Patrick F. McManus was a beloved American humor writer, who mainly wrote about his outdoor adventures and misadventures. He was also a columnist for Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, and other magazines, as well as a novelist and a playwright. He passed away on April 11, 2018, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and wisdom. In this article, we will explore the Patrick McManus cause of death, his life and career, and his impact on millions of readers.
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How Did Patrick McManus Die?
According to the Associated Press, Patrick McManus died at a nursing facility in Spokane, Washington, where he had been living for some time. He had been suffering from declining health and had retired from writing several years before his death. His friend and actor Tim Behrens, who performed the one-man plays based on McManus’s stories, confirmed his passing on Friday, April 13, 2018.
The exact Patrick McManus cause of death was not disclosed, but it is likely that he died of natural causes related to old age. He was survived by his wife Darlene “Bun” McManus, his four daughters, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Who Was Patrick McManus?
Patrick Francis McManus was born on August 25, 1933, in Sandpoint, Idaho. He grew up on a small farm on the banks of Sand Creek, where he learned to love the outdoors and developed a keen sense of humor. His father, who served in World War I, died when Patrick was six years old. His mother later remarried, but he was mostly raised by his grandmother and his older sister Patricia, whom he called “the Troll” in his stories.
He attended Washington State College (now Washington State University), where he majored in journalism. He worked as a reporter and editor for various newspapers before becoming a professor of English, journalism, and creative writing at Eastern Washington State College (now Eastern Washington University) from 1960 to 1983.
He began writing humor columns for Outdoor Life in 1968, and later for Field & Stream and other magazines. His columns were collected in several books, starting with A Fine and Pleasant Misery (1978) and ending with The Horse in My Garage and Other Stories (2012). He also wrote five mystery novels featuring Sheriff Bo Tully, five one-man comedies for Tim Behrens, and several other books on camping, cooking, and humor writing.
His stories were mostly based on his childhood experiences with his friends and family in rural Idaho. He created memorable characters such as Rancid Crabtree, the old woodsman who taught him everything he knew; Crazy Eddie Muldoon, his best friend and partner in crime; Retch Sweeney, the hapless fisherman; Strange, his loyal dog; and Sheriff Tully, his alter ego. He used exaggeration, irony, sarcasm, and absurdity to make fun of himself and the situations he encountered in the outdoors.
Why Was Patrick McManus So Popular?
Patrick McManus was one of the most popular humor writers of his time. His books sold millions of copies and were translated into several languages. His fans spanned generations and backgrounds. Many readers credited him with helping them cope with stress, depression, or trauma with his uplifting and hilarious stories.
According to McManus Index, a website dedicated to cataloging his stories and books, some of the reasons why Patrick McManus was so popular are:
- He had a unique voice that combined wit, wisdom, and warmth.
- He had a universal appeal that resonated with people from all walks of life.
- He had a nostalgic charm that reminded people of simpler times.
- He had a genuine love for nature and adventure that inspired people to explore the outdoors.
- He had a humble attitude that made him relatable and authentic.
Patrick McManus once said that his goal as a writer was to “make people laugh so hard they forget their troubles”. He certainly achieved that goal with his stories that made millions of people laugh out loud. He also left behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and optimism that will continue to inspire his fans for years to come.
