was a cool guy with a sweet demeanour and a love of laughter. We will miss him terribly and hope you had the chance to know him.
In lieu of funeral and visitation services, Jack wanted people to remember him by doing a favour or kind act to another.
“There’s a rebel lying deep in my soul.” – Clint Eastwood.
Arrangements entrusted to W.G Young Funeral Home
