Patrick Charles Cronin, 87, passed away peacefully July 17 doing what he loved, and was where he wanted to be, Deer Bluff Pasture. He truly lived each day fully, embraced each challenge with a smile, and loved his family with all his heart.

Pat was born Dec. 27, 1928, to Joe and Emma Cronin. He was the eighth of nine children. Pat grew up riding horses, raising cattle, and working on the family ranch. His love of the outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping, and being a family man are just a few of his many passions. His role as the family patriarch was of the most importance to him, there wasn’t an event he missed, even driving for hours to attend a birthday party or sporting event. He taught everyone in his family what matters most, a long drive around Drewsey, listening to his stories, sitting in the “Golden Chair” quietly visiting, looking for animals or just singing to the radio. He was quick to belt out a tune or do a quick jig just to get someone to laugh when they needed it most. He will be remembered daily, because of the impact he left on so many lives. His conviction for family is clearly passed on in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. One of his great grandchildren said after his passing, “Oh no, what are we going to do? he’s the King of our family.” We quickly responded with, “He always will be.”

Aug. 20, 1948, Pat married the love of his life, Lavina Joyce Queen. They spent their life together, happily raising three children, Joe, Jim, and Candy, in addition to being parent role models to many other people throughout their lives. They enjoyed many camping and hunting adventures along with many trips to Reno.

Pat left the ranch in 1954 and moved his family to Burns where he went to work for Edward Hines Lumber Company. In 1969, he took a job for Pappy Ford at Roseburg Forest Products. He was a sawyer until 1977 when he became a foreman. After 36 years in the sawmills, he retired. Their love of Harney County was embedded in his heart and they returned in 1990.  He was thrilled to be back around family. His grandchildren started arriving and he enjoyed every minute. In September, he met his first great-great-granddaughter, what a special meeting that was, joy filled the room.

Pat graciously welcomed anyone who showed up on his doorstep. He was always filled with stories, entertaining all who surrounded him with his beautiful, soothing voice. Many have watched him strike up a conversation with anyone and the people are immediately enamored of his personality. His gift for storytelling was inspiring and he had a memory that fascinated all around.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents: Joe and Emma; and siblings, Clarinda, Clarence, Ina, Mike, Toots, Eunice, and Jesse.

He is survived by his brother, Harvey and wife, Patsy; children, Joe and wife, Gaye, Jim and wife, Darlene, Candy, and husband, Kim; grandchildren, Bobbi Jo, Bryan, Dirk, Tami, Corrie, Dan, Ty, Heather, Tara, Luke, Mindy Jo; great-grandchildren, Max, Owen, Marc, Harlen, Paige, Liam, Kale, Hayden, Breyer, Sam, Josie and Maylee Jane; and great-great-grandchild, Adalynne.

Grief never ends, but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. It is the price of love. And boy, oh boy was this man loved.

Contributions in Pat Cronin’s memory may be made to either the N.R.A. or the Drewsey Cemetery Fund.