One of San Quentin’s pioneers to the multitude of self-help / therapeutic programs that are in place today was paroled on April 13.
Don Cronk has been a fixture in helping himself by helping and serving others throughout the 25 years that he resided in San Quentin (1984-2009).
Cronk answered a series of questions, in which he has imparted the following: “I never thought for one moment when I rode through the sally port on the Grey Goose (Bus) in 1984, that I would serve my entire life sentence in one prison. Except for medical/legal reasons, I have been in San Quentin for 25 years continuous. I had served almost four years in county fighting my case, so all in all after almost 29 calendar years, I go home.
“My hope for all those I leave behind is that the process, after being found suitable by the BPH, is that your freedom comes quickly and not as difficult and often heart-breaking as it has been for us who have gone before you. My only advice is this, nothing truly good in life is free. One must always pay the cost and work hard, but faith and perseverance will get you what your heart desires. You know what it is you need to do, do it and you will be set free. I will miss many and others I hope to never see again (staff & inmates alike), although I wish no harm to anyone. I was not perfect and often failed my walk, but I believe Jesus Christ set me free. My life-changing scripture is 1 Timothy 1:12-18.
“I hope to help bring about change from outside and I am already committed to several projects you don’t yet know about, but soon will. Take care, good luck, and never, ever, give up! Don Cronk.”
