Obituary of Pat Crone

Interrupting his mother’s plans to celebrate, James Patrick “Pat” Crone was born on New Year’s Eve 1954.  Pat was taken from us on Thursday April 4, 2024 after a gutsy and tenacious fight with the cancer beast.  To say that we are all saddened beyond words is an understatement.

Pat attended Chatham Collegiate Institute, Lake Superior State and Sheridan Colleges.  He thought he’d be a hockey player early on but music became his life, work, and passion.

A talented and respected drummer, Pat played professionally for over 50 years.  Most notably with the Ken Crone Jazz Trio and the popular rock band Manpower, among many others.  He recorded and worked with some of the best musicians in Southwestern Ontario and Michigan and loved the camaraderie and opportunity to entertain.  He also enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience with hundreds of students as a drum teacher for over 40 years.

Pat was a talented artist too.  His artwork hangs in many homes and businesses in Chatham-Kent and beyond.

He and Elaine shared a great love for any beach, antiquing, road trips, photography and getting together for fun and libations with friends and family.  A font of trivia for everything from old movies, art, music, history, politics, sports, and current affairs, Pat was never short on conversation (or sarcasm J). We all enjoyed his story telling.

There’s plenty of evidence that Pat was an incurable packrat of memorabilia and “stuff”. Pat had a love affair with his “M&M’s” the Miami Dolphins and the Montreal Canadiens, butter tarts, and fresh strawberries.  He was truly a great guy to hang out with and we’ll miss everything about him from the depth of our hearts.

Pat is predeceased by his parents, Anastasia (nee Mullen)(2000), and Ken Crone (2019), his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

Left behind to remember him always are his love of 47 years, Elaine Brosseau, his loving brother and sister and their spouses: Mike Crone & Robyn, Carolyn Broadbent & Mike and nephews and nieces, Mark Broadbent (Kim), Matt Broadbent (Michelle) and Natalie Jubenville (Jordan), and Spencer and Chloe Crone.  He’ll be missed by great niece and nephews Alex, Zac, Nick, Emily, Bruce and Jim.

Also, much adored by Elaine’s family: mother Louise Brosseau, sister Judy and brother Kenny (Lucy) and the late Diane Bushey (Brad) and nieces and nephews Jessica Barton (Adam) and kids Ella-Belle and Abbigale, Vanessa Lane (Steve) and kids Diane and Harry, and Drew and Kaiden Bushey.

Survived by and loved by his mother’s remaining family, Uncles Dan and Terry Mullen and Aunt Elizabeth Haering (Denis), Aunt Gail (Mike Mullen-2014) and numerous cousins, all of whom he cherished.

We’d like to thank Dr. Lindsey Sutherland for her special care and concern, nurse Mary Beth Cadotte and colleagues at VON, HCCSS, Doctors and care teams at CKHA, London, and Windsor Cancer Clinics.  A most special thank you to the wonderful staff at CK Hospice where Pat received the best of care in his final days.

Thank you too to all of our family, friends and neighbours who were there when needed and helped in countless ways.

Cremation has taken place and as per Pat’s wishes, there will be no public service. He preferred to be remembered privately.  His suggestion: Crank your playlist to 10 and pay special attention to the drummer!!”

Donations in tribute can be made to Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, VON, the Chatham Concert Band or charity of your choice would be appreciated.

And when the night is cloudy
there is still a light that shines on me
shine on ‘till tomorrow, let it be, let it be.
                                    Lennon & McCartney