Coolidge Wall - A Legal Professional Association


News Release
August 23, 2011

Coolidge Wall Grieving Loss of Long-Time Shareholder

Dayton, Ohio – It is with great sadness that the law firm of Coolidge Wall Co., L.P.A. announces the death of one of its shareholders, Ronald S. Pretekin, who passed away at the age of 69 on Sunday, August 21, 2011, after a brief illness.

Ronald S. Pretekin attended the University of Oklahoma (A.B., 1963), and received his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Michigan (1966). He joined the law firm then known as Coolidge, Wall & Wood in 1966 and became a shareholder in 1974, practicing law for more than 45 years.

Mr. Pretekin specialized in commercial law and banking, with an emphasis on creditors' rights and bankruptcy law. He had been recognized yearly since 1995 in The Best Lawyers in America® for Banking law, and he was certified as a specialist in Business Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification. He was a valuable member of the American Bankruptcy Law Forum and served a term as a Trustee. He had extensive experience in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 proceedings, and was a frequent lecturer for local and national organizations in the areas of commercial law, bankruptcy and creditors' rights. Mr. Pretekin served as a member of the Panel for Merit Selection of Bankruptcy Judges for the Southern District of Ohio from 1992 to 1993, and as its Chairman from 1995 to 1996. 

Mr. Pretekin was deeply committed to the entire Dayton Community and passionately involved with many community organizations including a ten-year tenure on the Children’s Medical Center Board of Trustees and two years as its Chairman; President of the Montgomery County Easter Seals Society (1985-1986); President of Children’s Medical Center Foundation (1984); and most recently serving as a member of the Samaritan Health Foundation Board of Trustees (2004-2011). In addition, Mr. Pretekin served on the Randolph Township, Board of Zoning Appeals (1985-1995); Randolph Township Route 48/49 Corridor Study Committee; Randolph Township Zoning Ordinance Committee; City of Clayton Income Tax Committee (as Chairman); and the City of Clayton Towne Center Planning Committee. 

Mr. Pretekin was an lifelong amateur radio enthusiast, an avid Michigan and Oklahoma sports fan, and enjoyed golf and skiing. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Cindy, three children and one grandchild.

 

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