Retired Standardbred racing official Allan Ashley McManus passed away peacefully in Stratford, Ont. with his family by his side on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the age of 91.
Allan was born in Colgate, Sask. to parents Ruby Laura (Shaw) and Hamilton McManus. He moved with his family to the Stratford, Ont. area in 1936. He had many jobs in his early life including iceman, mailman, helping to raise the tent in the early days of the Stratford Festival and driving bus for the family business, McManus Coach Lines.
Allan had a love for horses and, in the 1950s, began training and racing Standardbred horses. His passion for racing eventually led him to his career as a Presiding Judge for the Ontario Racing Commission. Allan enjoyed many years of officiating races across Canada from Quebec west to British Columbia until he retired in 1994.
Allan was a talented artist who painted, drew and created many amazing carvings. He was fortunate to be able to travel and had many memorable seasons at the cottage at Wildwood with family and friends.
Allan was predeceased by his loving wife Helen Louise (Sturdy) in January 2020. He will be missed dearly by his four children, Brenda (Jack Edwards), Alanna Maureen (Steve Hosking), Britt (Leslie), Jody (Randy Coulombe). Allan was a cherished “Gramps” to Cincy Edwards (Malcolm), Matthew Edwards (Katie), Brooke Read (Mark), Nick Hosking (Hannah), Mira Coulombe, Macy Coulombe and six precious great-grandchildren. Allan is survived by his three loving siblings Vivian Thompson (Barry deceased), Milton McManus (Margaret Joan) and Barry McManus (Barbara deceased).
A celebration of Allan’s life will take place in the New Year. As expressions of sympathy donations to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford, Ont., 519-271-7411.
Update: A celebration of life will take place Sunday, April 10, 2022 from 2-4 p.m. at W. G. Young Funeral Home, Stratford. All are welcome.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Allan McManus.
Allan McManus celebration of life
Due to recent positive test in the family the celebration of life for Allan McManus this Sunday has been postponed. Further updates will be posted on the funeral home website. Thanks Britt McManus
Big Al was a gem of a man…
Big Al was a gem of a man, always enjoyed having Al in the judges stand. Too many laughs, as all the guys for me back then...Hicksey, Billy Fines, Cowboy Al Caughey, Rosco Parr, Paul Cass, Gerry Belore, Big Thatch, Vic Gould, Bobby Lawson, all of these gentleman made me welcome and memories I will never forget. RIP Alan.
Allan McManus celebration of Life
Allan McManus celebration of Life will take place Sunday April 10, 2022 from 2-4 pm. W. G. Young Funeral home Stratford. All are welcome.
In reply to Allan McManus celebration of Life by brittsy
Allan McManus
Marie and I had some great times in Florida with Allan and Helen. We also had some great times out at the cottage.....we knew the whole family.
Allan and I worked a lot together with the CTA and the ORC, it was a pleasure working with him.
Allan and Helen will be missed.
Laurance & Marie Geisel
Britt; on behalf of Eric,
Britt; on behalf of Eric, Doris, Dan and Paula; sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.
I had the pleasure of working
I had the pleasure of working with Allan when l was hired by the O.R.C. in 1986, he was responsible for my training to be a Judge.
I was so lucky to be with him to learn the do's and don't's of having a career in being a Judge for Standardbred racing. Rest in peace "Big Al" Condolences to Helen and family. Hicksie
Had many great times working
Had many great times working with Allan both on the job and off the job with him and his wife Helen. Allan always found the good in everyone.
Bill & Cindy Fines