John C. Mcmanus

John C. McManus, 89, of Eugene and formerly of La Grande died Nov. 12 of Alzheimer's disease. A celebration of his life was held Nov. 20 in Eugene.

McManus was born Sept. 24, 1921, in La Grande where he spent his childhood. After graduating from La Grande High School, he attended Northwestern University.

While there, he earned a bachelor's degree in music education and met his wife, Beth, to whom he was married for 66 years. He also received a master of arts degree from Columbia University in New York.

He served two years in the U.S. Army Air Force as a B-24 bomber pilot and was based in Italy during World War II.

He later wrote a book reflecting on his experiences during the war. Initially intended for family members, the book reached a much wider audience over time.

McManus, a clarinet player, taught music and directed bands in Chelan, Wash., Klamath Falls and McMinnville before joining the faculty at the University of Oregon.

He retired in 1983 but continued to serve as a mentor to former students for many years. He always remembered with appreciation his band and orchestra experiences in La Grande as a student of Andy Loney's in the 1930s.

In 1996 he and his wife established a unitrust to benefit the La Grande School Music Department. Named Oregon Teacher of the Year in 1965, he was one of five finalists for National Teacher of the Year.

Survivors include his wife, Beth; sister, Patricia McManus Brand; brother, Richard McManus; son, Ed and his wife, Kim McManus; daughters, Ann and her husband, Dean Larson, and Kathy McManus; and four grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the U of O School of Music Scholarship Fund or any charity.

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