McMANUS,
Patrick
Francis

Patrick Francis McManus, beloved husband, father and New York Times bestselling author, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Spokane. Pat is survived by Darlene (Bun), his best friend and wife of 64 years; daughters Kelly, Shannon, Peggy and Erin; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends including Rancid Crabtree, Retch, Crazy Eddy, the Troll, Bo Tully, and Daisy.

Pat was born in Sandpoint, Idaho. Often truant from his mother's one room schoolhouse in Squaw Valley, he began a lifelong journey to find the biggest and best huckleberries. Pat loved telling stories, freshly caught fish cooked on the banks of a stream, mushroom picking and foraging for other wild foods, most of them edible. He had an enduring passion for photography and art, particularly watercolors. Book signings took Pat across the United States where he always enjoyed meeting his many fans. However, he was happiest exploring the outdoors of Washington, Idaho and Montana.

Pat was fortunate to have a varied career from newspaper reporter, feature news writer for local television, English and journalism professor at EWU, columnist for Field & Stream and Outdoor Life magazines, author of five plays and 24 books.

Private funeral service at the family's request. In lieu of gift fish, donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane.

Family and friends are invited to sign Patrick's online guestbook at Arrangements" target="_blank" class="obit-text-link">www.coffeltfuneral.com

Arrangements haven been placed in the care of COFFELT FUNERAL SERVICE.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Apr. 18, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Patrick McMANUS

39 Entries

Rev. Donald Sparks

April 7, 2025

My son found a copy of one of Pat's books for sale in a bookstore and gave it to me for Christmas a couple of years ago. When he told me to look inside I was shocked and delighted to see that it was a signed copy. It's one of my most treasured posessions.

Patricia Gay Wilson

December 21, 2024

My Dad was Patrick McManus! He was raised much the same way & hated school (so much he'd trap skunks' so the teacher would send him home) The school land was donated by his parents so he didn't have far to go. He was a slow reader but read books some everyday. When I got old enough, we'd read Pat's books to each other. We'd laugh so hard we'd have tears running down our faces. we'd be gasping for breath. We had many of the same experience's. (He more than me of course.) I was a bit meek but adventurous. Dad understood that. He knew I was level headed most of the time. I did things I never should have, But I lived! I still mourn Dad (58) & Pat. To this day, I'm 70 now, I can see Dad's face crinkle up with tears streaming as he mopped them away with his handkerchief. I'll thank all of you for sharing him with all of us! He had a book signing in Saint Maries, Idaho & I didn't know about it or I would have gone. I have several of his books & I cherish them.

Dean Potts

December 6, 2024

Patrick´s humor stress relieved me like nothing else could do during trying and difficult times of my life. I have given most of my collection of his books to my children and grandchildren so that they might enjoy the therapy. Thank you so much!

Lauren Aase

April 8, 2023

Pat, You are one of the best friends I never met. I followed your stories and articles in outdoor magazines and then in your outdoor humor books and novels. You brought so many laughs and cheer to your readers and to me personally. One of the great comedians of our time, Jeff Foxworthy, once said 'true stuff is the funniest.' I believe you must have adhered to this principle as I can personally relate to many of the zany adventures of Eddie, Vern, Retch, Rancid, and even your crazy dog 'Strange' that you wrote so hilariously about. Thank you for the joy you brought into my life and the lives of countless other readers.

Lauren Aase

August 21, 2022

One of my college buddies gave me a copy of "They Shoot Canoes Don't They" as a graduation present back in 1991. I've been a fan ever since and have bought all of his books, some of them multiple times because they have worn out from repeated readings. His characters are timeless and universal. I think everyone knows an Eddie or a Retch and maybe even a Rancid Crabtree. One of the things on my life's bucket list was to travel to Spokane and try to meet up with Pat and have coffee while discussing his writing. Sadly, I didn't find out until a year after his passing that he was gone. Rest in peace. I hope to meet you in heaven someday and carry on that conversation. Cheers.

Rev. Donald L. Sparks

May 11, 2022

Thank you for the many hours of tears and laughter I've spent in your books. I have one you signed for a library. It's one of my most cherished possessions.

Dallas Z. More

February 24, 2021

Pat was one of the writers I idolized as a kid. I started reading his humor column in Outdoor Life when I was 12, in 7th grade, in 1974. I subscribed to Outdoor Life because of Pats stories. I'd swear Pat wrote some of them about me! Real Ponies don't go "Oink"! Poof no eyebrows! I did exactly what Pat described while experimenting with black powder, right down to placing it on an old bicycle seat! The Blue Dress may be the most hillarious story I've ever read! One of my fondest dreams was to move to Sandpoint ID and meet Pat. Today I learned he passed away in April 2018 and I am devastated! I also just learned that his wife Darlene has also since passed so it's a double tragedy. My condolences to the family. To me Pat was a giant, and the world is a far less fun and interesting place without him.

Tiffany Nicholas

October 16, 2020

I met Pat when I was 10, and already a huge fan. He spoke at the Young Authors conference in Moscow, ID. I asked him if the F in his name stood for all the Fs he got in english, a story he told us that day. He inscribed my book with "a very funny girl" and I taught myself how to write my name like he did. I suppose I should have realized he passed, but I didn't. It is wonderful to hear that he had such a rich and deep family to love and be with him. The world is better for his place in it.

judy dobson

August 28, 2020

I am late finding out that my favorite author died. I am glad he had hospice care however. This man's books made me laugh out loud. A few others made me chuckle, but the way he described his characters and their antics was just so funny, that I was uplifted every time. Not only that, but I reread them. Rare for me. Thank you Patrick for your skill, your ability, and your funny bone. God rest your soul, but make heaven laugh.

Allegra B McFarland

April 7, 2020

Many years on, I am still grateful for his teaching, his writing and his wonderful sense of humor. This would be a great time to reread "A Fine and Pleasant Misery" and order some of his other titles. What a great legacy! Patrick you still rock!

Howard Clark

September 16, 2018

One of the very best writers ever. I had the privilege to read nearly all of his books, and a lot of his magazine articles also. Hilarious stuff. I never met him, but I loved the man's soul. I also write, and I love to use the style that he made famous. It is a shame that we have to lose talent like his, but time marches on. I am just nine years behind him and the years go by so very fast.

Judith Tate

July 16, 2018

I just found out that Mr. McManus has passed away. My deepest condolences to his family. I have all his books and treasure them. Actually, I have bought all his books several times. When I lend someone one of his books I never seem to get it returned, thus I have to buy it all over again! He will be missed.

Mark Jester

June 14, 2018

I am very Saddened to read that Pat has passed on. Growing up reading his stories brought great joy to my life. I have some of his books and I think its time to sit down with the bear who ate goombah.

Patricia

June 5, 2018

My heart felt condolences to the McManus family. We collected all of Pats' books, I read them to my friend when he forgot his reading glasses, and the tradition continued - so much laughter! Now he shares them with his grandchildren, and the story telling becomes another tradition. The joy radiates as Pats' work continues to be shared. A national treasure lives on with his humor.

Mike McNamara

June 2, 2018

I am just reading that he passed away in April. I have laughed so hard, tears roll down my face; now, it's the sadness of his passing. Started reading his work about 30 years ago, now my grandchildren are reading his stories. My condolences to his family.

Charles Waltz

May 18, 2018

To Mr. McManus, Your God given gift will be sorely missed. We feel like we grew up with you and thank you for sharing our childhood years.

Kim

May 14, 2018

My husband introduced me to Patrick McManus stories when we were first married. 22 years later, we have owned most of them, now have digital copies on kindle for campfire reading. No writer has made me laugh more. I put him up there with Mark Twain, he has truly left a legacy. My husband struggles with depression and we read a story or two every night before bed. I feel like we've lost a friend. Condolences to the family.

Al Kent

May 1, 2018

Feels as though I have lost a friend. I read his books to my kids as they grew up and now I read them to my grandchildren. They still laugh out loud at the Grasshopper Trap, Letters from Camp and more. He will be missed.

Ron Heatherly

April 25, 2018

Just found this today. I feel I have lost a friend. I have copies of each of his books, one of his calendars, and at least one video. No other author has given me as much enjoyment. I have given away quite a few of his books, giving so much joy to others. McManus family thank you for sharing this man with all of us.

Mike Wuerl

April 25, 2018

About 15 years ago, my employer's beloved wife passed away suddenly. Understandably, he was devastated; for weeks after the funeral, his emotional state seemed to get worse and worse. One day, I saw him sitting alone, his head bowed, at a lunchroom table. In an attempt to give him a distraction from his grief, I handed him one of Mr. McManus' books and
(I still remember this) suggested that he read "SNAKE!". A few minutes later, I found him, not sobbing, but laughing uncontrollably. It was a miraculous turning point for him, and a realization for me of another facet of Mr. McManus' genius. Thank you for the opportunity to say this; my thoughts and condolences go out to his family at this sad time.

Bob Yeager

April 23, 2018

My condolences to Pat's family. My wife, fours kids and I spent countless hours through the years, by our woodstove, reading his books out loud together. To this day, almost 25 years after introducing my family to this humor, many of Pat's stories are a common thread of our family conversations. From a Montana family, may Pat's soul rest in our great God's arms.

paul kelly

April 22, 2018

I remember reading his books when I was hospitalized at age 15. I had to stop reading them because I was laughing so hard it hurt my surgical site. I now enjoy re-reading them at my cabin in the woods. Thanks Pat

Bill Buchanan

April 21, 2018

You kept me laughing. Can't say much better than that! Thank you.

Allegra McFarland

April 21, 2018

Oh Pat, thanks so much for your friendly instruction in the journalism program! (I'll always remember you telling me that my article was "too well written"!) and for being a sane friend of Rancid Crabtree. I know I embarrassed you by hugging you at one of your Seattle booksignings, but now I'm glad I did. Love and laughter to you and your family.

April 20, 2018

Patrick's humour was introduced to me by my mom about 40 years back, A Fine and Pleasant Misery ....Boy, what a gift he has provided to so many people. As my mom's life came to a close she (and I) were still able to laugh at Rancid, Retch and Gram... Thank you for that ... and thank you for the future laughs !
Alan Cole in B.C.

Ronda Nelson

April 20, 2018

I work with at-risk youth and am responsible for their bedtime story at the beginning of their stay at our residential program.
I can safely say that many of these 16-17 year old young men have been introduced to their new favorite author. My choice of to read Patrick McManus may be questionable, given the fact that I'm supposed to be helping them settle down for the night. But hearing their muffled laughter, knowing the weight of the day was slipping away as they enjoyed Pat's humor and the characters he so skillfully presented convinces me that my choice was a solid one.
When I shared the sad news of his passing, the boys were quite vocal in their dismay, and decided we should read his stories, every night for the rest of their stay, in his honor.
It delights my heart that another generation is enjoying his writings.
My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. He was a gift, and he will be missed.

Robert Dean

April 20, 2018

Who would have ever thought that a man who grew up in the mountains of North Carolina and ran around in the woods as a young boy would grow to respect and love this writer from Sandpoint, Idaho. I identified with his books so well because I had lived a life much like he described. I believe there are many southerners that match the descriptions of the people he wrote about, especially Rancid. I was very fortunate to first meet Pat at a book store in Greenville, SC where I lived. I started reading his books many years ago and have a collection of all of them, which I cherish. When I moved to the west, I was able to talk with Pat at several book signings and I will always remember the special dinner that I attended with him when the plays were introduced in Spokane. It was an unforgettable time. He will never know the countless hours of laughter he brought to me and my family.

Dave Bowen

April 18, 2018

What can I possibly say about Pat that would do him justice? He has been part of our family for so many years. Our family has all of his books and most are a bit worn and frayed. His stories have been read around so many campfires by our family, laughing and howling. The reader in tears, chocking, trying to read the words, gasping for breath. Ah, Retch, Rancid, Crazy Eddie, Strange, Olga and all. How they have enriched our lives. We can't thank you enough Pat, but you and your "tales" will live on. Good hunting and fishing.

April 18, 2018

I took several classes from Pat, one with both he and Dick Hoover that was memorable. He wrote an article for an internship publication I produced for the EWU program--treasure it still. What an amazingly ordinary, extraordinary man he was.

My sincere sympathy to his wife, children and grands. Peace and Love

Isabelle Green
EWU Alumni Dir Retired

Richard Lybecker

April 18, 2018

The only books that I read where I laughed out loud. Loved his sense of humor. He will be missed.

JIM BAKER

April 16, 2018

I had the pleasure of being one of Pat's many journalism students. The education I received from Pat was first rate. Pat became a good friend of his students. Pat was a humble man with a great sense of humor. Pat's fishing, hunting, camping and other outdoor stories are hilarious. Pat will missed by me and all who were fortunate enough to get to know him.

Michael Gencarella

April 15, 2018

Reading Patrick McManus with my Scoutmates brought something extra special to summer camp in Coeur d'Alene.

Barbara Kubu

April 15, 2018

Blessings to you and your family.

You live on in your works that have brought such laughter and joy (the greatest gifts) to so many. Your "How To Go Splat" is just one of many personal favorites.

Your humor has saved me from numerous funks over the decades, and brought tearful, hysterical laughter at completely innapropriate times in public such as bus rides, trains, planes, etc..

Owe you much gratitude. Yours was a life well lived.

With joy and profound sadness,

Barbara Kubu
Spokane, WA

Steven Smith

April 15, 2018

Im very saddened to hear of this. I have all of his books

William Lamont

April 15, 2018

I read all of his books,They reminded me of growing up. Read some twice.Laughed till I cried
What a shock!!He was just like family.

Gary Bullock

April 15, 2018

Patrick McManus writings brought joy, humor and enlightenment to my life for these past fifty years since I discovered him in Outdoor Life and Field & Stream magazines. I recently gifted one of his books to a writing friend. His spirit, insight and positive outlook on life on the lighter side will live on in his books and magazine articles. He noticed and was able to put into words the extraordinary aspects of ordinary people and situations. I am a student of his twisted humor, fabrication and embellishment. Godspeed, Patrick! And thank you for all the smiles and chuckles yet to come in future and repeated readings of your work.

April 15, 2018

Mr. McManus, your loss will be felt, but your life will live with us always. As the parent of a non-reader on the autism spectrum, your books were always something we could get him to read. Your sense of the absurd touched his funny bone. Thank you for sharing your wit and wisdom. Our prayers are with your family.

Mark Gaedtke

April 14, 2018

I was mourning the death of my first wife, and sleep was difficult if not impossible.
Then I learned to bring Pat's books to bed with me. In each story he reminded me that life was worth living and sometimes even damned entertaining. I would read story after story until the book would fall on my chest. And then I would sleep. We never met, but I considered him a friend and have been grateful for him for most of my life. My thanks to "Bun" and the girls for sharing their man with the world. It's a sadder place today without him.

Jerry Morton

April 13, 2018

You will be missed Pat. Thank you so much for all the hours of pure enjoyment and laughter! Rest in peace my friend.

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