John Phillips Manry
September 14th, 2018
John’s long and eventful life began at Berlin, Germany, where his American missionary parents were briefly involved in relief work following WW I. They then returned to India to do further educational work, where John spent his school days in an American boarding school high in the Himalayas. Those were happy days, and they fostered John’s love of travel – especially in the mountains.
After grade school, John travelled overland to Switzerland where he spent the summer before continuing on to the US and college. After Pearl Harbour, John enlisted in the US Army for Pacific service. Upon discharge, he then came to Calgary as a geologist, following the excitement of the Leduc oil discovery. It was here, at an Alpine Club party, that he met and later wed his wife, Jeannette (neé Farman), who shared in his outdoor activities. Together, they were sent on multiple assignments to Australia and Indonesia, while John’s Canadian work took him to PEI and the Canadian High Arctic, as well as to points in between.
John’s beloved wife predeceased him. Their only child, Kathryn, has become a gifted author and painter, and with her husband Mark enjoys travel and adventure.
There will be no service by John’s request. If you wish to honour John’s life, please direct donations to Seva Canada Society, #100 - 2000 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 2G2 Canada (www.seva.ca).
Messages:
Kathryn - so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. John and I had many great years together, both at HBOG and later with Boy Scouts Canada. Maureen and I also have fond memories of dinners and New Years Eve gatherings with he and Jeannette. Take care. Don Lamond
Kathryn, your father had a long and full life. Such an interesting and learned man. I remember being with your mom and dad a few times at their cabin in Waiporous. They were so happy in the forest! I think of your mom often. She was very dear to me and many others. They were a lovely couple. And they have left a wonderful legacy in you! It is never easy saying goodbye to loved ones. Take care in this time, rest well and know that you are in our thoughts. With love, Linda and Dave Lathrop
My thoughts and prayers are with you Kathryn, after reading about the loss of your Dad, John. We had so many interesting conversations when I was working at his home in Wildwood, many years ago. Take care, John Ogilvie
Kathryn: I was honoured to have known your father through the 21st Calgary Scout Troop. I remember talking to him about some of his mountaineering adventures with a certain amount of envy. We spent a few "winter camps" at the Waiparous Cabin and I clearly remember your Dad introducing me to the Sony Walkman which he had picked up in Hong Kong on a trip back from a work trip to Indonesia. He handed me the headphones and said "Listen to this!". I was wowed. That was several months, if not years before they entered the North American market. Sharon sends her condolences as well. Your Mom and Dad were good friends to her Mom and Dad for so many years. We were blessed to have known John. May your memories, like ours, help to continue the blessing. Sharon (Lamond) and Peter Chynoweth