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Harry Albert Manson

Harry Manson Obituary

Manson, Harry Albert Born March 24, 1924, died January 30, 2010. Survived by his four children, Victor Manson, Nancy Labuda, Glen Manson, and Candice Basso.

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Published by Orange County Register on Feb. 9, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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46 Entries

Alix Wedmore

August 26, 2014

I knew his chances of living after his accident was thin, but that was the last thing I wanted to hear. He needed to stay strong and be there forever, even though I knew that I was thinking crazily, I didn't want to believe anything else. As I sat in English I was worried out of my mind. I needed to start this story, and if I didn't, then I would greatly regret it. The only problem was the only thing I could think about was my great grandpa. As I sat in my desk I realized exactly what I could write about. I would write about my great grandpa, it would be meaningful. My great grandpa was my hero and I knew this story would be great. He impacted my life greatly. As I sat in my desk the memories came to me like heat on a summer's day. I knew if he could read this he would love it. I knew that soon I would be getting the call but I wasn't ready for the call, I needed him to be here a little longer. I began to write and the words flew on the paper beautifully. As I wrote, it took me to another place somewhere I haven't been in a long time. And after a while I was there and I couldn't be taken out of the trance I was in…

Age Five

As I sat in the car I was mad. I couldn't believe that my mom made me go in the
car with great grandpa… he was old. He barely even talked to me before. I mean, I love him, but five whole hours in the car was a really long time... it's like forever. I sat in the back seat and we drove through the streets of my neighborhood, and as soon as we couldn't see my house anymore we stopped. I was freaking out. What was gonna happen, was he gonna leave me there in the road or what? Then he said it, as nice as possible, “Alix, would you like to sit in the front seat with me?”

“Yeah grandpa!!”

“Alright kid, lets keep this a secret from your mom, she would be very mad if she found out. So lets keep this our little secret.”

“Okay grandpa.”

Maybe this ride was gonna be okay now. But, anything could change. For now, I liked it. It was gonna be gooder than good. We drove and me and grandpa did this thing called “small talk”, whatever that means. We “small talked” about weird stuff, and then I became really hungry.

“Grandpa, I'm like, STARVING!”

“I saw that coming, what about donuts, do you like them? I know a great place in Barstow!”

Oh my gosh, I LOVE DONUTS!! Yes! The ride was getting so much better.
“Yes, Yes, Yes, grandpa I loooovvvveeeeee donuts.”

“Alright kiddo, donuts it is.”

All I really wanted to know was what the heck is Barstow?! I've never even heard of a Barstow before. Then, I saw it, the big “WELCOME TO BARSTOW, CA.” sign. It was so amazing! I couldn't believe we made it finally. Soon after I saw the donut place, and the name was so awesome, “Donuts & Chinese Food”, and who wouldn't want to eat here? I ordered the best donut ever created, chocolate with rainbow sprinkles. We ate our donuts, and went back to the car. I hopped in the front seat and we took off. Grandpa told me that I talked a lot, but he liked it. As we approached Arizona, I didn't want to leave grandpa, I really, really, really, liked being with my great grandpa.

He was a great guy. I didn't want to part but I had to, and he said it was required or something like that. Whatever. I would see him Sunday! I just realized, I loved being with grandpa more than anyone in the world.

“Alix, class is over…”

“Oh jeez, I totally was day dreaming!”

One thing was for sure, as long we wrote for fifteen minutes in English, English would be my favorite class. It took me to a place that was once so far away and now a lot closer. The rest of the day zoomed by fast. I decided I would write more tonight. When I went home I decided to move on to the next car ride, or the next one I could really remember. As I thought, I realized that every fun car ride was shared with my great grandpa. I loved it so much that I would write my story about every memory we ever made. Again as I began to write I drifted off in yet another day dream and the memories felt so close, yet so far away.

Age Six

I felt like such a big kid when I was with my great grandpa, he let me do stuff my mom never let me do. I ate whole donuts, and sat in the front seat! This was like a dream, except for the fact I was awake. My mom always told me that donuts were too sugary, yeaaaaaa right! Donuts were good for you at great grandpas, so they had to be good for you at Mom's too.

One time, grandpa was driving me back to my Moms and we saw some foxes, or one, but still. But then I wanted to pet it, and he said no. I was kinda mad until he told me that the fox would eat me, then I decided not to. Then we ate some more donuts and talked some more small chat.

As I sat in my room I heard my mom yell, “Alix…DINNER!” At first I thought it was a dream, but, then it got louder and I decided to stop writing and go eat. After I ate some food and did the dishes, I decided to go back in my room and try to write, but I couldn't think. I decided my best bet would be to shut the light off and go to sleep, maybe then more ideas would pop into my head and tomorrow they would be fresh in my mind. So, I drifted off into a dream…

When I woke up the next morning, I was happy that I had dreamt of stories I would write about the next day. Since I only remembered a few, I would have to lead up to them and describe every detail, but I was okay with that. So, I got in the shower and as the water poured down on to me, I thought of more stories. I got ready slowly but not to slow and made it out the door with five minutes to spare. As I sat in the driveway waiting for Derek to come pick me up I realized that today, I would get so much done. I loved that I wanted to write this story and it wasn't just something to mess around about. This would be the best story ever. As we approached the school I was getting excited, which was weird for me, since I was never excited especially for school. Soon I would be moving on into the next part of my story. (Ding, ding, ding) The bell finally rang for first hour and as I walked to class the anticipation killed me. As we sat down Mrs. Monte told us to write and develop out characters and begin to create a problem within the story. As I began to write the words flew on to my paper…

Age Seven

As I sat in the car I was a little older now, around seven years old and grandpa told me these stories that I just loved to hear. Today he told me the story from when my mom was younger and how he used to do so much with them. He has told me that almost every weekend they would play the jump rope game and for every jump she got a quarter and by the end of the day she would have so many quarters she didn't know what to do with them all. Or his famous line of “You fly, I'll buy.” That was his favorite. He would always give them some money to get “sodi pop” or ice cream in the summer, especially since he knew that his daughter or their mom would never go for something as ridiculous as that.

As we stopped at the same place as always my taste buds were beginning to
change and I started to like just plain chocolate donuts. When I thought about these times I realized that it seemed as if I had always drove from California to Arizona with him, it just seemed right and perfect. No one was as happy as great grandpa was, and no one ever treated me as spoiled as him. As we drove in the car the world disappeared and everything was like a dreamland that I never wanted to leave ever again.

As I thought about what I wrote, I wanted to write more, but I couldn't, class was over and I no
longer had time to write this story. As the day went by I was in a daze, it felt like whenever I was in English, I was really alive, it was what I really enjoyed. I went home that night with worry that I might not have enough to write my story with. But I soon enough realized that I didn't have to just write about car rides. I could write about The Saturday mornings at his house and the times when we ate donuts and played dominoes with my grandma and mom. When I was younger he was my childhood hero, he brought my fairytales to life and my nightmares to rest because he was like a superhero.

As I arrived home I heard wonderful news and I was happy. My great grandpa was fine, he was out of the hospital and the only problem was that he was developing Alzheimer's.

Whenever I went to visit him he was constantly asking what my name was and my grade. He told me things as if we had been best friends, and he barely knew my name. Of course, I knew that he wasn't all there and it saddened me, but, all I could do was be close to him and make sure that he was okay. Whenever I came to visit my grandma, which was where he now lived after his divorce and his accident because it seemed as if it was the best for him at the time, I saw him. I needed to know that he was okay. He was always perfectly fine, but he was never all there. I knew that he could barely remember my name, but I also knew that he loved my company and I really enjoyed being with him.

Once I got further into the story I realized that I left out two major stories that
were so good. I remembered them as if they had happened to me. So I quickly got out
my notebook and began to write…

Age Eleven

As we sat in the car he began to tell me war stories. One of the stories that stuck out the most was because I had the Purple Heart from that injury hanging in my house. He told me that he had three really good friends in the war. When they were hiding behind a stone wall from the Germans, one of their tanks fired a round at the wall they were behind and it made them fly hundreds of feet. The bomb had so much power that his three friends passed away, but he miraculously survived. He was severely injured and his leg was severed and barely hanging on. He could barely walk. A British soldier saw him, and told him to hurry because the last airplane was leaving and if he wasn't on it, the Germans would hold him captive. My grandpa told him that he couldn't walk because of his leg and the soldier picked up my grandpa and ran to the airplane. Once they were on it, they flew thirteen hours to the hospital, and, since my great grandpa had been slipping in and out of consciousness, he wasn't able to get the soldiers name, or even thank him for saving his life. He got to the hospital and the doctor told him he was going to amputate his leg and he wouldn't be able to go back to war any more. My grandpa simply told him that amputating his leg was unnecessary, and that he was a GREAT healer. So the doctor stitched up his leg, and he was right, he healed perfectly, and soon he went back to war as soon as he could.

I was amazed by the things he told me. He was like a god. As I thought about these amazing times, I…

Woah.

Class went so fast now that we wrote. I barely ever thought anymore. The most amazing part was that I came back to the times I missed the most. The times when I didn't care what I looked like when I went to school, but my mom did, and when my hair was bleach blonde without the bleach, just back when life was so simple, I didn't need a boyfriend and I didn't care what anyone thought, I was just living large in a small body. I knew that the world was my playground and nothing stopped me. Even thought I majorly dreaded, going to my dad's, I really loved the car rides, I always felt so awesome. As my train of thought drifted into this deep thought of the “good ol' days”, I realized that I had to go to practice. Although my head wasn't there completely I practiced, and I practiced hard. When my mom picked me up, She told me she was going to tell me some great news that I would be excited to hear. I was exhausted, she told me news though, that turned my exhaustion into major excitement. She told me, that he would live. He made it through everything and even though he had to live in a home instead of with my family, he was okay. He was going to make it. I believed in him. He was an amazing soul. I knew he could do this. And the only thing that made me believe that is because he was the one who told me that all I needed to do was believe. He came to every softball game I ever played during club ball. He never missed one game until the very last season when he got sick, but even then I felt his spirit with me. I knew that he was there, although he was no longer sitting front in center in the stands, he was still sitting front in center in my heart, and I knew that every second I was alive he would be right there, dead or alive, in my heart.

The next morning I woke up and I remembered what my dream was, and I remembered exactly how it went, so, I told my mom while we ate breakfast. While I told her, my train of thought took me far away.

Age Twelve

He told me how he fell in love. I thought it was amazing. He told me that he saw
this girl, he saw her in church. He said that he was infatuated. He went off to war and she wrote him many letters in which he responded to every single one. When he returned he was attending church since he promised he would go with his mom when he returned. He saw her in there, and she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He couldn't stand it anymore. He was in love with her and he didn't care what anyone said. He got up and slowly walked out of church. As he stood there in the front of the church, he unexpectedly saw her… she followed him out. He said to her, “I'm so in love with you. You have no idea.”

“I've waited so long to hear you say that…”

“If I had the money, I'd marry you right now.”

“Well, how much money would it take?”

“A hundred dollars.”

“Well I have the money, lets go now.”

“Okay, lets go.”

And that is how they got married. They drove up to Vegas and got married. They were so in love and everyone knew it. Soon after they got married they had children. What was one child then turned into four. They were one big happy family.

As I finished telling my mom, she told me that, that was her favorite story to listen too. She said it never got old. They were an amazing couple. They were invincible. Now I never got to meet her, but I heard she was great. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a lot of wit. Which was a lot how I was, I was witty and sarcastic. They all told me I got it from her. The only reason that I never met her was because when my mom was twelve she passed away from breast cancer. And even though I never met her, I knew she was great. Just like her husband was. He was one in a million. That was one of the last stories I ever remembered. I loved to hear it over and over, it was like a love story from a movie. I heard that story when I was twelve. If it was a movie, I would watch it over and over.

As I began to write in class that morning, I thought of the other times I had talked to my great grandpa, but after his accident, when I was now a lot older and had an understanding for a lot of what he was going through. So I started to write again.

Age Fifteen

“Hey Grandpa, how are you?”

“I'm alright kid.”

“That's good, your hanging in there.”

“So, what's your name again?”

“I'm Alix, Grandpa.”

“Oh, yeah, that's right.”

At that moment, I felt so bad. After all the memories I had created with him, he remembered nothing, not even my name. I wasn't mad. I was more hurt that something like this could happen to someone I admired so much.

After that he said, “Kid, let me tell you something… When people become my age, the lucky ones die, the unlucky ones sit here wishing they were already gone.”

“Grandpa, you're gonna be okay. I know you are.”

“Alright kid, whatever you say, I'm going to take a nap.”

As I sat there in disbelief I realized, he didn't want to live anymore and it was the worst feeling in the entire world. I wanted to think he would live forever. But now, as I sat in that chair, alone, and he wasn't across from me anymore, I realized I was wrong. I didn't think he would get sick again. I didn't want to think that. I wanted to think about everything he had left. The doctors had told us that he wouldn't survive through what he went through, but, he did. I thought that anything that came his way, he could fight off. He was strong. I knew deep down that his chances of survival were low, I didn't want to realize that and take it into my own hands but I did need him. He was my jokester and the person whom I looked up too. Nothing would ever take that away, no matter what.

The next few days passed as a blur. I had to get myself together. This story was consuming my life. I didn't think that should happen. I hadn't written in two days because I was scared to end the story. I knew how his story ended in real life, but I didn't want to end it on paper yet. I knew the only thing that kept me strong was this paper, that sounded so silly, but it was so true. It was my separation from reality and I loved it, I loved it so much. I decided that I would add more into my story. I needed to. I couldn't just leave it as it was. It was more than a story that ended with the cliche, “The End”, because although he was gone, it wasn't the end, his spirit would live forever no matter where he was or what he did. Although he could no longer be with us physically he was in all our heads, and all our hearts.

Thanksgiving 2010

This was our first thanksgiving without my great grandpa. It was hard without him there, we all loved his presence. There was really never a dull moment when he was around. Everything he did was simply amazing, nothing about him was bad. And he was now in a home, he couldn't live with my grandparents any longer because of his condition. We all missed him. Nothing was the same without him. He was the one he told funny stories, and always kept the crowd going with his laughter and jokes. He told the best jokes. They were always funny and had this twist in everyone. I never did figure out where he got them all but I sure did want to know.

That was all I had left. I had to end the story, because that was the last memory of grandpa Harry being alive I had. He died. And although I was out of it for days and in bad condition, I was okay with it. I knew it was where he was meant to be, where he wanted to be. With his true love once more. He is probably sitting in the church with my great grandma again, with a huge smile on his face drinking “sodi pop”. The thing I regretted most was never saying goodbye. I knew that I had to do something as a goodbye. Since I could no longer go and see him, I knelt down near my bed and said a prayer. This prayer was so powerful it could end my sorrow. Just by simply knowing that he heard it and he was going to be okay and that he knew I cared, because I really did. I guess that is also what this story symbolizes, my final goodbyes that I couldn't speak aloud. Ones that I kept locked in my heart with a tight fake smile I didn't show my sadness although every second I wrote the words onto the paper the tears would fill my eyes just by knowing that he was gone. I knew it was for the best, and he was probably so happy, but I missed him. I missed him a lot. If I had one wish, he would be the wish. But sadly life isn't a fairytale and sometimes it takes the ones you love the most, the ones who never did something to deserve death, but they still die. It's the rules of life. Although sometimes it seems unfair, it can be the fairest thing in the world and it is just something we have to learn to live with. My grandpa taught me many great things. He taught me how easy it is to lose the ones you love, and how you never forget someone, even when they are gone. Because in the end the ones that mattered the most will be the most remembered because they greatly changed your life and no matter what, you know that dead or alive, they are always there to open their ears and their hearts, because that's what people do, especially the ones you love.

The memorial

As we sat there mourning the death of the person we all loved greatly we realized that we didn't need to mourn that happiness was what he wanted. As we sat at the tables, filled with all his family and friends, we told stories from when great grandpa had been here and with us all. As I stood up, I began to read the story because every word was about him, and I knew that he would appreciate it so much. I knew this because, although, he wasn't sitting right next to me, he was still in my heart and as the words flew from my mouth, my heart got warm. I knew he was there to stay forever. He would watch over me, every second of everyday, and that is all I could ask for. I didn't need anything else, because even though he was gone, he wasn't forgotten, and he never would be.

In Loving Memory Of Harry Manson

1924-2010

Written by Alix Wedmore

Rick Fox

February 7, 2011

God love ya Harry, you, Peggy, and all of the Manson family are in my heart & thoughts, Rick Fox

Brittany and Harry (Nov 2007)

March 13, 2010

Family at Harry Manson's Memorial

March 12, 2010

Stephanie Gates

March 3, 2010

My grandpa was such a great and special man. I miss him so much. I've got alot of great memories of him. When I was a little girl he used to drive me back and forth in the summertime to Aunt Candy's house. We used to talk and sing for hours. We'd always stop at Naugles and get a bean burrito (Loved the way he said burrito) or the donut shop. I'd sit on a couple of pillows in the front seat so I could be tall just like him. When we drove by other cars they'd stair at me with weird looks because they couldn't understand why I was so tall. Grandpa and I would laugh so hard. Another funny story was at Easter and I broke my ankle riding my motorcycle. We got back to Aunt Candy's house and he said "Oh it's fine, it'll be great tomorrow". Well, the next day I had a cast up to my butt. Later he said he knew it was broken but didn't want to scare me. Always tried to make everyone feel better. We used to go to Chris N Pitts and Uncle Vic's every Thursday night... He'd never sit next to me at the restaurant because I would spill my drink at every meal. Miss those times so much. He was such a wonderful man. So brave and he loved his family so much. He couldn't tell us kids enough how beautiful and smart we all were. I know he's in a better place now and has been reunited with Grandma. He's wanted that for a long time. Grandpa, we love you! You will be in our hearts FOREVER! ;)

Sam & Alice Basso

March 3, 2010

We met Harry about 1988. Right away, we realized he was a man who didn't mince words, and told it how he saw it. One time, when we came to Candice and Paul's for a holiday, we all went for a weekend at the sand dunes. Harry needed to find a bathroom facility. So, off he went dressed only in his shorts and cowboy boots looking for a tree to duck behind.
We had lots of fun over the years. He was our friend, and we miss him.

Harry and Joe (Brothers) on far right

March 2, 2010

Dave Lynn

March 1, 2010

Rarely do men pass through our lives and leave so many positive memories. Harry belonged to an elite group of people who will always be remembered with love and respect. He touched my
life and will be missed, but his laughter will always be remembered in my heart. We were all blessed to have
known such a great guy. Love to all and Harry rest in peace.

Harry and Peggy on Vacation

March 1, 2010

Brittany and Harry About 2009

March 1, 2010

5 Generations: Nancy, Harry, Opal, Katelyn, Stephanie

March 1, 2010

Harry about 1941

March 1, 2010

Jeff Labuda

February 28, 2010

What can I say about my grandpa accept he was an amazing person. In my younger years being his oldest grandchild I had many exciting experiences from going for motorcycle rides with him, one of which I fell asleep, to him letting me drive his truck and jeep at only 13. He always had a positive thing to say when I came home with a mohawk haircut or a pierced ear or tattoo. He would say how cool it was and he liked it, even if my parents were so upset. I guess he was my idol and I ended up doing a lot of things the same as him from riding dirt and street motorcycles to playing billiards, which I won several trophies, to having 4 kids. One of my most special moments growing up was when his boss invited him and me to fly in a private jet to Vegas to watch the Leanard, Hagler fight at Ceasar's. 20 years ago those tickets were $500 face value. It was such a great experience and I was glad to share it with him. I do remember one day as a kid riding in the car with him and some guy honked at him and he gave them the middle finger, unfortunately he could only give them half a middle finger. I still lol when i think of that moment. My wife Anne also remembers when she first met grandpa he said to her, "Hi I'm Curley." Of course he was joking about his bald head. R.I.P. Grandpa.. I love ya..

Top: Glen, Vic, Bottom: Candy, Nancy (Harry Manson's Kids)

February 27, 2010

Joe Manson (Bro), Vic Manson (Son), Harry Manson, Glen Manson (Son)

February 27, 2010

Vic Manson

February 27, 2010

After being discharged from the Army, Dad went back to Los Angeles, CA where he had lived before the war. He had been sending almost all his paychecks from Europe, home for safe keeping. When he got to Los Angeles, CA he found out that all his savings had been spent.

So there he was again in Los Angeles almost broke, with only his severance pay from the Army, which was very little.

His Mother Opal wanted to see him in his uniform at church one Sunday. Dad, never being very fond of going to church, agreed to do this for her, but just this one time. When he sat down in the pews, he noticed Margaret Karo, whom he had met several times before being drafted, sitting in church also. He had fond feelings for her, but he knew he was in no condition to start up a relationship: he had no money, his mental state was terrible from having left three years of the horrors of war and losing most of his men in action.

He decided, in the middle of the sermon, because he had feelings for Margaret and had no money to go "a courting," that he did not even want to run into her. So, he decided to try and slip out the side door of the church. But Margaret, seeing what he was doing, went out the front door of the church, and by the time Dad had walked around to the front of church there was Margaret to greet him.

Well, I guess for the next few weeks they hit it off perfectly. Margaret was just what Dad needed at that point in his life, with his trying to shake off everything that had taken place the last few years during the war. Keep in mind now, that with all I have written about Dad, he is now the ripe old age of 21.

After a couple weeks of dating, Dad said to Margaret, " If I had enough money, I would marry you today.” She said, "How much would it take?" I think Dad said, "100 dollars," and she went and made a withdrawal from her bank and off to Vegas they went. Mom, whom everyone called "Peggy," was always very good with her money and had saved a lot during WWII working for a glass factory (Libby, or Owens), I think.

They were a perfect team, in that everything Dad lacked, Mom more than filled in; and vice versa. Mom was very smart. She got a scholarship from Nucla High School even though she had to drop out for a year because she didn't have any clothes decent enough to wear to school. Her older sisters and brothers had dropped out of high school, and seeing that she was very smart, they were not about to let her drop out too. They chipped in and bought her some clothes so she could go back to school the following year. She did go back and was given the honor of Valedictorian and a scholarship at graduation.

Now Dad was somewhat the opposite, not very educated and what education he did have, came hard for him. What Dad lacked in education he more than made up for in hustle, ambition, drive, and determination. There wasn't any task that he would not tackle, from totally tearing down a transmission and replacing a chipped gear (I had chipped) to replacing a water main to the house.

Dad was pretty much the disciplinarian. Mom would try; but I knew Mom would not raise a hand against us (too soft hearted). But she definitely knew she could threaten to have Dad take care of the problem. That would usually straighten us out quick.

One time Glen and I were jumping on the bed in the room next to the kitchen. Every once in a while we would bump against the wall and Mom would come down and tell us to knock it off. After the second time she came down, she said the next time she would be sending Dad down. Now we knew we had screwed up. She was going to send in the Big Dog. It was late by then, and we should have been in bed......but we couldn't resist jumping a few more times. We bumped the wall, then stayed super silent to listen for "trouble" coming down the hall. Sure enough we heard "trouble" coming. It was only about 10 seconds from our bedroom door. It was Dad. He had taken his belt off and put it into a loop and was snapping the two sides together as he walked down the hall. That snapping belt scared the crap out of us, and within the 10 seconds it took him to get to the door, we had turned off the light, got in bed under the covers, and were "asleep" when he opened the door. He stood in the doorway just snapping the belt as he stood there. It seemed like he stood there awhile trying to decide weather to yank us out of bed and spank us or just stand there and torment us with that threatening, snapping belt. He did not say a single word but finally he shut the door and left. He was probably laughing his butt off the whole time. But we really did go to sleep then.

I had never heard Mom and Dad ever argue. One day, sometime in the past ten years, the subject came up about parents arguing. I told Dad that I had never heard them argue. I asked him if they ever had got into arguments. I figured they just chose to argue in private. Dad said they had never gotten into an argument. I thought that to be very unusual. I even asked a few of my sisters and brothers if they had ever heard them argue. They had not either. I am not sure, but I think it may have came down to the fact that my mom was never a demanding type of a person. She was always content with whatever life dealt her. She was not a materialistic person. She would have been just as happy poor as rich. Therefore, anything over a "poor" standard was icing on the cake and nothing to complain about. Dad always made excellent money since I was about 4 or 5 years old. Dad liked to buy cars and trucks. We had a new car or truck about every 2 or 3 years. Dad liked to be the big spender. You could not pick up a check at a restaurant. Dad would be insulted if he did not pay. I think Dad would run all his purchases past Mom for the go ahead. She was like a CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of the family. If she said no, Dad would drop it until she gave him the go ahead. In other words, Dad was the one to come up with the ideas of things to buy and Mom would look the finances over and give him the GREEN light or RED light; and whatever she said was the final word until the financial picture changed. Everything from cars, trucks, motorcycles, guns, vacation homes in Running Springs or anything else Dad would come up with, had to have her stamp of approval, and Dad wouldn't have it any other way.

When Mom passed away it almost killed him. He was lost. He went back to work very quickly simply because he was going crazy thinking about Mom's passing away. At least work kept his mind off of his loss for a few hours a day. He ended up getting married again, within a year, thinking that if he married a Norwegian lady he just met (3 years my junior) and went through the same routine he did with Peggy, who was also of Norwegian descent, then everything would be OK. After the honeymoon wore off, he saw that this was not the same as being with Peggy, but at least he was with someone. He ended up getting a divorce about 3 years ago, after having been married to his second wife for 20 years.

About 3 years ago things started going bad physically and mentally for Dad. The last 2 times he came to my house to go to work in Anaheim, he had to go back home (Arizona) with severe back problems not even having worked an hour. He never worked again. Several months later his wife bought a home in Minnesota and said she was going back there to live. Dad said he couldn't live in that climate. He spent one winter there several years earlier, and the wind chill had gotten to -75 degrees. Too cold for him. They got a divorce.

He had to sell his home for the divorce settlement. Dad did not want to live with any of his kids, so Candy built a very nice bachelor apartment, approximately 500 sq ft. at the back of one of her garages that is very big. The apartment had a full bath, walk-in closet, and a large living room with a kitchen on one side of the living room and a bed at another end of the living room.

A few weeks before Dad was to move in he fell and broke his hip.

After he recovered from his broken hip, his mind started to fail. He was only in his apartment about a month and then had to have most of his intestines removed because of excessive internal bleeding. Had he not had surgery that day he probably would have bled to death that night. He was about 5 pints low on blood.

After recovery from intestinal surgery, his mind had deteriorated even more. Maybe only about 50% of his mind was working now. He was in no condition by now to be on his own. Candy moved him into her house for over 2 years so he could be watched a little closer. Dad came down to visit with Nancy for a month or so in August of 2009 and developed a very bad intestinal illness. After that he had to be put into a full-time facility where they could watch him 24 hrs a day. It was a very nice home with 4 residents like Dad. They were fed very healthy meals and where everything was fresh. They were treated like family members. Dad's mind by now had deteriorated to about 10 to 20 percent of normal. Dad had only been there about 5 to 7 months and fell and broke his other hip. He recovered from his hip surgery and was moved to a rehab center to learn to walk again. Nancy had put him to bed that Friday night at the rehab center and he died the next morning.

Well, I am going to stop now. Not for lack of material; but how do you put 85 years of living into the space of two or three pages. Besides I only lived with Mom and Dad about 19 or 20 years and don't know most of the story. Anyway this is from my perspective and my siblings may have seen things a little different since there is about nine years difference between me and Candy.

May God rest your weary soul. And I am sure Margaret Karo is sitting in a pew in Church in Heaven waiting for your arrival. Don't try to avoid her this time.

Nicole Wedmore

February 24, 2010

I was thinking about Grandpa and remembered a cute story. Up at the cabin Grandpa and Grandma had a headboard that slid open and inside that headboard was a great thing...Tums. Stephanie and I used to sneak in there and eat those tums. Grandpa caught us red handed one day and laughed. "those arn't candy, those are medicine". We thought they were candy, chalky candy, but candy none the less. Just one of those stories that has stuck in my mind.

Vic Manson

February 22, 2010

World War II was approaching.

Dad was drafted into Army Dec. 1942 at age 18.
Achieved Rank of Staff Sgt.
Induction Training: Camp Ft. Douglas, Utah
Basic Training: Ft. McClellan, Alabama
Overseas Indoctrination: Camp Shang, Ohio
Embarkation Shots: Newport News, Virginia
Assigned to 141st Inf. 36th Div. Texas, Oklahoma
28th Signal Corp
1st French Army (Signal Corp, Belford Gap)
3rd, 5th and 7th Army.

MOVEMENTS OVERSEAS:

Landed by ship in Casablanca, North Africa. Proceeded to Oran, Africa for about two weeks. Was sent to Sicily, Italy for about one month. Deployed back to Algiers, Africa for about 6 weeks to prepare for landing in Salerno, Italy. Deployed to Salerno, Italy for about 6 weeks.

While on a scouting mission to observe German tank locations, Dad and 3 other men were behind a stone wall scouting German tank movements. The tank must have spotted them because the Germans placed a round perfectly on the other side of wall, blasting through the wall, killing his 3 buddies and blowing Dad about 50 yards from the wall and nearly severing his leg at the thigh. About that time a US Army jeep drove by seeing my dad was still alive, threw him onto the jeep, and headed back to the safety of the US lines. They dropped him off at a makeshift evacuation airfield for the severely injured.

While my Dad was waiting to be evacuated by plane an English Soldier with severely burned and bandaged hands came running amongst the injured saying, "The Germans are taking the airfield, and the plane leaving now is the last one out." He looked at my Dad and said, "The Germans are at the end of the runway now; get out to the plane." My dad said he couldn't walk because of his leg. The English soldier said, "Hop onto my back and hang onto my neck, and I will carry you to the plane." Dad hopped onto the Englishman's back, and as the Englishman ran to catch the plane, which was starting to taxi, they could hear the bullets pinging all around them. They got to the plane, and the Englishman threw Dad into the plane and then hopped in. Since the plane was taxiing by then, the wind kept them from closing the door. They flew all the way to Tunis, Africa with the door opened.

When they landed, Dad got separated from the Englishman and never saw him again. Dad said he regretted that he never got a chance to thank the guy for saving him from the fate of being captured by the Germans. Dad also regretted that he never got his name, since Dad was half conscious during the flight, and when it landed they were instantly separated. Sometime shortly after landing, an Arab doctor looked at Dad's leg and said they would have to amputate. Dad said he was a good healer and thought it would heal back. So the doctor put the leg back together, and in about 6 months it was healed back well enough for Dad to be sent back into action in Naples, Italy for about 1 week. Then they invaded Anzio, Italy for about 10 weeks.

I remember Dad telling me, that since he was a Sergeant, he was in charge of a landing craft filled with his men. On one invasion, the beach was filled with barbed wire and everything else the Germans could put in the way of the landing craft. There was an Englishman assigned to take Dad's men in and then go back after unloading the men. The Englishman pulled up to the barbed wire and told Dad to unload his men. Dad could see the water was over their heads, and they had about a 70 or 80-lb pack on their backs and would drown. Dad said, "take the craft in closer." The Englishman said he couldn't; there was too much barbed wire, and he would get stuck. Dad was not about to have his men drown. So he stuck his Tommy Gun into the driver's ribs and said, "Either you take this craft onto the beach or I will blow your head off and take the craft in myself." The Englishman could see my Dad meant business. He gave it full power and went all the way onto the beach, and Dad's men landed safely.

They then pulled back to Naples for about 4 weeks to regroup. After regrouping they proceeded by road to invade Toulon, France and kept moving through Marseilles, Rhone Valley, Lyon, Dijon, Nancy, Luneville and Epinal France. They backed up a little to regroup, and then they crossed the Rhine River at Worms. Continued on through Germany.

At some point while moving through Germany, they liberated a concentration camp. Dad could not believe how starved the people were. He said this really tore him up seeing these people in this kind of shape. He said they looked like walking skeletons. Dad said as his truck was going down the road, he told his men to throw all their rations to the Jews that were lined up along the roads.

Dad then crossed the Rhine River back to Strasbourg, France. They continued on through Luxembourg and Frankfurt and Stuttgart, Germany. Continued on through Augsburg and Salzburg, Austria.

War was then over, and they went back to Salzburg, Austria to go back to USA. He volunteered to steal communication equipment from all countries: Austria, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany going toward Paris for about two weeks.

He caught a Norwegian freighter out of Le Havre, France to Boston, Mass. Dad said there were tens of thousands of GI's all waiting to catch a ship back to the USA. Dad had a colonel as a personal friend that had a lot of pull. The colonel said they could wait for a US transport ship amongst the tens of thousands of GI's or there was a Norweigian freighter leaving now for Boston, and Dad and a few of his friends could leave immediately with the colonel if they wanted to take a freighter back to USA. Not knowing how long he would have to wait for a US transport ship, Dad said, "Let's leave now on the Norwegian freighter."

From Boston he went to Fort Mead, MD, to be discharged Dec 7, 1945.

Most of this is from my memory over the years and some miscellaneous notes I had. While some of this is may not be exact I would say it is about 95% accurate.

.................to be continued.............

Vic Manson

February 18, 2010

Harry Albert Manson born in Marrow, Arkansas, son of Olive Opal Patty and Victor Walter Manson.

He was the oldest brother of Betty-Lou Manson (Died at 9 months old), and Oscar Joe Manson still residing in Anaheim, California. He was also the half brother of Wesley Miller Martin Jr.(Deceased).

His Father died when he was about 8 years old. Harry had memories of his Dad, but his brother Joe (3 years younger) had little or no memories of his Father since he was so young when his Dad passed away. (4 or 5 years old).

For their Mother, Opal, to try and raise two boys by herself in 1932 in Oklahoma was almost impossible. She had to take jobs out of town and the two boys were raised mostly by their Grandmother (Grace Gertrude Frye Patty) who had 9 children of her own, Opal being the oldest. plus Harry and Joe.

Harry was always a hustler, in that, he always was working from very young age Bus Boy at a Country Club, Paperboy, worked in a bakery, delivered groceries and who knows what else. Anything to make a buck.

I remember Dad saying he and another relative worked all day picking a truck load of apples to sell in town. They took the apples to town and couldn't find anyone to sell them to all day. Finally at the end of the day a Grocery store owner offered them 50 cents for the whole truck load. Dad said that was very discouraging having worked all day for almost nothing.

Harry was never fond of going to school. I believe he graduated 9th grade with much pushing. At the age of about 16 he met an acquaintance who was leaving Oklahoma to work in the Oil Fields of California. For a couple bucks he would take Harry with him. Off they went to California. When they got to California the acquaintance found out Harry was not 18 and could not work in the Oil Fields. Harry said, "that's OK". He said, "just drop me off in downtown Los Angeles."

So there he was, no money, standing on the streets of LA and no relatives in California. He saw a sign in a Cafe, “Bus Boy Needed.” The owner said he was a little young and very little for the job. My Dad said,”You don't have to pay me if I don't do a good job.” The man said "OK" and Dad worked that day. At the end of day the Owner saw he had a good worker and hired him. He asked my dad where he was sleeping. My dad said," on the streets." The Owner saw he had a honest kid and offered him a bed in the store room of Cafe until he could rent a room. I believe he became a chef eventually. Dad did very well on his own. He had saved enough to buy a car for cash. When he went to buy the car the owner of car lot said he was too young, (Not 18 years old) to legally buy a car. So he could not buy a car even though he had the money to pay cash. He commuted totally by the trolley cars. He said in those days the trolley cars could take you about anywhere you would want to go. After he got his first paycheck he rented a single room in a rooming house. About a month later his mother Opal, Stepfather Wes, and 1/2 brother Don showed up at Dad's room and wanted to stay with him. Dad pointed out that this was a single room,for a single person, in a boarding house and that he would be kicked out if they stayed at his room. The next day they found a place of their own. Sometime in the next year I believe Opal met Margaret Karo in Church since at that time, I think, they both went to the same church. My Dad 19, and Margaret a few months older, only knew of each other casually before the Draft took Dad to War. World War II was approaching.
.............To be continued...........

Dale Vornholt

February 13, 2010

Dearest Harry, I loved you so and always will. No one could ever take the place in my heart that you occupy. I didn't know him until 12 years ago. Wish I had known him years ago, especially when Peggy was alive. What I'd give to have known her and then to see Harry with the love of his life. In the time that I knew him, I don't know how many times I heard him say she was the best thing that ever happened to him. He'd also add that he didn't know why she'd marry someone like him. "Let me count the ways." I have never known a man of such integrity in 54 years of living, although his son, Vic, the second love of my life, comes in just a hair behind Harry. I loved Harry for so many reasons: his integrity, his wit, his kindness, his gratitude and graciousness, his absolutely adorable laugh that would make his whole face light up, and his love of his family. Besides my late father, I never knew a man prouder of his children. God, how he loved his kids and the rest of his enormous family as well. It made me so happy any time I heard him talk about any of his family, even if I had heard the story at least 15 times already. Again, thanks to Glen for so many of those stories. I loved to listen to him sit around with his sons and brother Joe, and "tell lies." What a character. You know, if Harry had a friend that had just died and was just like himself, Harry would have called the guy a "keeper," which is the term he used to use for something or somebody who was truly worthwhile. That's why I named my poem about and to him, "A Real Keeper." He was truly one of the best men I've ever known, and so are all of his children; they are "keepers" as well. They don't make finer people anywhere. Anyone who ever really had the opportunity to know Harry should, and I'm sure they do, consider themselves blessed. Geez, how I miss him. I could go on for pages about this man, but it's more than time to stop. God rest your beautiful soul. Give me a "sign" once in a while, won't you? I love you.

Jim & Darleen Moon

February 13, 2010

WOW !!
Where do I start?
I first met Harry and Peggy in 1959. Jim, Harry's nephew, took me to meet them and they made me feel welcome from the very beginning. They were going to have a "HOUSE PARTY" and invited me to come. That was the beginning of a long friendship.
Harry and Jim worked together for many years at Smith-Mailer Co. Harry was very helpful when Jim was learning the trade to become a tool and die maker.
Harry helped us find our first home to buy in Anaheim. It was across the street from Joe and Pat Manson on W.Gramercy Ave.
Harry liked to play cards and we had many pinochle games at our house. Along with the Rhine wine. haha
We have alot of great memories with them: trips to "The Cabana" at Katherines Landing, one to the Salton Sea; thats where I learned to water ski.
Yes Harry like to pull jokes on people.
He pulled one on Jim that almost cause a divorce! He wrote a note and put it in Jim's car at work one day and when I washed the car I found it. I confronted Jim with it and he told Harry,and Harry admitted to putting the note in the car. I didn't even get mad at Harry because he was that kind of guy. He had me laughing and feeling bad cause I was jealous.
We think of Harry and his family quite often. We have a lot of great memories with them. We feel very blessed to have known them and been a part of their lives.
May God bless yoy Harry! I'm sure He will.

Elizabeth Jivan

February 11, 2010

We were privileged to know and care for Harry the last few months of his life.He was a good man and had a wonderful heart. Although he had so many health problems he never complained. All residents and caregivers at Celestial Garden loved him. He was funny, loving and considerate even in the worst of times for him. We will miss him greatly.

Rick Fox

February 10, 2010

God bless you Harry. I, like Gary Owens owe you big time for the impact you made on our lives. I am a terrible correspondent as all of the Manson family knows, but I did try to somewhat keep tabs on Harry. He was a father figure/mentor to all of us and I will never forget him. We would bang up ourselves on our motorcycles and Harry's cure would always be to pour alcohol on the problem area. One tough dude! But, also a kind, generous, loving person. Thankyou Harry for being a part of my life and thankyou to the rest of the extended Manson family and friends for loving him too, your friend, Rick Fox

Alix Wedmore

February 10, 2010

Grandpa Harry. Wow. I can't explain how muchhh i love you. When i think back, i have the greatest memories with you.. Donuts at that crazy resteraunt "Donuts&Chinese food" and those stories that have stuck in my head til this day.. The one that sticks out the most though is the one of how you met great grandma. i love that story and i could listen to it over and over again. I remember eating donuts at your house every saturday for a long time and just remember you and your dominoes, and how you always won, no matter what. i love you so much and i hope your finally at peace, and with great grandma.

Grandpa at Candy's pool

February 10, 2010

Harry and Brittney McMillan

February 10, 2010

Kamryn Wedmore

February 10, 2010

I love you and miss you Great Grandpa. You highlighted my day with your funniness and happiness. I love you, love you, love you so much! Your the best Great Grandpa ever. Love you a lot, Kamryn Wedmore, age 8.

Grandpa at our Patty Family Reunion in '97 with Katelyn and Alix

Nicole Wedmore

February 10, 2010

Oh Grandpa Harry! For my friends that didn't have the gift of grandparents, I hurt. I have the fondest memories of both my grandparents. Our many drives between Bullhead and "the city" (Orange County) getting donuts in Barstow on the way. They knew you there. The times you let me drive your car out on the roads around the Cabana. The times we swam out at the lake. Giving us soda "sodi pop" when Mom said no. Our hikes. Your neat walking sticks. How many times did Stephanie and I happily jump rope 100 times for a quarter! Those were big bucks then! The time Jeff and I took one of your bikes you had for us and jumped it off the wall into the river and bent the seat in half. Boy we were afraid to bring that bike back. You were joe cool and we survived. How could I forget your great smile. How good you look in hats. Skipping rocks. The time my oldest daughter Alix drove to California with you to see Steph. Something I used to share with you, my daughter then began to share with you! You even took her to the old donut shop and got donuts. Your living room floor cat naps. And who could forget those summer saults through your living room, priceless! Grandpa, you were one great man, dedicated to family! Thank you for all your wonderful time and the memories you have left me with! You are truly one of a kink and we are all better for having had you in our lives! I keep telling my girls, you are in heaven doing summer saults and dancing with Grandma Peggy! As we all know, you can dance! Much love!

James Manson

February 9, 2010

Uncle Harry, as I knew him, will be missed. I was unlucky in not knowing him more than I did. Living far from him, and north of his family did not lend itself to frequent visits. But in those moments I knew I was in the presense of a great man. In my own eyes, my Gandpa Joe is one as well. But its obvious that this does not happen without having the influence of an older brother. I can only assume the traits and virtues he holds were learned from Harry and Opal.

Harry and Peggy

February 9, 2010

Gary

Gary Owens

February 9, 2010

Oh my what can I say about Harry that is not something that is simply not known by all of you. Harry was simply one the finest men I have ever met in my life of 58 years. Both he and his brother Joe have played more into my life than they may be ever aware. Harry was a strong person, but one with a very, very kind heart. Perhaps he did not want all to know just how kind and generous he was, but he was and Opal taught him well. He was from my observation, a great husband,dad, and friend to many. He was a very hard worker and set an example to me many years ago. He had a great sense of humor. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease others at time, but he himself was not invincible to a good joke or tease.
Just something htat comes to my mind every now and then was the time he came into the kitchen in his PJ's after a shower. Candy, Glen, and I were standing htere and trying to drop a penny from our noses into a small cone tucked between in around our waists. We kept failing and then Harry said" let me show you klutzes how"So he put hte little cone between him and hte waist of his PJ's and then put hte penny on his nose. About that time one of us poured just a little water down the cone into his PJ's. Well, he was not a happy camper and grumbled a little bit as he left the room while we all laaughed. Just a few minutes later he walked back into hte kitchen and his ego was restored and as he chuckled a little bit at the joke. See that was Harry always trying hard to teach us young ones a few lessons, but more than willing to laugh at himself every now and then also. Harry was a great guy and I have always thought of him as a good example to me when growing up. He never gave up and I was so glad to see him once again just a couple of years ago. Special is putting it mildly, but I do see a glimmer in him within all of his family and I am sure that is why htey temselves are have been great parents and grandparents! Harry you were a special man in my life and a true blessing to many, Thank You and you will never be forgotten, From Gary in New mexico

Nancy Labuda

February 9, 2010

My dad was a special man. I can't remember a time when I saw him that
he didn't brag about how great his kids were and what wonderful families
that had. I loved him very
much. I know he is finally at peace
with my mother in heaven.
Love you Dad

Demery Kelley

February 9, 2010

I miss grandpa Harry!! He is flying with EMO(her fish). Love the Rat(this is what grandpa called me) *this is what my 4 year old Daughter wanted me to write*

Brittney McMillan/Kelley

February 9, 2010

My grandpa was such a sweetheart! He will truly be missed by me. He always knew how to make me laugh. He was a funny man without even truly knowning how funny he really was. He would always tell me how proud he was of me, (even when I didn't do anything special). He taught me many things from how to be a card shark to not taking life so seriously. I will never forget the times we spent together and all the stories from his life will never get old in my mind and heart. I will miss my grandpa dearly. But I know he is watching over me now. Until we meet again my sweet grandpa!! <3

Son Victor, Harry, Son Glen (Thanksgiving 2009)

February 9, 2010

Thanksgiving 2009 (Nancy, Harry, Candy)

February 9, 2010

Harry and Peggy on Vacation

February 9, 2010

Harry, Victor and Joe Abt 1947 or 1948

February 9, 2010

Candy Basso

February 9, 2010

My Dad was such a great person. He was loved by everyone. My boyfriends in High School didn't keep in contact with me but they did with my Dad. He made everyone laugh. Thanks to Glen he had a lot of funny stories to tell.