1954-2023
Michael was a good, kind man, always polite. He had trials and tribulations in his life.
Michael was predeceased by his mother Phyllis Kearns, his father John, his daughter Tara, his fun brother Shawn, and his brother Patrick who helped him through all the tough times : In his own words, « He was so strong for me ».
He leaves to mourn Sharon Lecomte, Pam McBurney Manning and brother Brian (Carolyn), as well as many good friends.
Following the murder of his beautiful daughter Tara on May 5, 1994, Michael went on a cross-country crusade to persuade Canadians and the Canadian government to pass a DNA law in 1995. He left before Victoria Day of 1995, and on June 23,1995 Bill C-104 unanimously passed third reading in Parliament. A female Liberal member of parliament told him « In the history of parliament , you are the first person to speak to parliament from the gallery without getting thrown out! » The Mannings were all clapping, the speaker of the House, Mr. Parent, followed, and then the rest of parliament rose and gave the Mannings a standing ovation. That is when Michael stood up and adressed Parliament : « I thank you not just on behalf of the Manning family, but on behalf of all Canadians because you just made Canada a safer place to live. Thank- you, especially Allan Rock. »
He leaves the following message to his family and friends : « I would like to thank Pam Manning and brother Brian for all their support over the years. I would like to thank Shawn-Wayne, Trevor, Neil Manning and their families for always being my friends. Thanks Colleen, Ed and Caitlin for your kindness. Thanks Carole for giving us Jazmin and Tara. Thanks Ricky for being a friend. Thanks to my best buddy Colin Brophy and kids Neanne and Christopher for always being there. Thanks to my best friend Sharon Lecomte and beautiful Samantha for being with me through the good and bad times. You both were always there for me. Hugs and kisses to you all. I’m sorry I had to leave so soon. Finally, I thank all my AA friends, especially Steve, and all my baseball buddies. I’ll miss every one of you. Love and peace to all.
Help stop violence-give peace a chance. »
Resting at J.J. Cardinal Funeral Home, 560 Lakeshore Drive, Dorval, H9S 2B3 (514-631-1511). The family will receive condolences on Sunday, November 5, from 10 am to 12 noon, and from 1 pm to 3 :30 pm.
To read about the DNA law, google Tara Manning Canadian Murders.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Michael’s memory to the Tara Manning Memorial Fund – Fonds Commémoratif Tara Manning.
