Michael James McManus
elevated Y7K6Z We are saddened to announce the death of Michael James McManus who passed away on Monday, June 27th at the age of 91. Mike was surrounded by his family, his wife of 47 years Barbara (Miles), and his two children David (Sabrina) and Kelly. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Sophia, Ethan, and Flynn. He was predeceased by his sister Lee, whom he worshipped. Lee and her husband Walter Lund had six children all of whom played a key role in his life
elevated Y7K6Z Mike lived an amazing life. From his days as a student at Loyola College in Montreal, where he received his BA, to spinning records at C.J.A.D where he had the pleasure of interviewing Frank Sinatra, he brought with him an interest and enthusiasm for life and people which was contagious. After college Mike made the decision to enter the priesthood.
elevated Y7K6Z After 3 years as a diocesan priest in Montreal he was sent to Rome where he earned a degree in Church Law. When he returned to Ottawa, he served as the English secretary to the Popes representative and hosted a television show on CJOH named “Father Mike and People”. Along the way he completed a degree in Communication theory and TV production at Boston University.
elevated Y7K6Z Mike made the difficult decision to leave the priesthood, to find a partner in life and start a family. He returned to the radio as a newsman on CFRB before moving into TV at TVO, where he enjoyed a twenty-year career producing and hosting shows like “The Education of Mike McManus”, “The Senior Report” and “McManus”.
elevated Y7K6Z Retiring from TVO in his 60’s, Mike coupled his extensive experience in TV with his love for the church to start the National Catholic Broadcasting Council (NCBC). Known as the Father of Catholic TV broadcasting, Mike spent 17 years at the NCBC where he produced a documentary entitled “Memories of Martin” which detailed the life and murder of Jesuit Martin Royackers as well as the Daily Mass on Vision. The Daily Mass continues to be seen across Canada and around the world, bringing inspiration, strength, and hope to thousands of people. Mike felt it was his most important contribution to the human family.
elevated Y7K6Z Mike was a man of many gifts, and storytelling was one of his greatest. Whether he was making you laugh, or cry, he always made you think. May he rest in peace in the loving community of God with the many friends and family members he treasured along the way. Friends may visit on Monday, July 4, 2022 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, 211 Langstaff Road East (Bayview and Langstaff). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Joseph in the funeral home. Interment to be held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the NCBC online through CanadaHelps https://dailytvmass.com/online-donation/.
elevated Y7K6Z To view the funeral mass please CLICK HERE.
elevated Y7K6Z
My sincere condolences to Barbara and all the family of the late Mr Michael McManus…
I was one of the original lectors of the daily TV mass broadcast from st Michael’s cathedral basilica…
Yes, Mike did kiss the blarney stone was catholic “to de bone “as trinidadians would say and was persuasive as heck…
“No Mike, “…
I told him repeatedly…
I don’t need more responsibility as he attended Saturday vigil mass where I was lector…
Well, “I will be back next weekend and I know you will be here prepared to audition….”
Yes Mike the rest is hx…
Thank you for who you are and what you have done to nurture faith and thereby make the world better at your passing than at your birth.
Rest in perfect peace
After a life well lived
Covid prayer
According to
Paula Mapp Owolabi
Lector
Michael was a saintly man, with a humble personality; a true evangelist of modern times, worked for the glory of God through service to the community, country and the whole world.
The world needs many more to follow his example.
I extend my sincere sympathies to Barbara, his family and the extended family with a prayer ” Eternal rest grant unto Michael O Lord and let your perpetual light shine on him may his soul rest in peace.
30June22
Our humble thoughts and prayers are extended to all of Mike’s Family and particularly Barbara. What an amazing couple, a real Christian Example of ‘Love Displayed’. One could probably say they were ‘real soul-mates’. As I’ve said in person, “Thanks! Mike” for the extreme honor of lecturing under your guidance almost from the beginning of ‘Your Vision’. Your life story must be made into a memorable documentary…there are many who were touched by both you and Barbara, that are extremely capable of producing a tribute.
I am positive in Faith, that God the Father, already has you involved with organizing all the new Angels, as they learn to sing their praises to him and all of creation.
You will always be in our hearts. I hope to see you again…and hear your unique reassuring voice. Thoughtfully, Richard & Ana Carroll
I reflect upon fond memories of Mike during times of ministering as Lector at St. Michaels Cathedral, St. Basil’s church and Loretto Abbey.
May the angels rejoice as Mike enters into eternal life!
May his family celebrate special moments of Mike’s earthly life.
May he Rest In Peace.
My sincere sympathy to Barbara and their children
Alfred Belliveau
Our condolences to Barbara and your family. It was a privilege to be a part of the NCBC for almost 12 years both at St. Basil’s and Loretto Abbey. Once in a while, it was necessary to add being a Lector to the Altar serving. If Mike was present, it made you want to do a very good job. Pressure. A positive response was most welcome and frequently given. May he rest in peace.
Our sincere sympathy to Barbara,Dave,Kelly and family. So sorry for your loss. We are fortunate to have been a small part in Mike’s life. R.I.P
Rob & Cheryl
My sincere sympathy to Barbara and her family. I was very fortunate to have met Mike for the first time, 50 years ago. He arrived at our house in Richmond Hill with Barb for a long enjoyable dinner. Mike was such an engaging enthusiastic storyteller keeping us laughing and participating in all his great stories. We knew from that time, that Mike and Barb would be together for life. I believe Barb worked for Bell Canada at that time. RIP; Mike you will be missed.
Barb, I was so very sad to read of Mike’s passing. We enjoyed years as friends & neighbours on Cricklewood Cres and I remember when wee David was born there. Mike always had that fabulous smile on his face and he was so genuine. You and Mike made a wonderful couple and then even better parents, and Alex & I enjoyed your company.
My heart goes out to you and your Children.
Ainslie Fry (formerly McCorquodale)
Wasaga Beach, Ont.
Dear Barb, Kelly, David and family…my deepest sympathy for your loss. I fondly remember our times at HTS. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Dear Barb,
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I have thought of him many times over the years and always loved speaking with him and booking many of his travels. He was a very special person and the world is a sadder place without him. Deepest sympathy to you, Kelly and David.
Dear Sherry
Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Michael loved planning our trips and you made it happen.
I hope you are both well.
Sincerely
Barb Kelly and David
Dear Barbara, David, Kelly and family,
It is with profound sadness that we have all lost one of our dearest friends, and Mike truly was one of the best. My late husband Peter, and I, spent many wonderful weekends with Mike and Barbara at our home at MontTremblant. Mike was never at a loss for words; his numerous tales, infectious laugh and humour was something we always looked forward to and treasured. He was a kind, caring and beautiful
man who gave so much to this world. I am so grateful for the times we shared and pray that he will Rest In Peace forever.
Love,
Penny
My sincere condolences to Barbara and family on the passing of Michael. Many good memories of Michael at TVO and later at the TVO PrimeTimers. God Bless you Michael.
My sincere sympathy to Barbara and family.
I was fortunate and humbled to have been picked by Mike among the first Vision TV Lectors at the beginning in St. Michael’s Cathedral. He taught me a lot on how to convey the reading to the audience.
We’ll miss you Mike. You did a lot of good for the Church all over the world. You’re always there during my schedule and come see me at the end with your encouraging comment with a sweet smile “Well done, you did good, keep it up.” In gratitude I’ll be praying for you always. God grant you His love as you rest in peace .
My Condolences to the family of Michael McManus.
Thank you for what you have done to spread the faith through the Daily TV mass viewed around the world.
May your soul rest in peace.
Dear Barb, David and Kelly,
Debbie and I extend to you our sincere condolences.
As you well know, Mike was a wonderful man – exuberant, engaged and enthusiastic.
I can recall many conversations with Mike over the years. He was always attentive and very interested in people he spoke with. Mike posed good and thoughtful questions in conversation and then something would be said that resulted in laughter which of course, led to more laughter.
It was obvious that Mike was a devoted family man who loved you and your children deeply, Barb.
Though he had a stellar career, Mike was always humble and his example stuck with me.
I well know that you will miss Mike and that your loss is painful. However, I hope that you take comfort knowing that Mike lived long and well; he loved and was loved.
My sincere condolences to the bereaved family. May the soul of Michael Rest In Peace. Amen
Sending my deepest sympathies and prayers for comfort, to Barbara and the family at this very sad time. Mike was such a blessing! He brought warmth and light to so many people, in so many ways, and now, may perpetual light shine upon him, as he rests in the peace of Christ.
I extend my deepest sympathy to Barbara, David, Kelly, and all the Family. As the wife of Jim McManus, Michael’s first cousin, I had the pleasure of meeting both Michael and Barbara on several occasions over the years. While I am not able to attend Michael’s Celebration of Life, I know my stepson Mark and his wife Odette were able to attend the Visitation today.
We are sorry to learn of Michaels’ death and send our sincerest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. My Father, Jim McManus, who was in the Canadian Army, spoke often of his cousin Mike when they were all growing up. I remember as a young boy we visited with my Father the residence of the Apostolic Delegate in Ottawa in the early 1960s and had a tour and tea with then Father Mike. That was a long time ago!
Our love to Barbra and family as we celebrate this wonderful man. We in chatham have amazing memories of working with you both at blessed sacrament parish for the first mission, and friends in song celebrating your daughters wedding. Never forget our connection with you both, it was truly life changing. Prayers from Beth ,and the music friends of blessed sacrament parish chatham.
Our thoughts are with you Barb, David and Kelly. We attended the service on-line and it was moving. The music was beautiful. May Mike Rest In Peace.
Ken, Noryne and family.
I was saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. For many years, he was a great member of the Rotary Club of Toronto Eglinton, being president 1988-89. Those days, there were two kind of meetings; those when Mike was in attendance and those he couldn’t show up. The room was filled with laughter when Mike was attending. Not that we didn’t have fun other time too, but those meetings with him in the room were special.
My deepest condolences to Barbara and the family. Mike will always be remembered.
Lars Henriksson
Our sincerest condolences to the McManus family. Michael had a heart of gold and found humour in many places. He will be greatly missed.
My mother, Norma Bedford ne. Bell, was a dear friend of Lee. She spoke to us often of Michael, and always of what a special person he was. He held a place of reverence in our family.