It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Howard Cronk, a beloved son, husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend. Born on May 24, 1968, Gary grew up in Victoria, BC, with brief family relocations to Kamloops and Nanaimo before returning to Victoria in 1977 due to his father’s job transfer. Gary had an adventurous and active childhood, playing hockey and lacrosse, and developing a lifelong passion for BMX. As soon as he got his driver’s license, his love for cars blossomed.
Gary’s career began as a banquet captain and bartender at Harbour Towers in 1984 before pursuing a career in the skilled trades. Gary completed entry-level plumbing training in 1994 and earned his Red Seal certifications in both plumbing and steam fitting-pipefitting, major milestones achieved in 1998 and 2007, respectively. Over the years, he worked at UA Local 324, Victoria Shipyards, the federal government, University of Victoria and Royal Roads University. His work often took him across BC and Alberta, including Kitimat and Fort McMurray. Gary was proud of his role in building key projects such as the Royal Jubilee Hospital Patient Care Centre and the Prestige Oceanfront Resort, where his daughter, Paige, later got married.
On February 16, 1985, Gary met his high school sweetheart, Sherry, and they began a partnership that would span nearly four decades. They married on June 1, 1991, building a beautiful life together. Their greatest joy was raising their two children, Graham and Paige.
Gary found great pride and fulfillment in watching his children grow, often spending time riding BMX bikes with Graham and cheering him on at hockey games. Family camping trips across BC and Alberta for BMX races were a special part of our memories, as were the adventures of traveling with Sherry and the kids to places like Mexico, Hawaii, and California. In 2024, Gary welcomed his granddaughter, Grace, born on March 31, who brought immeasurable joy to his life.
Gary’s passion for adventure was matched by his love for spending time with family and friends. He cherished boating on Shawnigan Lake with his brother Russ, traveling to lodge events with his dad Howard, brother Ron, and brother-in-law Mark and sharing beers in his sister Colleen’s backyard. Special holiday dinners at his mom and dad’s house were among his most treasured memories. Gary was a dedicated 20-year member of Camosun Lodge No. 60 A.F. & A.M. BC & YT, where he most recently served as Junior Warden.
Gary also took immense pride in restoring his 1966 Acadian Canso, a car he purchased at the age of 19, and eventually became a member of the Pharaohs Car Club. His love for speed and adventure extended to dirt biking, which gave him endless joy. Through these passions, Gary created countless memories, surrounded by the people and hobbies he loved most.
After enduring multiple complications during a 14-month hospital stay, Gary was ultimately diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy. He faced this diagnosis with remarkable courage and strength. On December 5, 2024, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family.
Gary is survived by his devoted wife, Sherry; his children, Graham and Paige (Patrick); his granddaughter, Grace; his parents, Howard and Noreen; his siblings, Ron (Kathleen) and their son Riley, Russell (Shari) and their sons Liam and Logan, and Colleen (Mark) and their son Nicholas; his parents-in-law, Linda and Bill; his sister-in-law, Cindy, and her children Tyler and Kayleigh; and many extended family members and friends.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the countless doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists who cared for Gary at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General Hospital.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 2:00pm (PST), in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. For those unable to attend in person, the link is below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84607727866?pwd=QgJ89K4ByIAC7vtFR2Eo5wzzE9Wmhu.1
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Victoria Hospitals Foundation. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
41 Responses
I have a few memories of Gary pre-Sherry when he used to be at my house hanging out with my older brother Jay. I recall one particular time when they were shooting a BB gun; this may or may not have resulted in my neighbours car window having a mysterious hole in it. Lol! Most of my memories are of the dynamic duo of Gary & Sherry back when they were teenagers. Two beautiful souls that managed to find one another so early in life. I remember Gary as kind, smiley and always riding around Broadmead on his BMX bike (that is, until his car obsession started). Sherry, Colleen, Russ and all of Gary’s family – I can’t imagine your heartbreak. This must feel so terribly senseless, and I’m very sorry for the hole this leaves in your lives. Wrapping you all in a big giant hug.
I grew up with Gary. We terrorized our neighborhood. Building tree houses, making go-carts, bmx, dirt bomb fights, trick or treating, nicky nine doors, climbing xmas hill, fun city, fist fights , and our most fun a kiss cover band (Air band) sold tickets to kids in the hood. The memories will never be forgot and neither will Garry! Love ya Buddy!! Rest Easy!
My condolences to Gary’s family and friends. May he R.I.P.
and Howie, Ron and Mark heal over time.
Very sorry for your loss!
Mike Gains
Howard and Noreen
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
I only met Gary once but heard a lot of good things about him through his Dad Howie because we were “car guys”. Very sad that he was taken way too soon. My condolences to his large family, I know he’ll be missed by everyone who knew him . RIP Gary .
Paige, I’m so sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family.
Michelle
Thinking of you Sherry and family. You are all amazing humans and have been through such a hard journey. I hope that you continue to share all the great stories and hang on to the incredible memories you have of the life you all built together.
Sherry
Our condolences to you and the whole Cronk family. Gary’s legacy will live on through Graham, Paige and little Grace. We hope the memories will help you all through this difficult time.
Barb and Lou Fekete
Our deepest condolences on Gary’s passing. Sherri, Graham, Paige, and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Gary was a kind and generous friend to all. our family has such great memories of our time in the neighborhood, with BMX, and also connecting through car shows later on. We are so very sorry for your loss. Nikolic Family in Victoria.
A Good man taken from the family way too early…..Rest in Peace my cousin Gary….Keep on Cruising in the Heavens….xoxoxoox
Doug Lumley and Family