CRONIN, WALTER - The family of Walter Cronin announces the passing of this fine man on April 14, 2012, at age 83. His last moments were surrounded by his loving wife and children. Walter is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years Juanita (Bentley) and three sons and one daughter: Joseph (Judy Robertson); Jane (James Emmerton); Michael (Susan Whitfield) and Patrick (Shiho Sakai); as well as three step-sons: Jim (Jane Martindale); Rod (Julie Wood); and Craig. Walter is also survived by sisters - Marie Foley and Kathleen Newell - and seven grandsons (Stephen, Adam, Michael, Mathew, Joshua, Jacob and Liam), five granddaughters (Shannon, Julia, Katie, Bianca and Meaghan), and two great-grandsons (Draydon and Phillip). Walter was predeceased in 1979 by his first wife Helen Doherty after 27 years of marriage, and his beloved parents – John and Susan Cronin- and sister and brothers – Irene, Frank, Daniel and Vincent. Walter was born in Bath, New Brunswick on May 27, 1928 and attended Bath High School and Woodstock Vocational School. In 1949 he began a 40 year career with the Swift Canadian Company (later Canada Packers Inc.), retiring in 1989 as Sales and Marketing Director. He greatly valued the many and enduring friendships he developed during this successful career. His large retirement party was a truly memorable event attended by colleagues, family and competitors alike. All agreed that every business meeting or social event was greatly enhanced by Walter’s larger-than-life presence. He stayed close to these friends after retirement, including many years as a member of the Carasauga Golfing Group in Mississauga. Following this retirement, Walter and Juanita purchased a condominium on a golf course in Vero Beach, Florida where they spent 22 wonderful winters playing golf and socializing with their many friends from all over the US and Canada. At the centre of his very being, Walter was a family man – greatly loved and proud of his family’s successes in life. He often described himself as a fortunate man. He celebrated life, enjoyed people, good food, wine, interesting conversation and congenial company. He was a great storyteller in the Irish tradition. It was a pleasure to be in his company. Walter was a true gentleman, with a love for his family that fills us with gratitude, pride and inspiration of ‘how to be in this world’. He loved Helen, the mother of his children dearly, and after she died, found love anew with Juanita. Their home was a warm and welcoming place for their blended family and for their good friends. The values and work ethic Walter acquired growing up in a large, loving family in Bath, New Brunswick in another era provided a solid foundation that served him well throughout his life. He believed in family, the value of work, fun, striving to do your best, having a positive outlook, and looking for the good in every one. Those of us who were blessed to know and love Walter will miss him and strive to honor the memory of a gracious and honorable man.
Visitation will be at Turner and Porter Funeral Home, 2180 Hurontario Street, on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St Christopher’s Roman Catholic Church, 1171 Clarkson Rd. N., at 11am on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. A reception will follow immediately in the lower level of the church. Special thanks is extended long-time Family Physician Dr. Peter Bolland, Oncologist Dr. Jeffery Myers and Palliative Care Physician Dr. Asha Gupta and their dedicated staff. The family requests that in lieu of flowers a kind donation may be made to the Ian Anderson House or the Carlo Fidani Peel Regional Cancer Centre. Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca.