Harry John Manders (1943–2026)

Harry, the second-youngest of nine children, was born in the Netherlands. His family

later emigrated to Lucan, Ontario, where his parents put down roots and built a new life

as farmers. Over the years, Harry had to say goodbye to five of his siblings—Joe,

Nellie, John, Gary, and Ted. His sisters Teresa and Mary and his beloved younger

brother, Pete, now carry his memory forward.

Throughout his youth and young adulthood, Harry excelled both academically and

athletically, with baseball as his first and last great sporting passion. When an injury

ended his playing career, he became a highly respected competitive men’s baseball

coach in the London area—the kind of coach other teams tried to poach (true story!). At

the end of more than one season, his players thwarted the voting rules to award him

“Player of the Year” honours.

Harry remained an avid sports fan throughout his life, especially of baseball (Detroit

Tigers), football (formerly Philadelphia Eagles), and hockey (Chicago Blackhawks).

Among the final games he watched were his beloved Tigers and the FIFA World Cup

quarter finals. He left his family with strict instructions to give him some kind of sign to

let him know who eventually hoists the Cup and how the Tigers finish their season.

He also loved horses: raising them, owning them, and spending long stretches of time

at the track. It would be fair to call Harry a gambling man.

Harry was the father of Kevin Manders and Kerry Manders (Brandy Ryan). When he

married the enduring love of his life, Imelda “Emmy” Manders, he became part of a

larger blended family that also included Donna Mathewson (Mark), David Muxlow, and

Julie Ingles (Rick). He was predeceased by David in 1996 and Kevin in 2025. He loved

his grandsons, Bret Mathewson, Nate Ingles, and Owen Ingles, and shared an

especially close bond with his only granddaughter, Madison Lourenco.

Harry and Emmy recently celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary. Over those three

decades, they made homes together in Mississauga, Port Franks, Ipperwash, and

Corunna, while spending many winters in Florida, Mexico, and Arizona. Before Harry’s

final illness, they travelled far and wide together—from Alaska to Australia to China and

beyond. Harry especially loved exploring different European cities, and in 2014 he

returned to the Netherlands, where he was able to visit the house in which he had been

born.

Harry was whip-smart, opinionated, stubborn, curious, and funny. He faced his terminal

lung disease, including his final days, without complaint. Even at the end, he showed

remarkable grace, humour, and loving concern for the people around him.

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Harry passed as he had lived: on his own terms,

surrounded by love.

Please join us on Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 1-4pm at the Corunna Legion (350

Albert Street) to fulfill Harry’s wish that family and friends raise a glass to celebrate a life

well lived.

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