What do you do when the words to encompass a friends life have escaped you? When words have left because you are sad and disheartened. You barrow someone else's!!!

Mary Elizabeth Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!)

This poem represents everlasting presence. So for me Mike Cronk lives on when I experience:

True Friendship
Humor
Acts of Kindness
Sarcasm (Mike loved Sarcasm!!)
Xanax (LOL)
Bad Jokes (by bad, I mean the kind you wouldn't tell your mother)
Did I mention Sarcasm!!
Dark Framed Glasses
Last but certainly not least, I will think of Mike and his Everlasting Presence whenever there is a Detroit Tigers game played!
Be at rest Mike knowing you have an everlasting presence not only my life but in many others lives as well!

My Dear Michael,
You were such a special kid when we first met. The evenings we spent practicing your spelling words while I waited for Tom to pick me up. We recently talked about those times this past January and now you are suddenly gone. It is hard to understand that you are really no longer with us but our love for you will always be with us.......Tom and Pam

Mike  we shared many great times together in the past. I am so sorry that our paths went different ways and we did not keep in touch as much as we should of . I hope our paths cross again. I love you and miss you.

My Dear Friend Michael,
It has now takin me weeks to bring myself to write something and yet I still do not know where to start.
You were a huge part of my life; a friend, a boss, a father figure. I am a lot of who I am today because of you. So many memories! I enjoyed our breakfasts together. We did that for many months and looked forward to each and every one. I could go on and on with my memories of you and I treasure every single one.
I also have a regret. I regret us not staying in contact in the past nine years after being friends for so much longer then that. 
I also want to say thank you for coming to me in my dreams over the past week. "They" say, the dead come to see you in your dreams. And, I am so grateful to have been able to meet up with you again in your spiritual being. We had such a great friendship and I miss you. I missed you before you went to the other side and shame on me for not renewing our friendship.
You are so truly missed!
We will meet again my friend!
Your Friend Always,
Terri

My hearts been ripped out! He was my brother! I knew Mike 50+ years. We grew up in the old neighborhood. He was one of the original "Grandville Rebels". I was always the leader of the pack, but the truth is I looked up to him and followed him. We both shared a passion for baseball and the Tigers. We spent a lot of time together. I am so angry he's gone, but then my anger is overcome by grief. I just saw him days before his death, and we made plans. I am so grateful to have had that last day with my best friend! I miss him already. I catch myself wanting to call him, then I remember that I can't.

Mike, you will be missed.
I remember the great times we shared and all the days we hung out. You were a great friend.
So long buddy. Love Ya

Mike, My old Friend, You are irreplacable. There has never been anyone quite like you, My Brother. Rest in the peace you so desperately needed these past few years.If I could say I ever loved another man, it was, and is, You. You will always be in my heart and mind. I Love You, Brother. Until we meet again, Rest easy, My Friend.

Mike was a giving and caring person. (Like a nurse).  It made him happy when he was able to make a positive change in someone else's life.
His home always reminded me of the area community center. People were always in & out and felt like they were at home when they were there. He treated everyone like family.

He cared so much for his mother and cared for her so well when she stayed with him.  It tore his heart out when she passed away.

He was my friend for 20+ years and saw me during my good & bad times. When others turned their back on me I knew I always had Mike on my side and I never felt completely alone. Even if I needed someone to talk to at 4am, he would be there.  He was my social worker, guidance counselor and psychologist ect... He was also very good for a smarta*# comment to make me laugh at myself and lighten a moment when I needed it.  We shared many laughs together.  His nickname for me was "My favorite crash test dummy!" after I obtained my recent disabilities. 

He lent his money quicker than a bank and others were aware of this.  He always believed that no one would take advantage of his kindness but unfortunately this wasn't true.  That did hurt him when someone didn't return what he gave to them but it didn't hinder the amount he would give to others. 

My daughter told me that a week or so before his passing, he contacted her and questioned her how I was doing.  He stated he was happy I was finally in a relationship where I was truly happy and loved.  
Throughout the years, there have been many men in my life and they all knew Mike was my best friend and if they couldn't accept that, they had to go away.

I have so many memories of going into Mike's office with him sitting in that chair like a king... or a Dr. and I would be sitting in one of the chairs surrounding him and spilling my guts about whatever was bothering me at that moment.  He would lean back, put his hands behind his head and listen for as long as it took.  Even throughout my goofy years, he always had the best advice after and never left me feeling stupid.  He always gave a big hug and a kiss right on the forehead and I left his home feeling loved and that everything was going to be OK.

I still can't bring myself to remove his phone number from my phone or throw away my key to his home.  I still keep the ticket from the Mettallica concert he took me to in my jewelry box and have some fantastic pictures of him displayed my home.  I loved him with all my heart.  He was part of my family.

Mike was a handsome man that took pride in the way he dressed and presented himself in public and I was always proud to be by his side.  He used to joke that he didn't hang out with ugly people and that as a manager and agent he represented beautiful people.  But in his personal life, he had no problem being friends and defending the people that were looked down on by others because of superficial things.  He had a true, good heart and I will miss him terribly.

Mike & I were good friends in high school, he was a great guy then! It is good to know he continued to touch the lives of so many in the years since that time. We were all blessed to have Michael in our lives at some time. Keep his memory alive and he will always be with us.

My Friend Mike Cronk
I don't have any cool or funny stories about Mike; I didn't know him when he was the crazy young man, living with Marty and Moe in his house. 
All I have is a testament to a man who was the best friend I ever had, and a good friend to many people. Mike and I became instant friends when I moved to Michigan in 1999. Mike took me under his wing when I moved to the US, he knew I didn't know how things worked, and he helped in more ways than I can ever say.
I got into trouble one night with Michigan's finest, when I wasn't home at my usual time he started to worry, I never thought of calling him, but he started calling all the police stations till he found me, and came and bailed me out, I was able to return the favor a few years later, that's how we were, anything, anytime, no questions asked.
During a time of unemployment, I remodeled Mike's bathroom, while he was away on vacation. When it was all done, Mike said I should go into business for myself doing home renovations. A few weeks later, I get a call from Mike telling me to get to the bar ASAP there was someone there I needed to talk to, the rest is history, it was my first home renovation and I've been doing it for 10 years now. 
A mutual friend bought a house that had old galvanized plumbing in it which gave her rusty water, and other issues. I went to Mike saying I would like to replace all the plumbing in her house as a house warming present, but said I couldn't afford to buy all the supplies and supply all the labor. I said that if he bought the materials, I would do the work, he thought about it for a heartbeat and said sure let's do it. He came over to see how I was doing one day, while he was there I cut myself real bad, I wrapped my thumb in whatever I could find, he jumped in his car to go get some band aids from the drug store, he came back with a complete first aid kit, saying “keep it, you're going to need in your line of work”. The kit is still in my trailer and gets used often.
When I was looking to buy a house he found one for me, it was right next to his house, there was a method to his madness, he had his handyman move in next door. Anything Mike need fixed he would call me he wouldn't even attempt fixing it. I remodeled his kitchen, put up his new fence, built a new deck, put up the retractable awning so his mother could sit outside. I even cut his grass and helped him with landscaping, something he hated doing. Mike helped me with all the issues of buying a house in Michigan, so different from buying one in Ontario, something I knew nothing about. With a purchase of a house I needed so many things, one day a mutual friend shows up, and in his truck was a BBQ, lawnmower, and a snow blower, the lawnmower was a gift from Mike, the BBQ I was able to buy for $250, again don't ask questions just pay the man, and the snow blower we went halves on because I would be doing his driveway too. Mike still has the snow blower; I left it there when I came back to Canada.
We did everything together, baseball games, hockey games, concerts, fish and chips on Friday nights, Milan Nations, went to sport memorabilia shows, and watched Band of Brothers over and over till we knew the lines by heart. We like the same TV shows and the same moves, Gunsmoke, Open Range, Tombstone, Deadwood, just to name a few. One year for my birthday he took me to see Paul McCartney at the palace. We even had the same person cleaning our houses and cutting our hair LOL. We spent Christmas, Thanksgiving and our birthdays together and would celebrate as my house with Tracy, and Heidi. We also got together as a group for many a good meal at my house, have missed those good times since I moved away.
I could tell what kind of day Mike had at work, when he got home if he grabbed his briefcase from the back seat of the car, it had been a good day, if he didn't, it had been a bad one and I was going to hear all about it, he would walk over let himself in sit down and start unloading. When he was finished he would get up say something like “stop by later” and be on his way, guess he had to get it off his chest before he went in a dealt with his mom.
He started collecting memorabilia from the 101 Airborne, (Band Of Brothers) I found a shoulder patch and a book written by Major Winters, which I gave to Mike, he soon had the patch proudly displayed with some things he had collected from the 101 Airborne. 
Mike was very proud of his baseball collection and had them everywhere, so one Christmas I built a case that would hold 200 balls, I was over there the next morning because he wanted it mounted right away, in no time at all it was full, I had no idea he had that many baseballs. He was very proud of his Babe Ruth, and Ty Cob balls those he kept in his safe. After the case was mounted he decided he was going to turn the basement into to his trophy room, we spent hours down there mount all his pieces, in no time at all there was no room left for anymore, that's how much he had collected over the years. I built a case for one of his favorite baseball bats, which used to stand in the corner of his office; in now time at all it was mounted on his office wall where he could see it from his desk.
If I have a funny story about Mike, it's this one, one night after work he went out with Chella Bella, I was already fast asleep when he got home, but there was such a ruckus going on outside it woke me up, I finally got out of bed and pulled on some shorts to go and see what the problem was. Mike was so drunk he could hardly stand, but the funny part was he couldn't get the key in the door to open the house, I let him in and gave him heck for driving home in that condition, those of you who know Mike will know what his response was.
Mike tried to talk me out of moving back to Canada, he said I had other family a lot closer to my parents that could help them out, he said why should you pack up and move back and loose everything, I just said it was something I had to do. He also told not to worry about the bank let them take the hit on the house, take your money with you, I should have listened to Mike, I lost the house the money and a great friend. One of the last things he said to me as I was leaving was “Now I have no body”.
Mike was truly the best friend I will ever have; we were more like brothers than friends. 
Mike, I love you, you will be missed. R.I.P., my dear friend.

Love you forever Mike, wish you could've visited Wyoming this summer like we planned. To our long-time friend, we'll see ya young man.

Rest in Peace, Mike.  My deepest sympathies to the Cronk Family.

My Uncle became more like a father to me after mine,(his brother Jack) passed in 2011. Knowing Mike, he felt a responsibilty to look out for me as my father would have,as he did for every single person in his life-For the entirety of his life-He was a very special man- a true one of a kind-tough as nails,but not in a grough, macho sort of way-with a sensitivity,with a knowing-He knew people. Most importanly,he knew what each and every one of them needed, needed to hear,their wants,and then provided them with that-I've never met a man that knew women,especially, as well as my Uncle Mike-And, he respected them,and treated them with respect-no matter what- That, my friends,(his friends) is a true gentleman-A rare find indeed-For those that knew him well,all can attest to the old cliche, he'd give you (anyone-well, almost...)the shirt off his back, or his car, or his house(Dean)...I miss him dearly, But..he is with his fav person- Ms.Lillian Randall. So I suppose I must bid you farewell for now-I didn't know it was possible to look up to, and admire someone so much-I realize now I did-R. Cronk

I have known mike since I was in elementary school, he was always there for me when I needed him. Him n my mom dated n he was always nothing short of amazing to me and my brothers. I remember a few yrs ago I was at his house for dinner and we shared the great memories we had from my childhood. I will miss him a lot n look forward to seeing him on the other side.

Rest in Peace Michael. You will be missed by all of us. Till we see each other again.

I met Mike 20+ years ago. He was a friend to so many, he will be greatly missed.

What an extremely caring person we have lost.  Mike thank you from the bottom of my heart for how you have positively effected my life.  Your concern for others will forever be appreciated.  God Bless You brother !

We only part to meet again.  Goodbye friend, you were a great person who we are happy to have known.  God Bless you Mike....

Mike, I am so thankful to have reunited and spend  some special time together. You were my first and forever  Love and will always hold a special place in my heart. 
Until we reunite again....

Mike, 
You were one Of the first people I met in Michigan.  I love you dearly. I cannot say goodbye to you ..... I will say so long for now my dear friend.

Mike .... You were one of the first people I met in Michigan ... You had a giant heart and a contagious laugh...I have so many amazing memories.  I cannot say goodbye.... I will say until we meet again my dear friend.....I love you and may God be with those you left behind.

God Bless you Mike, You were one o a kind, and will brighten Heaven, for sure!  We will alwys keep you in our hearts...

I didnt know you long, but your charm and passion had a big impact on me. Will always love you Mike.

Mike was one of the best people I have known in life.  He will truly be missed by those who knew him.

My beloved Mike, Words cannot express my feelings for you. I don't even know where to begin to explain my feelings for you. We have shared so much in our lifes. You taught me to grow up and face my responsibilties. I am so glad that God brought us back together. These last few months I am thankful for. May you be with your family, rest in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ. Your in a beautful place my love. I will miss you everyday of my life. I love you, you beloved friend Tina Stamper. P.S. I will see you again one day.

OBITUARY

Michael J. Cronk

March 6, 1954 – April 17, 2012

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

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