Patrick McManus, August 25, 1933 – April 11, 2018

Do people still have heroes?
I had mine growing up, I even had an author who became my writing role model. I admired his writing, and wished I could one day emulate it. Which is a bit odd, because at the time I was a school kid and writing, like any form of school work, was my nemesis. Writing was a chore. Something to be pushed aside until four minutes before the class bell rung and an assignment was to be handed in.
Who was this inspirational author you ask? Was it Emerson, Mark Twain, maybe Stephen King?
Well, no, it was Patrick McManus.
Who…?
Let me stop you right there. Patrick McManus wrote a monthly article in Outdoor Life magazine, The Last Laugh. The naive simplicity in his writing, and the oblivious honesty of his stories had me rolling on the floor in a full belly laugh from the first sentence to the last.
When it was over I’d impatiently wait for the next month’s installment. I’d intercept my father’s magazine from the mailbox and eagerly turn to the last page, where his stories were found.
I think we could use a bit more of this light hearted simplicity in our society.
…and I do find much of my humor writing inspired by the great Patrick McManus