Keith Cronkhite

                                                               In Loving Memory of Allen “Keith” Cronkhite*

Allen “Keith” Cronkhite passed away at the age of 76 at the Upper River Valley Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Keith was, above all else, a fighter. Throughout his life, he faced whatever came his way with strength, determination, and unmistakable courage—but never without the kindness that was so much a part of who he was.

*A Life Well Lived*

Keith was a true lover of the outdoors. He found joy in everything nature had to offer—from plants and trees to wildlife and fishing.

Keith loved animals, especially his beloved dog, Bella. He had many interests that kept his mind and spirit active. He loved music, church, YouTube, learning new things, and working on puzzles. He loved all things history and was an avid storyteller. Keith could take almost any subject and turn it into a story, and he would happily talk to anyone who was willing to listen. He was a knowledgeable man, always curious about the world around him and eager to share what he knew. He never seemed to stop learning.

Keith was a social man who had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. His stories, knowledge, and memories were a part of the way he connected with people. Even during his most recent days in the hospital, he could often be found helping others—whether by offering advice, lending a listening ear, or simply holding the door. One fellow patient told his family that Keith had made their stay brighter, and there could be no better reflection of the kind of man he was.

Keith loved to joke and tease and always knew how to have a good time. He brought humour and positivity wherever he went and had a way of making those around him smile. He was a tough old guy through and through, but his strength was always matched by his kindness.

*Those He Leaves Behind*

Survived by his loving wife, Ann Marie Cronkhite, sister Kelly Little (Stephen), sister-in-law Patty Cronkhite, June Alward (Paul), Connie Nichol, Christopher Wurglar (Robin), daughter Tiffany Koops (Erik), sons Matthew Dickie (Christina), Shane Dickie (Erin), Trevor Dickie (Sandra), and his special fishing buddy (cousin), Earlin Phillips.

As well as his nieces, Katrina Cronkhite, Christa Cronkhite, Kaylee Little, and nephew Daniel Cronkhite (Sarah).

His grandchildren: Maddison, Mya, Malika, Hayden, Avrey, Karli, Brielle, Caliya, Declan, and Cleo.

Keith was predeceased by his father Earl Daniel Cronkhite (Geraldine), mother Verna Winnifred Tompkins (Walter), his brother Dale Earl Cronkhite, granddaughter Arabella Alice Dickie, and nephews Jordan Little and Glenn Dale Bruce.

*Family, Love and the Things He Cherished*

More than anything, Keith’s family meant the world to him. His family was where he found his greatest joy, and the relationships he shared with them were some of the most important parts of his life.

Keith and his wife, Ann Marie, did everything together. They loved going to the water and taking pictures, spending time in Redbridge, driving around, boating together, and Keith especially enjoyed Ann Marie’s baked goods and homemade bread. In more recent times, they found joy in their visits to St. John, staying at hotels by the water when they travelled for his hospital visits. Even during a difficult chapter of their lives, they found ways to make memories together. Ann Marie was the light of Keith’s world. He loved her deeply and treated her like a queen and knew he was truly blessed to have her by his side.

Keith and his daughter “Tiffy” were always razzing each other, and could get each other going like no other. One of their running jokes came when Tiffy would ask him, “Do you need to go up?” referring to taking him up to the hospital. Keith would get pissed off and say he was fine, but any time he did actually need to go- Tiffany was there. During Keith’s battle with cancer, Tiffany was someone he could always count on, just as he had always been to her. Keith was who she’d call whenever she needed advice, help with something or an errand run and Keith always happily answered that call.

Keith and his son-in-law Erik, whom Keith lovingly coined “Big Guy,” shared a special bond. Keith would pick Erik up for work, and the two would start their mornings together with a coffee and a fishing rod.

Maddison, Mya, and Malika were proudly known as “Papa’s Baby Girls” and they brought so much joy and light into Keith’s life. He could often be found running them to and from sports, school drop-offs and pick-ups. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. Keith was especially proud that Malika, whom he called “Blondie,” took an interest in fishing. He loved teaching her how to fish and seeing her take an interest in something he loved so much.

Keith was the type of guy that if he said he was going to do something - he’d do it, if you said you needed something - he’d get it, and if he said he was coming at a certain time —you knew he’d arrive an hour early. That was Keith—dependable, devoted, and always ready to show up for the people he loved.

*A Story that will live on*

Keith fought hard for every extra day he was given. He fought for his family, for the people he loved, and for the time he had left to share his stories, his laughter, and his kindness. Keith was a man of faith, and now that his fight is over his family takes solace knowing he can now rest peacefully. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and PSWs in the Emergency Room and 2 East at URVH. Your compassion, kindness, and exceptional care over the past few months brought immense comfort to our family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday August 30, 2026, from the Bellville Baptist Church from 3 to 6 PM.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday August 31, 2026 @ 2PM from the Church.

Interment will be held in the Lindsay Cemetery at a later date.

If so desired, donations can be made to the NBBFA or River Valley Cancer Support Group