It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Willis James McManaman of Crystal Beach, Ontario, formerly of Springhill, Nova Scotia, at the young age of 56 years. Willis passed away on November 18, 2022 at the Douglas Memorial Hospital in Fort Erie, Ontario after a long battle with Diabetes.
Born in Springhill, Nova Scotia, Willis was the son of Douglas McManaman of Amherst, and the late Sharon Fisher St. Amand.
Willis was a kind, generous, intelligent, loving man, who was always quick to flash a ‘million dollar’ smile or offer a big warm tight hug. He loved traveling, philosophizing, reading and writing, and music of all kinds (though Van Morrison was a favourite). He was a die hard Bruins fan and promised to ‘pull strings from up above’. Passionate about friends and family, he loved easily and was loved greatly in return.
A natural athlete, he excelled at any sport he played, but gravitated toward boxing as a young boy. Through many black eye and broken nose he was successful in turning pro in his early 20’s where he fought out of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Most recently, he will be remembered fondly for coaching young Boxers out of "House of 5 Boxing Club" in Niagara, Ontario. There he helped to lead many athletes to Provincial, National and International championships. His gift was not only in his coaching, but in his ability to develop strong, long lasting and loving relationships with his boxing family.
Willis will be deeply missed by his friends and family for his unwavering love and support.
Willis, we hope you are "living in the sunshine, swimming the sea and drinking the wild air" among the heavens. Know that you were loved here on Earth and will live on in our hearts forever.
Willis will be dearly missed by his father Doug, Amherst; siblings Doug Hawkes (Lynn Cowan), Dalhousie, NB; Dawn (Richard) Johnson, Cambellton, NB, Ian (Rhonda) McManaman, Riverview, NB, Pierre St. Amand (Angie Hogan), Dieppe, NB; and Jason (Laura) McManaman, Riverview, NB.
In addition to his mother Sharon St. Amand, he was predeceased by his step mother Karen (MacLeod) McManaman; step father Roland St. Amand brother Jamie and cousins Ron, Paula and Timmy.
Arrangements have been entrusted to A H Brown Funeral Service, 5 McFarlane St., Springhill, NS (902-597-2361). Cremation has taken place in Ontario, and a public graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11 AM at the Hillside Cemetery, Springhill, Nova Scotia, beside his mother. A gathering at A H Brown Funeral Home will follow the graveside service.
Donations in memory of Willis may be made to a charity of choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Willis' online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A H Brown Funeral Home Facebook Page.