The family of Joe Cronin announces the sudden and all too soon passing of this good man on March 14, 2018 in Leduc, Alberta. Joe’s unexpected death due to undiagnosed heart disease occurred six days following his 66th birthday.
Joe is survived by his son Stephen (Angie), daughter Shannon and beloved grandsons Drayden and Hudson. He is also survived by sister Jane (Jim) and brothers Michael (Susan) and Patrick (Shiho); step mother Juanita and family; sisters-in-law Trish Woods (Martin) and Cathy Mehle (Paul) and many nieces and nephews.
Joe was predeceased by his wife Judy in 2016, and his parents Helen Doherty (1979) and Walter Cronin (2012).
Joe was born in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1952, the eldest of four children. Joe grew up in Mississauga, Ontario and came to Alberta in 1974 where he lived the remaining years of his life.
He worked hard all his life, primarily in law enforcement and industrial safety. He particularly valued his years at Ledcor and held the company in high regard. He retired in 2017.
Joe will be remembered as a thoughtful, hardworking, plain-spoken man. He loved his family and quietly went about doing what was necessary to provide for them. He asked little in return, but so enjoyed a road trip driving a fine vehicle and seeing new sights in his beautiful 5th wheel, special time with his son and grandsons, and an occasional rum and coke(!) Camping trips with Drayden were a special joy.
Some might say that Joe faced more than his share of challenges throughout his life, but through it all, he remained steadfast and worked his way through. He was a patient and kind man. Joe listened more than he spoke. As the years passed, Joe came to express himself more and reach out to his family. We are so grateful for the family visits to Vancouver and White Rock.
The past few years were difficult as he provided devoted and loving care to Judy as she endured declining health and the end of her life. They were a remarkable couple. In the short time since her passing, Joe secured Shannon’s future and fulfilled her wish to live on her own as independently as possible. Again, Joe showed resilience and quiet dignity as he did what was needed with determination, patience and kindness. He spent as much time as possible with Stephen, of whom he was so proud.
In the last year of his life, Joe came to a place of relative calm and peace. He looked forward to traveling abroad. Our last family celebration of his birthday was highlighted by conversation in anticipation of his planned trip to Mauritius for a family wedding, a stop in Amsterdam and a stop in Geneva to visit his youngest brother and family.
It’s fair to say that Joe left this world at peace, excited about the future and knowing he was loved.
A Celebration of Joe’s Life will take place at St. David’s United Church, 4614 – 48 Street, Leduc on Tuesday March 27, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial Donations may be made in Joe’s name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Edmonton branch.
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