Mick Cronin

GATES - Mick Cronin passed away peacefully on Monday, February 19th.Mick was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho. He had 3 brothers and 2 sisters. He spent his early years riding bulls on the rodeo circuit. During this time he met and married his best friend, Kathie, now his wife of 43 years. They had 3 boys, Kevin, Kyle, and Kurt and one daughter, Kimberly. Mick was a devoted and loving father and husband. He spent time coaching his boys in little league baseball, taking his family camping, dancing with his wife and living in his dream home on the river.Mick worked for the Bureau of Land Management for 17 years. Back in 1990 Mick was hired to help with Salem BLM’s expanding volunteer program. Mick recruited Student Conservation Association volunteers from across the US and around the world. Many came to spend the summer working as “owl hooters” to determine spotted owl counts. He also recruited many summer park rangers and campground hosts for BLM recreation sites throughout Oregon.In 2004 he took on additional duties of Salem BLM Wild Horse Coordinator. This required setting up wild horse adoptions and inspecting wild horses adopted in NW Oregon. Suited up in his cowboy boots and hat Mick spent many hours visiting with new horse owners, helping them with the challenges of adopting a BLM wild horse. Mick’s motto was “Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life”.Mick touched so many lives and everyone that knew him fondly remembered him with lots of laughter. He was very opinionated and passionate in his beliefs. He had many friends. People gravitated towards him to hear his entertaining and colorful stories and jokes.Mick not only lived life to the fullest, he truly lived his dream with his life long love Kathie and his beloved family. He has left them with priceless memories filled with love and given them the magnificent gift of laughter. He has left behind a legacy that will not be forgotten and the lives he has touched will be better for having known him.We love you Mick. Thank you for all the magnificent memories of love and laughter. In lieu of a service or flowers, Mick wanted you to all to have a happy day in his memory.