John Bernard McManus, loving father to his son Johnny, passed away in the early morning on April 25, 2022 at the age of 57 from ALS. He was cared for throughout his illness by his devoted sister Ellie at her home in Fortuna.

John was born on October 6, 1964 in Eureka to Jack and Elsie McManus and spent most of his life in Humboldt County. Growing up in Ferndale, John was known as “Smiley” McManus, a well deserved nickname given his infectious smile and happy disposition. Early on John possessed great enthusiasm for life, a quick wit and the ability to find humor in all circumstances. He boxed competitively as a child and later enjoyed watching the sport with his son and friends, he also loved to fish, hunt and cook.

John was well known within the music community as a talented and obsessed guitarist. He was able to play in a wide range of musical genres with skill, passion and a style all his own.

With determination and a fighting spirit John faced many health issue in his lifetime, including a struggle with addiction. Never one to shy away from the reality and truth of what addiction does to an individual and families John was able to use his experience to help many people and the community.

After attending both CR and HSU, John worked in the recovery field for both private and non-profit organizations. Through fate, John and Dr. Ruby Bayan crossed paths and with their shared vision they were able to fulfill John’s greatest professional accomplishment; WaterFront Recovery Services. He leaves a legacy for building the first medical model recovery services in the Northern California region, specifically for the disadvantaged and homeless, including those with mental and physical illnesses who otherwise would not receive services within the region. John insisted in a level of care that made sure all people were treated with dignity and compassion, John was a great model for staff, who not only respected him but loved him deeply.

In 2010 John could have not have been more excited and proud to welcome his son Johnny into the world. Becoming a father brought him much happiness, Johnny became the center of John’s life and the reason he fought so hard to live as long as he could.

John is preceded in death by his father Jack and infant brother Patrick. He will be loved and always missed by his son Johnny, his devoted mother Elsie and siblings, Kathleen Meredith, Bill and Ellie Bustin, Maureen Lichtenwalter, Ken and Cindy Dunn, and Joe McManus. He will be remembered as a fun loving uncle by his many nieces and nephews .

Along with his family, John leaves many special friends who made great effort to comfort and care for him, including Dr. Ruby Bayan, Mike and Idyath Yassemi, Eileen McGee, Kim Finley, Roshawn Beere, Toshiko Beere, Jessica and Jesse Pearson. John was so grateful to all his friends who reached out to him and supported him through his life and especially in the last year.

The family would also like to thank the care given to John by his Hospice Team, Scotty, Debra, Dylan and Chaplin Harry.

A Celebration of Johns life will take place on Friday, May 6, at The Barn by Fernbridge, 26 Goble Lane, Ferndale from 2 until 5 p.m. The family invites all who knew and loved John to attend.

Contributions can be made to the John McManus Fund at Waterfront Recovery Services.

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