Dr. Cronin of Grants Pass, Ore., died Thursday, July 17, 2003, at his home. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 26, 2003, at Parkway Christian Center with Pastor Dennis Webber officiating. Private interment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.Those wishing may make memorial contributions to SPARC Enterprises, 1990 NW Washington Blvd, Grants Pass, OR 97526; or to UC Davis, The M.I.N.D. Institute (for autistic studies), 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817.

He was born Timothy Eugene Cronin on Nov. 8, 1951 in Pittsburgh. On Aug. 13, 1983 in Sacramento he married the former Cheryl A. Kvanvig. After high school graduation he went to UC Davis Medical Center, where he completed his undergraduate studies, internship, and residency.

In 1984 he graduated Magna Cum Laude and held a lifetime alumni association. He was a board- certified fellow of the Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. In 1983 he spent four months in the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 1984 he moved to Grants Pass from Sacramento. Since 1984 he had practiced as an orthopedic surgeon, specializing in sports medicine. Dr. Cronin had been the team doctor for the Del Saito's Martial Arts Karate Team since its inception. He was involved with the Amateur Athletic Union of the U.S. National Karate Program, where he volunteered his medical expertise in local and national competitions. He was named Oregon AAU Volunteer of the year 2002. Also, for 10 years he had been the team doctor for the Grants Pass High School football team.

He served as the past chief of staff for the former Southern Oregon Medical Center, and the medical director at the Grants Pass Surgery Center. He was a member of the American Medical Association, Oregon Medical Association, Josephine County Medical Society, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery.

His many community activities included a very active role in developing the All Sports Park from its conception in 1991. Since 1985, he had been supporting and giving to the community through the Rotary Club. He volunteered his time and money to see many community projects accomplished and was known as a team player. His machinist abilities enabled him to make many things, including a special orthopedic screw for a surgical procedure.

He enjoyed scuba diving, river rafting, performing magic tricks (slight of hand card tricks), building black powder rifles and steam boat engines. He also worked on several projects with his son, including a fishing rod from scratch, and a Cobra kit car.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Cronin; son, Rory Cronin; daughter, Chelsea Cronin; all of Grants Pass; his parents, Mary "Corky" Cronin of Sacramento, California; and Dr. Herbert Cronin of Carson City, Nevada; brothers, Patrick Cronin of Acampo, Calif. and Brian Cronin of Sacramento; and sister K.C. Kathleen Medina of San Francisco.

Published in the Sacramento Bee on 7/24/2003.