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
Thinking of you all at this time of loss. He is now at peace and no longer suffering.
All our love,
Cindy and Pete
Sherry, Graham, Paige and the Cronk Family,
With great sadness I write Rest in Peace Gary. You will be sorely missed. With your passing we have a large void in our family.
Please know you are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
We are sending love and strength.
Take good care,
Love to all,
Cindy, Tyler and Kayleigh
To the Cronk family. So sorry to read about Gary’s passing on facebook this morning. I had no idea he had been sick.
We worked together in the plumbing and pipefitting trade for years. All over Victoria and Alberta.
He was always happy and a good tradesman. Keep on cruising Gary and rest in peace.
We know that you are blessed with wonderful memories of Gary. May it be soon that they can ease the pain of your loss.
My heartfelt condolences to Brother Gary and his family & friends. May he R.I.P.
Very sorry for your loss Brethren Howie, Ron, & Mark.
Much Love!
My Condolences to all of Gary’s family. Such good memories when all our boys where growing up.
Such great memories we hold deep in our hearts.
Gary went way to young. He got to see his first Grandchild. What a blessing.
You will never be forgotten Gary. Rest in peace.
The love is out there for a good man.
Many years a Neighbor and Friend.
Dear Cronks, sincere condolences. Such a tragedy for everyone. It hurts so much to lose people, but I always try and focus more on all the happy times we shared instead of the loss. Either way it is such a bitter pill. As a fellow parent i can only imagine how this magnifies the greif. I hope your family gets to finally heal over Gary’s passing. Who doesn’t love a Chevy guy? Lots of love Andrew d
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the whole Cronk family. May you find comfort in each other to get through this very difficult time. Gary will forever be remembered through all the love you shared with him.
What a wonderful obituary. Graham you look so much like your father. I am thinking of you at this difficult time wondering what I can do to help. This is part of a poem
When your father dies, say the Irish,
you lose your umbrella against bad weather.
May his sun be your light, say the Armenians.
When your father dies, say the Welsh,
you sink a foot deeper into the earth.
May you inherit his light, say the Armenians.
When your father dies, say the Canadians,
you run out of excuses. May you inherit
his sun, say the Armenians.
When your father dies, say the French,
you become your own father.
May you stand up in his light, say the Armenians.
So sorry for to hear of Gary’s passing. Fond memories of high school and beaver lake and Cordova bay parties, and crossing paths with Gary. He was truly a kind soul.