John Porter Crone

John Crone of Victoria, British Columbia, died peacefully on April 24, 2026, after a very long life well-lived. John’s family will mourn and miss him but are comforted in the knowledge that he is now at peace.

John was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on May 17, 1930 to his late parents Robert and Anna (nee Porter) Crone. John was one of four children and enjoyed close bonds with his three sisters throughout their lives.

John was predeceased by his parents, his beloved daughter Jenny Schmit (nee Crone), and sisters Shelagh Miller and Valerie Wood. He is survived by his “bride” of 72 years, Christine (nee Evans) Crone, sister Norma Harrs, children Judy Perrin, Mike Crone (Delayne Sartison), Wendy Boisvenue and Jackie Wegren, son-in-law Gary Schmit, grandchildren Scott (Tara), Stephanie, Liam, Anna, McKenna and Jack, and many nieces and nephews.

John was educated and achieved a Chartered Accountant (Fellow) designation in Belfast (1952) before embarking on a distinguished career that began in accounting firms in the UK and India, but concluded in various executive and Board roles in the oil and gas industry of western Canada. The bulk of John’s career was with Home Oil, a firm based in Calgary, Alberta that he served through posts in Calgary, Tulsa Oklahoma, and London England and involved significant international travel, including throughout the Middle East.

John met the love of his life, Christine (“Chris”), while conducting an accounting audit of her employer in a London suburb. The two married in the UK in 1954 and soon after moved to India for John’s work and a huge adventure. They made the further courageous decision to immigrate to Canada in 1957, settling in Calgary – with stints in Tulsa and London – before moving to Victoria, their home since 1980.

John and Chris found time, when their brood of five children was finally launched, to enjoy extensive travel together to all parts of Europe, the Middle East, and South America to name just some of their destinations.

John enjoyed walking and fitness, but was passionate about golf throughout his life and was a member of Uplands Golf Club for 45 years. John was also active in his community, especially during his time in Victoria, where he was a dedicated member of and volunteer at St. George’s Anglican Church, an active member of [Probus], strata council representative (while living at Wedgewood Point), and board member of non-profits helping those less fortunate in Victoria.

John was loved, admired and respected by all of those fortunate enough to know him during his long life. He always left the organizations and people he encountered in a better place and will be missed by so many.

John was a loving and supportive father who would do everything possible to help ensure the success and happiness of each of his children. John’s family are deeply grateful to the committed staff of Berwick House, Shelbourne who cared so lovingly for John during his final years.

A celebration of life will be held for John at First Memorial Funeral Home, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC commencing at 10am on Saturday May 16, 2026. Donations in John’s memory can be made to Our Place Society https://www.ourplacesociety.com/ in lieu of flowers.