Toronto-born Cradock worked in mining and stocks, and was reputed to have become a millionaire in his early 20s.
Along with Lew Hayman and Léo Dandurand, Cradock co-founded the original Montreal Alouettes in 1946.
Cradock had a flair for showmanship and was successful in attracting paying customers.
In 1956 he joined another ownership trio, this time with John Bassett and Charlie Burns, and became co-owner of the club.
In 1946, while also founding the Alouettes, he was co-owner of the short-lived Toronto Huskies of the Basketball Association of America.