Alexander Read Cronin was born in 1978 in Littleton, New Hampshire, just over the border of Vermont — a place that shaped his lifelong love of woods, water, and things with wheels.

He grew up surrounded by nature and family, spending his early years hunting in Vermont and the Adirondacks, fishing in Lake Champlain, camping in the Boundary Waters, and tinkering with anything powered by an engine or a spark.

Known to many as Adirondack Red, Read brought a singular presence into every room he entered. A “one of one,” he had a quick wit, a generous spirit, and a restless, inventive mind that seemed always to be solving, building, or imagining something new.

Whether working with motorcycles, remote-control cars, or drones, he carried a lifelong fascination with motion, mechanics and speed.

Read was, above all, devoted to the people he loved. As a father, he delighted in sharing his passions with his daughter Teddy, as well as with his niece and nephew Saffron and Misha.

He was never happier than when teaching, guiding, or simply spending time together, whether taking “one more loop” in the Gator, heading out for another round at the target range, fixing a two-stroke motor just by the sound of it over a long-distance call, or waiting patiently in the woods for the elusive big buck.

Though the forest always felt like home, Read spent the last two decades of his life in Montecito, California, where he immersed himself in the daily rhythms of raising Teddy, honing his knife-making skills, and giving generously of himself.

Read was warm, funny, and deeply feeling — a devoted father, son, brother, uncle, and friend — and deeply loved by those fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his parents Ted and Susie Cronin of Montecito; brother C. Wright Cronin (Rebecca Weisman) of Richmond, Vermont; daughter Teddy Cronin; niece and nephew Saffron and Misha Cronin; and his beloved dog Lexi

His family will be honoring him in a private ceremony in October in the Adirondack woods.