MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
John passed peacefully with family by his side at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice, Cobourg. He leaves behind his beloved wife Clara, with whom he shared 35 joyful years of marriage. He will be deeply missed by his children Karen (Graham), Colin (Paula), Kevin (predeceased), Kevin (Lisa), and Hayley (Mike); his cherished grandchildren Jeremy, Rachael, Zac, Mitchell (Laura), Mikayla (Justin), Sean, Scott, Grace; and his great-grandchildren Johnny, Josie and Edison. John was predeceased by his first wife, Yvonne.
To know John was to know an honest, hardworking, and devoted family man. For nearly 30 years, he proudly served as an Ontario Provincial Police Officer—a career that brought him countless memorable stories, both lighthearted and poignant. Through his work, John touched many lives, always striving to make a difference in his community.
After long shifts and demanding years on the job, John found balance through building and creating. Whether it was constructing fences, painting, or remodelling his home, he always kept his hands busy. He was also an avid 10-pin bowler, a passionate gardener, and a talented baker. His banana chocolate chip muffins and shortbread cookies became family legends, baked with love and shared generously. He was also a dedicated Mason for many years.
Retirement hardly slowed John down. He found his dream job as the caretaker of "The Pond," a peaceful company retreat near Grafton. There, he spent his days outdoors, tending the grounds, caring for the dam and pond, and helping visitors cook their fresh catch. For his grandchildren, "The Pond" was pure magic—a place filled with adventure and Papa's special kind of care.
When the retreat chapter ended, John poured his energy into St. Andrew’s Church as its caretaker, ensuring it was always in top shape. He tackled every task with pride, from repairing what was broken to stripping and waxing the floors. He took joy in helping set up community events and offering thoughtful advice to soon-to-be newlyweds. He also treasured the many meaningful conversations he shared with Reverend Doug Brown.
Above all else, John was the kind of grandfather every child dreams of. He showed up—at school functions, sporting events, and family gatherings—always ready to cheer, support, and bake up something sweet.
Through all the years and adventures, John and Clara shared endless fun. They travelled to many interesting places. Their square dancing escapades led to lifelong friendships, and their inventive Halloween costumes were the highlight of many parties.
John lived a full and good life, one defined by love, laughter, and service to others. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.
Visitation will be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King St. E., Cobourg, on March 6, 2025 from 3pm to 7pm.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate team at Ed’s House. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice (Cobourg).
Clara my condolences to you and your family. John was well known and liked at the church.
Very sad to hear of John's passing, enjoyed his sense of humour and it was a pleasure working with him at the old O.P.P. Detachment.
Dear Clara, Karen, Colin, Kevin, Hayley and the entire family, John was a sincere and honest gentleman. He shared many amusing OPP stories with me without naming names. I met John at "The Pond" where I quickly discovered that he was the jack of all trades. He took pride in making the property look pristine. Remember the many memories you made over the last thirty- five years. Sincere condolences to all. John Robert Manning June 28, 1932 - March 2, 2025 " Rest In Peace "
Clara, sorry for your loss. He was a good friend.
We are saddened to hear of John's passing. John was a wonderful man and we are grateful for his 4 years of volunteerism with the Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary from 2008 to 2012. On behalf of the NHH staff, volunteer team and NHH Auxiliary board we send our condolences to John's loved ones.
Clara, to you and your extended families, I was so very sorry to read of your loss of John.May you all find comfort in your memories and peace as you travel the road ahead. Thinking of you and sending love and blessings to all.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss Clara, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to all the families. My mom and dad were friends with John and Clara and i remember them fondly. I also attended school with Kevin his son. We were friends. My prayers are with your family at this time.
Kevin So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Sending our condolences to you and your family.
Hi Paula and Colin So sorry for the loss of your Dad and father in law. Steve and Marlene
Aunt Clara and family, I will always cherish the wonderful memories I have of Uncle John. He was such a special person who will live on in our hearts forever.
I first met John as a young teenager, babysitting his children. The house was full of love and laughter. Then some 20 years later I met him at St. Andrew’s. He was a great caretaker and was always smiling. I will always remember his family with thoughtfulness and care. My prayers are with everyone
Clara, Karen and Colin - our condolences. Thinking of your families during this difficult time.
Clare, we are so sorry to learn of John’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Bonnie & Daisy
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Clara and family So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a blessing to you and all those he encountered. Take comfort in the memories you hold close to your hearts.
I would like to send my condolences to the family, may he rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Condolences to your family.
John was such a kind man, always going the extra mile for the congregation at St. Andrews. When my dad passed away, it was so comforting to have John with us to set up the church for visiting hours. He was compassionate and went beyond his duties - he even brought in lumber from his garage to place on top of the pews where we put photos along the centre aisle. Rest in peace John, you will be missed. To Clara and the Manning family, please accept my condolences.
My condolences Colin and Paula and families...sounds like an amazing man, how blessed were you to have been in his care💕
Clara and family, my deepest condolences on the loss of John. My husband Ron and John worked together for many years, so lots of memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely Linda Flindall.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Clara, Karen, Colin and families. Thinking of you and sending sincere condolences
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Clara, We are very sorry for your loss. We did enjoy square dancing with you and John. And we did love his shortbread cookies afterwards. He will certainly be missed. Hugs, Gail and Bob Jones
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
John always kept St. Andrew’s nice and clean, cut the grass and was a good man.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
We were so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was always so robust and an example for others in how to get the most out of life. His was indeed a life well lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.
Our deepest sympathies to you Clara, and Family. May all your loving memories of John, ease your pain and over time will bring you all comfort. Marisa & John
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
John will be deeply missed. He was such a fine person. John was the best church custodian - he should have taught a class. He cared so much and was so warm and supportive. A truly wonderful man, and honoured to have worked with him. from our whole family - sympathies to you Clara, and the entire family. Stuart
Our sympathy to Clara and familiy. We enjoyed friendship through square dancing. Also, we always stopped while on our walk to have a chat with John, as he read his paper or book in front of the condo. May many fond memories of a wonderful man, give you peace.
Clara and family, so very sorry to hear of Johns passing. It was always a pleasure to see his smiling face when I turned the corner to walk Gabe while he was in the Lawn chair reading a Grisham novel.
Clara and family, I’m thinking of you at this sad time and sending condolences your way. John always had a smile and a cheerful word. Sincerely Leota
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Clara & Family, Special memories of Uncle John will live in our hearts forever. We hope you feel the love and support that surrounds you during this challenging time. Brad & Leanne Gibson
My twin brother brian and I knew John and Yvonne. We bowled in a ten pin league several years ago in Belleville Ontario. He worked with our uncle Jim Hulsman on the OPP force in Cobourg. Sincere condolences on his passing . May he rest in peace
My deepest sympathies to the family of a hard working honest gentleman who had a very large love for everyone. Rest in peace, John.
Clara and families Sorry for your loss Keep your memories close
Clara I am so sorry to learn of John's passing. My husband Alex worked with John for many years and he always had a great respect for John as a fellow police officer and as a friend. Please accept my condolences and share them with your family Sue
I was an 18-year-old kid when I started working as a police dispatcher at Cobourg OPP. It was my first job (off the farm) and I wouldn't have lasted 5 years in that job without John's patience and guidance. He was great to work with and such a gentleman. Condolences to Clara and his family. RIP John. A life well lived.
Clara, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was a tenant for a short time in one of John’s houses. He was always so kind and wore his smile whenever he dropped by to check on things. Even after I moved he would always say hi if we happened to meet. My thoughts are with you.
It was a pleasure working with and knowing John over the years. Dave and Rosie
I loved chatting with my Uncle John. He had the best stories and great advice. My visits would always end with, "be safe out there". I will miss him dearly. Our sincerest condolences go out to his entire family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Clara: Gord & I remember, with great fondness, how welcoming and kind you and John were when we first started square dancing. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Clara and family: Sorry to learn of John passing on. Sending condolences to the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Clara and family , Thinking of you at this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Sorry to hear of John's passing. I will always remember his many years of dedication to St Andrew's Cobourg making sure our Church was well maintained and in top notch condition. Thank you for your many years of service not only to our Church but to our Community. Condolences to Clara and the Manning family
Clara, Karen and Colin, Our sincere condolences to you and your families.
Dear Clara & family ; Sending our deepest condolences at this difficult time . Thinking of you , Bob & Sandy .
Clara and Family. My Deepest Condolences to you all. May you hold all your fond memories of John close to your hearts. Leigh Ann Lalonde
Clara, Sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you. Hugs.
Clara and family ,,our condolences,, Sorry to hear of Johns passing , He was a great man ,, Ray and Sadie Avery ,
Clara and family please accept our sympathy on the loss of a dear husband and father Janet and Malcolm
Colin,Karen, Clara and family: I am so sorry to hear of Uncle John’s passing. My thoughts are with all of you at this time. It has been many years since I had the opportunity to see all of you but I do remember sitting and listening to your dad talk about some of the lighter moments of being a police officer. Cherish your memories as they will see you through this difficult time.
Clara and family, my sincere condolences to you and the family, keep your memories close. Hugs Marlene
Clara and family. Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of a very special man. John was a very kind and generous soul with a great smile. We have fond memories of him and the “Pond”. Cherish the memories. He will be missed.
Clara, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. You are in my thoughts
Clara, and Family, my sincere condolences to you all.
We lived beside St Andrews church for more than 30 years. John was a great caretaker and a great friend. Always let us know if the parking lot was going to be filled, meetings, weddings and funerals. He will be missed!!
Clara and family, my condolences.
Clara and family My deepest condolences to you and the family. John was a great man always so friendly and helpful. Hold all your dear memories of John close.
John was such a fine, fine gentleman with a wonderful sense of humour. I very much enjoyed working with him at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, particularly driving all over to gather church yard sale donations using his pick-up truck. Wishing Clara and family deepest sympathies on this loss.
Sincere condolences to Clara and all the family. We enjoyed many happy hours square dancing with John and Clara. Enjoyed John’s shortbread cookies!
Karen, Graham, Rachael and Zac Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of a great man in your lives! What a terrific tribute to let people know just how full his life was and how he made such meaningful contributions to all whose path he crossed! I hope you will always cherish those memories and keep them close to your heart.
Clara, and family: Our sincere condolences to you at this time. Roslyn (Mann) and Rob Smart
Very sorry for the loss of this very special man. I worked as a dispatcher for OPP many moons ago with John being the Shift Corporal. He knew when to be strict and knew how to be compassionate, even when his world was taking turns. We had many late night shifts where we would sit in the General Office looking out over the Cobourg, Port Hope scenery talking about life and dreams. Lost track of him as life makes changes, but I have many many fond memories. R.I.P. Corporal/friend.
Very sad news Clara & family. I worked with John for the last 13 yrs. at det. After evening shift went home we sometimes staid & had a little "choir practice". Fond memories.
Clara and family We were very saddened to hear of John's passing - he was such a great guy. We have many fond memories of our visits with John, both as a neighbour on Carlisle Street and in his 25 years as custodian at St. Andrews Church. When you needed something done, you could always count on John to do it. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time.
I am so sorry , and sad, to hear of your loss. He was indeed, a very kind, honest, and generous man. My Sincerest Condolences to you , Clara, and Family.
Kevin, Lisa and family, Our sincerest condolences.
Donated
Clara, so sorry to hear of John’s passing, may he Rest In Peace!
Aunt Clara and family. So sorry for your loss. John was such a great guy. Always willing to lend a hand to everyone. He was a hard worker and respected by all. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. R.I.P. John
John was not only a neighbour but also a friend. I will miss our warm weather chats sitting outside. He was extremely passionate about his career in the Police Force which meant so much to him. John you were a true Gentleman with a great smile. I will never forget you. Sue Wood
Colin, Karen and Clara So sorry to hear of John's passing. My condolences to you and the extended family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Sorry to hear about John. He was a wonderful man.
Dear Clara & family, we offer our deepest condolences on John's passing. May your many good memories together help to get you through this sad time.
My deepest condolences to John’s family. I had the pleasure of working with John during his policing career. He was the best example of community policing and fine example for his colleagues. May he rest in peace for a job well done. Paul Sweet Ret. Chief of Police Cobourg Police Service
Dear Clara and family. We were shocked by Johns passing. John was an incredible police officer and a true teacher to myself and other young officers. So many memories to cherish. Our condolences to all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Myeloma Canada
Clara, Kevin, Hayley, and the rest of the Manning family. So very sorry for your loss. I am sure you have incredible memories to help you to remember John. Keep those memories tucked deep in your hearts. Sincerely John, Rose, Kassandra and Michael Dobie.
I have so many cherished memories with my Papa John, and I will hold them close to my heart forever. His kindness and patience were unmatched, and his presence always brought me a sense of peace. He was a truly beautiful soul, and though he may no longer be with us, his love and warmth will live on in all who knew him.
We are sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a very good man. I loved having conversations with him at Church or during events which he was gladly there to help with.
Colin and Paula. My heart felt condolences to you and your family. God be with you.
To Clara and extended family ,so sorry to hear of John’s passing sending prayers and caring thoughts to all
John was the most admirable policeman I ever knew. God bless him. My condolences go out to you Clara and family.
John was an amazing person who had a wonderful life. So lucky to have had him as part of our family. He will be dearly missed.
Clara & Family, my sincere condolences. John was a wonderful and kind gentleman. He always took pride in ensuring St Andrews was in tip top shape with his heart & soul in everything that he did. He had a kind smile and was a very dear man. Our thoughts & prayers are either you. Danielle, Melissa & Michelle
John was a true gentleman, we will miss him. Our sincere condolences to Clara and family.
Many memories-- was a constant visitor to our home farm--pushed me to join the OPP.
In the obituary it says, "John lived a full and good life, one defined by love, laughter, and service to others. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched." It has been almost thirty-five years since we last saw John, but this is how we will always remember him. Barry and Peggy Van Dusen
My dad started the same day. Worked with John in Peterborough and Cobourg. Dad (Carl Carey) always spoke fondly of John.
Colin and family. So sorry for your loss. Your dad lived a long, productive, and busy life. Our thoughts and condolences are with you… Anne and Terry Barrett
So sorry in hearing of the passing of John. Condolences to John's family. John was a special co-worker while I was posted to Cobourg Detachment. He was a great mentor and one of the best NCO's I ever worked with. RIP John, you will be missed by all.
Dear Clara and family. Sending our love and prayers to you at this difficult time. John will surely be missed by you and the extended family. Cherish all those wonderful memories that you made together. Wendy and Rick
Clara, and family, my sincere condolences on the loss of John. I hope your good memories will help at this sad time.
Clara and family, sorry to learn of John’s passing. He was truly on of a kind. My prayers to you all.
Clara and family our condolences to you all.
Clara and family we are so sorry to hear of Johns passing . I have many fond memories of Johns baking when the night owls would gather at your home, John always had some fresh cookies or some other eats for us. Although his body may have left you his spirit and wonderful memories will always be with you. In this time of sorrow may God Bless and comfort you and your family.
Clara & Family, We were sorry to hear of John's passing. We not only appreciated his hard working efforts as custodian at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church but also his kind & welcoming nature. He would greet you with a smile & show a sincere interest in the families attending. We appreciated his expertise as a baker & always enjoyed his contributions of the "best shortbread" at bazaars & other church events. He will be missed by many.
So sorry for your loss. It will be very strange to walk by your place and not see John outside reading his paper or book. He always had such a smile and wonderful conversations. RIP John
I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences on the loss of John to his family. He was such a gentle caring man. A family friend and close friend of my father’s who was on the Cobourg Police force for many years. I remember many times coming to his house years ago and he would drive us around the field with glass jars so we could catch fireflies. One of my fondest memories of those times. Anytime I ran into him he would stop and chat, sometimes for a little while talking about each other’s families and catching up on how everyone was. He was always such a kind and gentle soul, and I’m sure he will be missed by many many people.
Thinking of you at this time
Sending my sincere condolences to Clara & family on John's passing. A great, friendly guy. John worked with my dad Bert Banting at the old Cobourg OPP detachment many years ago. Always enjoyed talking to John. Thoughts & prayers. Carol & Eric Buttar
Clara, and the entire Manning family I was so saddened to hear of of John's passing ,thinking ofyou all at this time and knowing your beautiful memories will be with you always.
To Clara and the Manning family my deepest condolences. John was an amazing friend and will. Br missed by so many
sorry for your loss
CLARA AND FAMILY please accept my most sincerest condolences John and I go back a long way he was a great friend travelled he was kind together years ago he was a kind considerate and and a true gentleman he had a way about him that most of us can only dream about he will be gratefully missed by all who knew him .may he rest in peace and may his memories of him be a blessing to the whole family helping you to get through theses troubled times Gary warner
Condolences to the Manning family on the loss of John. Had a lot of friendly conversations with him over the years. Allan and Terry Carruthers
Clara and family, my kids and I are sorry for yòur loss. We lost Bob 8 years ago. John was always good to us. They were quite a paìr together while on the forçe. Your John trained my Bob in 1966. They were both good cops.
Damn, That's Terrible Great Freind & Neibaur for Many Yrs. Saved My But a couple of times when he was at work at the job he Loved. My Condolences to all the Family. George Taylor
I am very sad to hear of John’s passing Clara Condolences to you and all your family Jane