Dick was truly one of the “good guys”.  He was smart, funny, and caring, qualities that I try to carry forward, especially in light of his endorsement of my first go round with him during my brief time at Alpha. As a new music educator, he was always encouraging, gifting me many of his music pedagogic materials when I left, items I treasured until I neared retirement myself.
Stories of Dick from my late teaching partner Lew Hilton were so funny they brought me to tears.  Dick…always the practical joker!
During my second steady time with Dick at the Royal City Concert Band, he constantly brought me joy, again with his encouragement and humour.  He was my confidant!
Though it is sad that Dick is no longer with us, I am eternally grateful and honoured that he was a part of my life.  Have fun teasing Lew some more…

Dick was a dear friend, and a colleague both musically and educationally. I first met him when teaching at Alpha Secondary, where he was a counsellor, in the early 1990s. His love of music and his persistent wit became evident to me when he became the instigator and driving force behind our staff band, 'The Withered Winds'. We were to meet again some years later in the ranks of the Little Mountain Brass Band, and he played in other local wind ensembles as well. 
I was deeply saddened by his passing. I know his impact on others' lives throughout his teaching career will be fondly remembered, and his contributions to our local wind ensembles and his relentless sense of humour will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, dear friend, and I hope there's a reputable music shop and a fine wind ensemble where you find yourself now.

My heartfelt condolences to Mr. McManus's extended family. He was a wonderful teacher and a good human being who, just by being himself was able to draw the best out of his students.

What I remember was someone bringing a Beatle's album to the Band room. (It was the only place where you could play a record at Burnaby Central back in 1969-70 when we had him as a Band teacher and counsellor.)  Rock was not his cup of tea at the time.  But he listened with us and engaged with the music, and concluded that this was indeed good music. This was the late '60s, mind, and from most of our parents we heard 'turn that darn noise off!' His openness meant so much to us who were trying to navigate the years of transition to adulthood.

We were lucky to have him for a teacher, and luckier still for the friendships that were formed in his classes. Rest in Peace, Dick.

Mr McManus was my band teacher from grade 7 to grade 12. 
He was my favourite teacher and a great role model. 
Dave Anderson 
One of hundreds of students who benefited from knowing him and being taught by him

RIP Sir

Mr. McManus was my high school counsellor at Alpha Secondary.  His wife, Mrs. McManus, was my English literature teacher for two years.  Both husband and wife were loving and kind-hearted; they were adored by their students.  I sent my heartfelt condolences to the McManus family- wishing you all strength in fond and loving memories.

"Please accept my heartfelt condolences".

Dick McManus's band class provided the heart and soul of my high school experience. He was a wonderful mentor for many of us. He provided rich experiences for us taking us on band trips and exchanges. I entered grade 12 traumatized from an experience during that summer and was very depressed unable to attend classes. Though Dick was not the girls' guidance counsellor he saw me and helped me through it. He welcomed me for days in the band room and it is through his care that I survived that experience. I hadn't thought of this before but it is through my experience with Dick that I went on to council in schools and to teach counselling at the University level. Dick has been in my thoughts this month and I was wondering where he was. The three of us Dean, Kurc and I visited Dick last when he was living near UBC. My love and thoughts go out to his family. I can only imagine how deep your grief is at this time.

Back in 1969-70 Dick was my music teacher/councillor at Burnaby Central Secondary School.  A wonderful guy who rolled with the punches of our teenage enthusiasm and who created, for me, some of the best friends and memories of my life.   Thanks to you I still correspond with the friends I found in your classroom.  And yes Dick I did go on to be a music teacher (briefly) as did at least two others from our Grade 12 year so thank you for your humour and your guidance. 
Chris Moss

To the family of Mr. McManus.  "Dick" was my guidance counsellor/band teacher at Burnaby Central in the years 1969/70.   Everyone has that one teacher who affected their life and remained in their heart over the decades.  For me, Mr. McManus was that teacher.  Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of this very fine man.

Uncle Dick was a very caring Uncle to me, he always took time to talk to me when I was young,He hosted my family at his cabin in the summer many times,Our adventures to Gabriola island would start at the ferry landing seeing how many people and gear could fit into a Volkswagen beetle, He showed me how to make cedar shingles from log rounds, let us go to the community well to pump water , target shooting with the pellet rifle, and using the row boat to explore the shore, He also paved the way to my first real job by putting in a good word for me to the hiring manager,that job turned into my entire working career. He had a great sense of humor, I can recall a dinner at his home when he was saying "what's up Doc" I didn't know I was eating rabbit for the first time, 
Rest I peace Uncle Dick you will be greatly missed 
Mike Douglas

OBITUARY

Richard Gilbert Frederick McManus

12 November, 1934 – 4 November, 2025

First Memorial Funeral Services & Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens

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