MANSUR (MANNY) KENNETH JOHNS

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MANSUR (MANNY) KENNETH JOHNS

It is with great sadness that we announce that Manny passed away peacefully at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, on February 2, 2025, at the age of 88.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, he was the son of David Johns and Mary Johns (nee Petrow). Manny grew up in the Point Douglas community of Winnipeg before they moved to Norwood in 1952. He attended St. Paul's High School, and then St. Paul's College.

In High School, and in College, he excelled at sports, and was praised for his grit, more than making up for his size. His yearbook caption refers to him as a "Star Athlete, especially in football and basketball...makes every inch count." After College, he met and married Kathrine "Kay" Penner, and together they raised two daughters, Michele and Candice, from their home in St. Vital. Manny worked as a Probation Officer, and then later transitioned to a salesman for McKelvie's Wholesale. Though Manny and Kay eventually divorced, they maintained a close friendship, frequently travelling together to see their daughters and visit their grandchildren.

Manny is survived by his younger brother Foster (Gloria) Johns, and younger sister Marlene (Barry) Andrews, with whom he shared an especially strong bond, and daughters, Michele (Glen) Daniel living in Toronto, and Candice (Derek) Cullen, living in Brandon, as well as a niece and nephews in Winnipeg. He was surrounded by daughters, grandchildren, Marlene and Barry and friends until the end. Manny was a proud and loving grandfather to his four grandchildren, Mackenzie, Reece, Alexa and Ava, taking immense joy in their accomplishments, never missing an opportunity to celebrate their milestones.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Manny passionately followed the Winnipeg Jets and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, from their earliest seasons. He was an avid curler for many years, and was a keen golfer, being a member at St. Boniface and Oakwood golf courses, playing his last round at age 87. Manny cherished mornings with the sports section, dissecting stats, and meeting with friends for coffee at St. Vital Centre, where he liked to walk.

In his later years, Manny enjoyed the companionship of Colleen Carpenter, often sharing meals and watching sports together. As well, he loved to socialize with all of his buddies, including Louie Mainella and Neil Payne who were lifelong friends from their St. Paul's days, who visited him in hospital in his last weeks.

Despite declining health, Manny proudly lived independently until his last months, facing challenges with resilience and humour. He treasured meals with loved ones and never turned down a dessert - especially chocolate cake.

Manny appreciated all of his caregivers, and the family extends a special thanks to Drs. Shane Silver, and Shan Pirzada for their kind and compassionate care, as well as all of the staff at St. Boniface Hospital for supporting him through his last health challenges.

The family will be having a small celebration of Manny's life at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2025