Obituary of Richard Daggett Cronk
It is with great sadness we announce that Richard Cronk, a beloved resident of Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, passed away peacefully on August 5th, 2024. Richard was known throughout his community for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and most of all his love of family.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, Hallie and Clyde Cronk. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 59 years, Katharine, his devoted children Jeffrey Cronk (Michelle) and Kimberly Power (John), grandchildren Christopher (Jacqueline), Cortland (Santana), Sean, Brendan, his great-grandchildren Tryn, Ahri and August, his sister Marilyn, brothers Ronald (Pam), Peter (Marilyn), and many nephews, nieces, cousins and many, many friends!
Richard was born and raised on Grand Manan until he left the island for Toronto, ON. He spent a short time in the Air Force before embarking on a career in the Canadian National-Canadian Pacific Telecommunications Company. He worked for CNCP in Toronto, London and Windsor, Ontario.
Richard met his bride-to-be while living in Toronto and rumor has it he knew the moment he met her that he was going to marry Katharine. Together they forged a lifetime of memories, showing their family and friends a true example of lives well-lived.
In his earlier years, he loved archery and spent time deer and bear hunting, as well as attending archery events. He shared his love of archery with his son, Jeff. Richard was also an avid gardener while living in Ontario, planting and tending a large plot in his spare time.
In 1984, Richard and his family returned to Grand Manan Island. His heart belonged to Grand Manan, especially Whale Cove. He loved heading to the fisherman’s wharf, chatting with friends and strangers alike to get the latest news and maybe drop a fishing line to catch some mackerel.
While living on Grand Manan, Richard was a self- taught jack of all trades – electrician, plumber, carpenter and business owner. There was nothing he couldn’t do! He loved to share his knowledge with his children, grandchildren, nephews, friends or anyone who would listen! Richard not only shared his knowledge, but he was also the go-to guy on the island for any tool anyone needed for any project big or small. Being so close to the water, Richard rightfully had a love of boats. Whether it be on a boat, repairing a boat or helping others with their boats he was drawn to anything nautical.
For many years Richard enjoyed sharing Whale Cove and Grand Manan with the rest of the world by renting cottages. Over the years he enjoyed meeting and spending time with people both near and far. Richard shared his love of the island with all his guests and over time these guests became friends to both he and Katharine.
Richard touched the lives of everyone he met. He was one-of-a-kind and will be truly missed by all who knew him.
The Cronk family would like to thank the entire staff of 3SC at the Saint John Regional Hospital who took wonderful care of him during his stay. As well, a huge thank you to the EMS/ paramedics of Grand Manan and the entire staff of the Grand Manan Hospital who took exceptional care of him and our entire family.
At Richard’s request cremation has taken place, there will be no public service. The family will hold a private celebration of life in his memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Grand Manan Hospital Foundation.
Online condolences to the family or donations can be made at www.humphreysfh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care & direction of the Phillip Ells Jr. Memorial Funeral Centre, a service of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks St. St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506 – 466 – 3110)
