Richard Hughes Cronshey

Richard Cronshey, 59, passed away peacefully at home on December 5, 2025, just two weeks and one day after receiving an unexpected diagnosis of stage IV metastatic cancer. His passing was quiet and surrounded by love.

Rich was born and raised in Southern California. At the age of 15, he moved to Logandale, Nevada. Adventurous and intellectually curious, Rich first discovered his love of travel in high school as a foreign exchange student in the Netherlands. It was an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for travel, language, culture, and human connection.

Richard graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Minor in Chinese Mandarin. His travels took him throughout Europe and Asia, where he lived for several years teaching English as a second language. He later earned his license in massage therapy, reflecting his dedication to healing and service.

As a gifted writer with a deep love for language and literature, Rich was the Co-Founder of Otis Nebula. Rich published several books of poetry and was well respected in the writing community. He continued writing faithfully until his final days.

When Rich’s mom became terminally ill, he returned from Asia to help care for her. Her passing on December 5, 2001,  profoundly shaped his path and led him into hospice work, where he found his calling.

Rich pursued a career as a Mental Health Counselor and spent many years as a Chaplain and Bereavement Facilitator. He held certifications in Bereavement Counseling and was a Board-Certified Chaplain through the College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy. Richard later earned his Master of Science degree in Counseling / Clinical Mental Health from the University of Phoenix.

A practicing Tibetan Buddhist, Rich was known for his quiet presence, gentle humor, and compassionate spirit. He found joy in simple, meaningful moments such as writing, meditating, sharing thoughtful conversations, drinking good coffee, and listening to music of all kinds.

Rich is preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry and Marie Chase, Richard and Floribel Cronshey, and his parents, Robert and Rosemary Cronshey. Richard is survived by his sons, Sam (aka Kid) and Nick; his sister, Liz (Larry); nieces and nephews, Ryan, Ashley (Ryan), Jake (Mariel), Madelyn, Lucy, and Jack; and many beloved bonus nieces and nephews.

A Tibetan Buddhist ceremony will be performed by Lhamo Khandro. We’ll be doing Buddhist prayers related to Chenrezig (pronounced Chen-re-zee), the Buddha of compassion. A small celebration of life will follow on Saturday, December 27th at 11 AM Pacific time. The location will be at the Moapa Valley Mortuary 5090 N. Moapa Valley Blvd., Logandale, Nevada. Friends and family are invited to sign our online guest book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com

Our family would like to thank Dixie Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and extraordinary care. We would also like to thank Brian Rebman at the Moapa Valley Mortuary for his professionalism and personal friendship though this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations kindly made to tahrimarpoling.org; in Richard’s honor; would be received with deep gratitude.