Mar. 27, 1932 - July 15, 2015
Eric died on July 15, 2015 after a long battle with heart disease. He was born on March 27, 1932 in Rochester, NY. Eric was raised and educated in Fairport, NY and graduated from Cornell University in 1954. He completed post graduate work at Syracuse in Recreational Landscaping. He worked in Fish and Game in Alaska, for the State of NY, and in 1960 moved to Carson City to take a position with the State Parks. He was promoted to State Park Director, and left in 1975 over a controversial purchase of land at the Springs Mountain Ranch in South Nevada. He began a second career in Reno as a Real Estate Broker, working for several offices and was active on the Reno Board of Realtors, holding both local and state offices. Eric was a long time member of the Kit Carson Toastmasters, and was also active in the Exchange Club. He served on the Sparks and Washoe County Park Commission. Eric was an avid skier, and loved winter mountaineering, and volunteered with the Junior Ski Program in Carson City. His tour of Nevada with Governor Laxalt while in State Parks gave him an appreciation of Basque food and Picon Punches which remain a staple of entertaining guests at home and at his wonderful cabin in Lassen County. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Catherine, his first wife Renae, daughters, Nadine Cronkhite - Watson (husband Jim) of Davis CA, Michelle Cronkhite of
Bozeman MT, Noelle Cronkhite - Marble (husband Tim) of Rio Linda, CA., stepson Glenn Bock (wife Tammy) of Sparks NV., Geoff Bock (wife Ilona) of Wolverine, Lake MI., 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, two nephews and two nieces. Eric was preceded in death by parents Ray and Ada Cronkhite, sister Jean Falone, sister Rae Shirley Brock, and three successive great dogs, Sam, Hombree, and Jake. A celebration of life will be held at 3:30, July 21, 2015 at Walton’s Funeral Home, 875 W. Second Street, Reno, NV. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you please visit one of Nevada’s State Parks. The family also invites you to leave a condolence message in the Book of Memories at www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com.
