Bruce Cronk was no ordinary man – he was different, unique and extraordinary.
Often referred to as ‘the monkey guy’ for his work caring for orphaned vervet monkeys alongside his wife, Sandi, Bruce was described as a free spirit and a placid soul, and anyone who had the pleasure and privilege of an encounter with him could attest to this.
Sandi pointed out Bruce was in fact a champion for all animals.
“Bruce would never pass an animal, or a person for that matter, without stopping to help,” said Sandi.
Bruce first came to Vryheid at the age of 19 years old, when he was working for Telkom – which was still part of the Post Office at the time.
When he and Sandi met in 2000, he had already left his position at the postal service, and together the couple started the Vervet Monkey Sanctuary, now known as the Wild Animal Trauma Centre and Haven (WATCH).
It began as one small enclosure in 2001, housing seven monkeys.
Bruce and Sandi’s dream materialised in 2006, when the vervet rehabilitation centre was finally registered, and over the years, Bruce in particular dedicated his time and commitment to its cause.
It wasn’t long before he became known near and far as ‘the guy who looks after monkeys’ or the ‘monkey man’.
There was far more to Bruce than monkeys however, and his sudden passing on July 15 has left many heartbroken and sorrowful, faced with the loss of not only a good friend to so many, but an adoring husband to Sandi, a loving father to three sons, James, Luellin and Gary, and their respective wives, Sherrie, Catherine and Marijke. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Tammy, Deylah, Faith, Kiara, Liam and Daegen.
“He was loved greatly and shall be very dearly missed,” read his funeral pamphlet.
A memorial service was held for Bruce Barry Cronk on July 23 at his Zaailaagte home, a fitting send off for a true hero to the people and animals of the Vryheid area.
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