Jeffrey Dean Rettig

It was once said that the minute Jeff learned to run, he never walked again. This is a truism throughout his life. He lived it in the fast lane, but being such a kind, caring and loving man he would always take time to help those in need. HIS HEART WAS BIG. He was an accomplished trumpet player having successfully auditioned and played with the Seattle Little Symphony and played in a jazz band at school. He succeeded at track where the hurdles were his love. Jeff won several sailing events as a junior at Seattle Yacht Club. Jeff was top graduate 4.0 in his class at Culinary Arts School and went on to manage The Rock for several years. He carried his love for cooking throughout his life and, OH, could he make a mean pizza. He opened his own business contracting with individuals and businesses to do landscaping and handyman jobs, but his last job working for the University of Washington he held near and dear to his heart, taking care of seven buildings at the horticultural center down on the waterfront, fulfilling his love for plants. He liked that he could finally work days, m-f, unlike the restaurant business. At a low point in Jeff’s life, he checked himself into the Everett Gospel Mission Crossroads Program for a year, becoming the Food Service Manager.

A graduate of Seattle Prep, he had a great thirst for knowledge and was an avid researcher with a mind that could retain it all. Jeff also maintained his wonderful sense of humor until his very last breath. June 2025 he was diagnosed with Stage 4, Advanced Esophageal cancer. He wasn’t about to let it take him down, defying all medical odds, he won out for (11) months, but it was a deep hard struggle. For the last (10) months of Jeff’s life he was bedridden but found profound joy in writing some amazing songs which should be published. His main strength came from Hope, and that’s what this journey was really all about. . . not about cancer and dying, it was about resilience and strength, about perseverance and HOPE. Hope was his mantra.

He is survived by his mother, Suzanne Fleming (Rob Fleming) Medina, WA; Kimberley Rettig (sister), Bellevue, WA; son Robert DJ Rettig, Stepsisters Keri Fleming & Kim Fleming Maile, and many Uncles, Aunties, Cousins and Friends. Predeceased by his father Diehl R Rettig of Kennewick, WA.

A memorial will be planned at a later date. The family is grateful for all the love shown over the last eleven months and for the many angels with Hospice, Hospitals, Evergreen Hospice Facility, Kirkland and Avamere Nursing Home, Issaquah.

BE PEACE