We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Jeff, age 71, on June 11, 2022 in Toronto, after bravely facing a series of health challenges. Jeff will be dearly missed by his loving partner of 23 years, Ann (Garland); devoted stepson Bryan (Woodman); daughter-in-law Amy (Cooke); granddaughter Alice (Woodman); siblings Michael Player (Hanne); Nancy Player (Ivor Sherlock); Jane Player (David Matheson); as well as many close friends. Jeff was born in Kingston, Ontario on April 7, 1951 to the late Emily (Butler) and Vaughan Player. He grew up in Sarnia, Ontario and attended the University of Guelph. Jeff had a very successful, decades-long career as a sales and marketing executive for consumer packaged goods companies, including Bristol Myers Products Canada and Bell Sports. His career took him to Kitchener-Waterloo, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Toronto, gaining lifelong friends at every stop. Jeff was one of a kind and loved by all. He was renowned for his humour and spirited antics, directness, generosity and thoughtfulness - a true gentleman with a big heart and loving devotion to Ann. He was a man of many passions and talents - an elite marathon runner, cyclist, golfer and skier, a great chef, wine collector, gardener and world traveller. Jeff’s retirement was plagued with health issues, which he faced with characteristic positivity, strength and determination, Ann always by his side as his fierce advocate. Many thanks to the friends and family members who provided ongoing support to Jeff. We are grateful for the wonderful healthcare he received in Neurology at Toronto Western Hospital and in Bone Marrow Transplant and other areas of The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Visitation for Jeff will be at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto on Monday, June 20th, 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, June 21st at 11 am. Interment at Park Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeff’s memory to the Nursing Fund for Excellence (Toronto Western Hospital) at UHNfoundation.ca/tribute , or to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation - Bone Marrow Research and Transplant Fund at https://supportthepmcf.ca/ui/DonateNow/donations/start, would be appreciated.