Arthur Leroy McManus, always known as Tom, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on March 10, 2022. He knew his time was coming so he made sure to contact his close friends and family to say a final farewell. Tom was born, raised, and lived his entire life on the Old Mission peninsula. His parents Elmer A. McManus and Katherine Mae (Grubb) McManus preceded him in death. Tom attended the Stoney Beach School and Traverse City Central High School. While in the eighth grade he met Susan Ashmore while she was a hall monitor. His "Little Susie" became the love of his life and on March 16, 1954, they were married at Immaculate Conception Church in Traverse City. Their strong love for one another and hard work saw them through many years of fruit farming on the peninsula. Tom also did custom farm work and drove truck hauling cattle and fruit during the off seasons. Farming was his passion and even after he could no longer drive his tractor, he could be seen making the rounds on his Gator checking in on neighboring friends to see how their days were going and if he could help in any way. Tom was a private person but anyone who knew him knew he had a heart of gold and would literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

Tom was an avid hunter and chasing after bear, coyotes, and bobcat was a family affair. Tom and Susie even enjoyed a successful mountain lion hunt in Idaho. He and Susie most enjoyed raising their hunting dogs from young pups then training them to be to skilled trackers. They made many wonderful friends during their hunting days in the upper peninsula. In later years they began camping and spent many hours sitting around the campfire reminiscing about days gone by. Tom loved camping with his family and having the fire with the highest flames in the campground.

Family was always first for Tom and he considered his family to be his greatest gift. He taught them to love, work hard, be kind, and always lend a helping hand. He is survived by his devoted wife Susan and his three children: Marcia (Jeff) Leggett, Steve, and Kent (Laurie Manigold) McManus of Traverse City. He is also survived by eight grandchildren who provided him with many years of love and entertainment: Matthew (Janet Popp) Leggett, Benjamin (Chelsea Skeba) Leggett, Jessica (Benjamin) Schippers, Nathaniel (Erin Courtade) McManus of Traverse City, Anthony (Sarah) McManus of OshKosh, Wisconsin, Steven McManus, Kayla (Jon) Wilson also of Traverse City and Martin (Sarah Drelles) McManus of Gilbert, Arizona. He took great interest in the activities of his great grandchildren who kept him young and made him laugh as he asked for them to hug the stuffing out of him: Joseph and Elizabeth Leggett, Lucy, Hattie Jane, and Milo Leggett, Aurelia and Conrad Schippers, Oliver, Nora, and Steven McManus, Vivian and Briette Wilson of Traverse City, and Landon McManus of Gilbert, Arizona. Tom is also survived by his sweet Jack Russell, Roscoe who provided hours of comfort and love.

The family would like to thank his friends and family who spent that last bit of precious time with him, Munson Healthcare Hospice for their help in granting his wishes to be at home, especially his nurse Angie Schaub who provided wonderful guidance for the family. We also thank the aquatics staff at the Grand Traverse Pavilions for their care in helping to keep him mobile, and the Peninsula Fire Department for their help. Per his wishes he will be cremated and there will be no service. Memorials may be directed to Munson Healthcare Hospice or the Peninsula Township Fire Department.

Tom and his family are being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Memories and condolences may be shared on his tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com