Obituary of John Gerard McManus

December 8, 1934 - North Bay, Ontario

April 29, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

John “Jack” McManus passed away peacefully on Monday, April 29, 2024, at the age of 89 years. Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife of 51 years, Mona McManus (nee Drever).

Jack was born in North Bay, ON, on December 8, 1934, the youngest of twelve children. Growing up in North Bay, he played the sport of the season. In January 1954, he followed his older brother to Michigan Tech University in the Geology Department on a hockey scholarship. Jack led The Huskies in scoring his final three seasons. Jack received recognition in 1995 when he was inducted into the Michigan Tech Sports Hall of Fame.

After graduating, Jack moved to Calgary and worked in oil and gas. In 1960, he earned his Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta.  It was while teaching in Calgary that he met his wife, Mona. They married in 1965 and started their family together. Jack returned to the Oil Patch in 1977, where he co-founded and became President of Zephyr Resources Ltd in 1981.

Jack valued athleticism, camaraderie, and community. He was a proud volunteer for the 1988 Calgary Olympics, a founding member of Between Friends Charity Golf Tournament, and a dedicated volunteer at the Shaw Charity Classic since its inception in 2012. He accomplished much throughout his life, and he did so in his understated way, leading by example with quiet conviction. Jack was loved and respected by all.

Jack’s life can be easily defined by his treasured friendships. He was lifelong friends with his teammates from Michigan Tech, a number of them built cabins in Timber Ridge, BC, and enjoyed many Christmases and New Year’s together.  He treasured his golf pals from his 50 years playing at Canyon Meadows. Jack also valued his oil and gas friends who he enjoyed a yearly golf trip with, until very recently. Jack and Mona made lifelong friends, from their very first home together, with their neighbours in Lakeview, and Elbow Valley. Jack had wonderful memories of times shared with friends and family in the Palm Desert and as a loyal visitor to the west coast. Jack loved sharing lunches with friends, often at Buon Giorno’s and Nick’s. He spent his final years living at The Manor where he had a lovely relationship with Sonja Newton.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Eva McManus; seven sisters, and four brothers.

He is survived by his two loving children, Lisa (Michael) Devine of West Vancouver, BC, and Jeff (Lauren) McManus of Calgary, AB; and four proud grandchildren, Grier, Francesca, Tully, and Jack.

“Maybe have just have a wee dram” was Jack’s way of signing off a good night, and now a great life.

A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club (12501 - 14 Street SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with John’s family here.

In living memory of Jack McManus, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.