On March 29, 2021, Brian McManus, 77, peacefully went home to Jesus after a long battle with cancer. At his request, he was at his home in Mesquite, NV with his wife, Sandy, by his side.
Brian McManus was born November 15, 1943 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was the first child of John and Gwendolyn McManus. The family moved to Beamsville, Ontario, where his sister, Barbara Lynn was born. In 1952, after medical advice to move to a warmer, drier climate, his parents sold nearly everything, bought a new car and travel trailer and headed for Texas. They did not settle down until they reached San Diego, CA, and later moved farther north and east, buying a new home in Redlands, CA. Brian’s father, John McManus died in his work office when Brian was 13 years old.
Brian attended junior high and high school in Redlands, graduating in 1961. He served on the Redlands Police Department for a year and a half before qualifying to enter the California Highway Patrol Academy in Sacramento, CA. After graduation in 1966, Brian was assigned to the CHP San Francisco area, soon transferring to the San Bernardino area, and moving back to Redlands.
In 1968, Brian was drafted into the US Army, serving as an MP at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and in Saigon, Vietnam, where he became part of a security inspection team, traveling by air to various military and contract facilities in South Vietnam. He was promoted to sergeant and released from active duty in 1970 to return to the CHP. A fellow CHP officer and his wife arranged to introduce Brian to Sandy at a party.
Brian and Sandy dated, became engaged, and married in 1972. Sandy worked as a hospital discharge planner for many years. They have two sons, both CHP officers. Darin is married to Tara, and they have three children. Dean is single.
Brian and Sandy had a house built in Sun City Mesquite, NV in 2010, after Brian had retired from two careers, and in 2016, after Sandy retired, they moved permanently from Yucaipa, CA to Mesquite. They loved living in Mesquite and have been attending River Valley Bible Church.
There is no public memorial service planned.
Mitch Miller says
Rest In Peace Brian. Watch over Sandy and protect her. Thank you for years of law enforcement service and may your law enforcement sons be safe in today’s crazy world. God bless.
Lila M Sellers says
RIH Brian. My condolences to your family.
Dave & Janice Daniel says
Brian was a good friend and exemplary man. Our hearts go out to Sandy, Darin and Dean. He loved people, always had a smile and loved to tease. We shared many travel experiences with Brian and Sandy and always many, many laughs and good times. May God bless you and keep you Sandy, he will lift his face to shine upon you. He walks with you and knows you trust him.
RIP Brian!
Mike Hoffman says
Godspeed Brian, RIP.
Jon & Nelda Osgood says
We will remember Brian with great respect. It was an honor to know him.
Dean and Brenda Egner says
It was with great sadness we learned of Brian’s death. He and Sandy were some of the best traveling buddies we’ve ever met. Through them we met two other precious couples and the four couples had a wonderful cruise in the early 2000s. Brian was always upbeat about everything in life. He and Sandy called us and kept up with for for many, many years. Even though we know “where” he is and that we will get to fellowship with him again, it still hurts to know his wit is missing from this present world. Our sincere condolences go to Sandy and the rest of his family. He is one person who can never be replaced in our lives.
Paula Bartholomew says
Sandy, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Brian. What a great sense of humor he had and just an all around great guy! It was always a pleasure to talk travel with Brian and be so fortunate to be a part of planning those memorble vacations. May the Lord comfort the family as you adjust to life here without Brian. Our loss is definitely Heaven’s Gain! Sending you our prayers,love and hugs.