Herbert Cronin

Herbert Cronin

1920-11-04 2005-03-18
CRONIN, Herbert Bennett 1920 - 2005
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our Dad and Grandpa. Herb passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 18, 2005.

Herb was born on November 4, 1920 in Saskatoon and attended St. Mary's School and Bedford Road Collegiate. He enlisted in the RCAF and proudly served overseas in World War II. On his return to Saskatoon, Herb met Barb Raskob and they were married in July 1949 and enjoyed 54 years of marriage before he lost his beloved Barb in December 2003.

In the early 1950s Herb joined Medical Services Incorporated (MSI). He became General Manager and guided the company through the difficult transition years following the introduction of Medicare. Herb retired as Executive Director in 1983.

Our Dad enjoyed time spent at the family cottage at Blackstrap Lake, particularly out on the water fishing with his friend Harold Sugarman. Dad and Mom enjoyed traveling for business and pleasure but especially loved time spent in Hawaii. Duplicate bridge was Dad's passion. He was one of the few players in Saskatoon to achieve the level of Gold Life Master. He was still playing bridge four times a week up until the time of his death. Through the years Dad enjoyed the fellowship and support of his many bridge partners; special thanks to Vivian Orban and Harold Jones.

Herb's family and friends will miss his big heart, generous spirit and sharp wit. He always enjoyed family gatherings, especially when they included Irish music sing-a-longs. Herb and Barb raised a close-knit family of six children, thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Herb is survived by his sisters Vera McCabe, Eileen Arsenault, Sheila (George) Rusich, and his brothers Bernard (Marg) Cronin and Emmett (Mary) Cronin. Herb is also survived by his six children: Sheila (Vic) Adams, children Shannon (Barclay) Patterson (great-grandson Bryden), Todd and Heather; Gerry (Trish) Cronin, children Dan, Meghann (Dave) Veinot (great-granddaughter Belle), and Aidan; Tom Cronin, children, Matthew and Michael; Patti (Billy) Johnston, children Liam and Brenna; Danny (Kate) Cronin, children Kelly and Ryan; Kevin (Diana) Cronin, children Desmond, Angela (Frank) Gatto, Anthony and Rebeka. Dad was blessed to have spent the last year in the loving care of Susana and Jim Szabo and family. Susana formed a wonderful bond with Herb as both his caregiver and friend. Our family extends a heart-felt thank you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society(438 2ND Ave. South Saskatoon SK. S7K 2C3) or the Heart and Stroke Foundation (279 3rd, Ave. North Saskatoon SK. S7K 2H7) The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Ray Senger at 10:00am on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at St. Francis Xavier Church (222 Willow Street) with interment Rite of Committal following at 1:30pm at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Arrangements have been entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME.

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