Michael James McManus
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
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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 dailytvmass.com/online-donation/.
To view the funeral mass please go to Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home website under Mr. McManus’s online obituary notice.
2 Messages
Paula Owolabi
on June 30, 2022 at 2:54 pm
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
Reply
Irene Cornelius
on June 30, 2022 at 3:05 pm
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.
Reply
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Michael James McManus 2022..
Death notice for the town of: TORONTO, Province: Ontario