Pat

My grandfather introduced me to OL in the early 70's, when you started writing for OL the first page I would turn to was the last page. Enjoyed you writing for years, thanks and good luck.

Kelvin Staney

I started reading Pat McManus more years ago than either he nor I would care to imagine. I used to read his columns when he wrote for the "other magazine" at the store while waiting on my wife to finish shopping. I was ecstatic when he came to Outdoor Life, cuz a couple of times I thought I was going to get arrested as I laughed at his misadventures while I was standing at the magazine counter. I noticed people would walk way around me looking in fear as I was laughing as I read his column, alarmed, no doubt by the tears rolling down my cheeks as I read his misadventures. Anyway when he started at OL, he probably saved me from being grabbed by the mental health people, who by the way, have very little sense of humor.
I did meet Pat on a book tour he did a number of years ago. My daughter who was 9 or 10, and loves his books, went there to get him to sign all the books we already had, and his newer works too. He was pleased to have a reader as young as she. (She's grown now and teaches school. She's identified several boys that are trying to emulate some of Pat's escapades as a child.)
Pat you are a a true gentleman and scholar {very few of us left :) }, and I have enjoyed your books and columns immensely for many years and OL will not be the same without you. Thank you sir, and Godspeed.

My husband and I have been married for almost 33 years. If someone would ask me what is one of the highlights in our marriage, I would have to say my husband reading P. F. McManus articles to me. He was reading your latest work this noon and came to the end and we just gasped at the news of your last column. He has read every column aloud and over the years we have been doubled over with laughs and tears streaming down our faces. Outside of our daughters adding laughter to our lives, P F has been the ultimate in entertainment. We have all of his books. I always say to someone who has never heard of P F that he is the Erma Bombeck of the outdoors.

Mr. McManus thank you for sharing your life - you have been a big part of mine.

It started with "Boating Disorders", and I was hooked. I will miss your stories. Maybe now the ache in my ribs will subside. I wish you the best in your new adventures.

I only have this to say to Pat, You Runied My Life.

I can explain. Young boys read in the bathroom. And they chuckle out loud at that age. Mothers like to knock on bathroom doors and ask if you're okay. Sisters never forget things like this. Even after 35 years.

My son has three sisters. He Hates You Too.

Thanks, Pat. As a speech teacher I occasionally used your column for my students in the humorous category and the judges always enjoyed them as much as we did. You have been a national treasure. My your "retirement" really be more of "leisurement" for you. We will look forward to those occasional gems you might still produce.

I, Ole Weird, just read in the February issue of Outdoor Life that Patrick is retiring as of the April issue. I will sorely miss him and his writings. I first read one of his books when my mother had her bypass surgery and I was immediately "hooked". His humor carried me through my mother's two heart surgeries, many bouts of congestive heart failure and ultimately her death. My wife, son and daughter-in-law found his writings to be supportive when I had to have bypass surgery later. I have enjoyed and looked forward to every one of his books and the tales published in Outdoor Life. It is with mixed emotions that I send my best wishes for a well deserved retirement and the hope that it is a long healthy one. Now I am looking forward to "The Double-Jack Murders" Thanks again and Farewell my friend.

Thanks for the memories Pat. You will be missed, but I am glad you will be writing more mystery-suspense novels. As a writer myself, I have found that fiction can also be used as a way to address culturally relevant issues. My book, The Canaan Creed, uses a murder mystery to expose radical environmentalism and promote conservation. I hope you future books will carry similar messages. May God bless you.
L. P. Hoffman
Prospect, VA

Thanks, Pat. I met you once, at a book signing in Brunswick, Maine. You signed my favorite book, "A Fine And Pleasant Misery" after I told you that you had arrived at just the right time: Fishing season had closed two weeks earlier. I've been reading you since your F&S days, and my all-time favorite story still remains "The Two-Wheeled ATV" My best to you in your next career: the one with no deadlines.

Have all issues since 1963. Thrilled greatly when you moved to Outdoor Life. Your column was first thing I always looked for when I opened the magazine. Your column will be missed greatly. Best of everything to you and your wife.

Pat McManus....You will always be in my heart and laughter. You afforded me countless laughs and thoughts during most of my life, and I am now 46. I have your complete collection now. I will greatly miss your work. Give my best to the boys, the Troll, and don't forget Rancid Crabtree! Give Bun a hug from me. If you're ever in East Texas, give a shout. Take care and know you made life worth living for a lot of us out here. Oh yeah...by the way...I always thought that you were indeed a better hunter and fisherman than Zumbo.

My family has all of your books. One of our favorite conversational pass times was figuring out who, what and how many McManus characters are family members. Trust me that is scary to think about. ;-)}
My wife over the years expressed sympathy for Bun. Perhaps she was trying to tell me something?
Enjoy your retirment.
I look forward to an occasional encore. I suspect and expect retirement will provide you with a different sort of inspiration.

Mr. McManus,
Before I could read, my dad would read your stories to me and my two sisters before bed every night. I started reading your books and articles when I was about seven. There was always a book or two of yours on my bed stand, which I would read every night before bed. I couldn’t count the number of times I have read each and every one of your books. I must admit...I have dreamed of being a mountain man like rancid Crabtree, and have tried some of the things crazy Eddie and yourself did. I have picked up fly fishing because of how much fun you made it sound, and it is. My family and I will miss you, but we ALL wish you a happy retirement.

MR.McManus, THANK YOU!!Is an understatement!!I grew up reading your stories.Your books have been a welcomed gift to family and friends.I cant recall a single outing over the years that your name has not been brought up.A term fondly known as "McManus" As in "HEY-McManus" A greeting we use.Or did ya catch any thing?"naw-I got McManus-D.You taught me that the perfect outdoor vehicle is what ever your hunting buddy drives.Ive never sniffed a gift fish.And Ive shot more ducks useing your bannana ploy.Theres been many a time a field Ive asked myself "what would PAT do?"So thank you SIR!For everything!you are truly an AMERICAN ASSET!!!BEST WISHES AND GODBLESS!!

no more pat mcmanus ? that is horrible. the man is hilarius. we need pat back

The story "The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw" made me laugh so hard that I almost peed myself! I'll miss the stories in OL, but can go back and re-read all my Pat McManus books. I once drove 190 miles to meet Pat and get some autographs. He even signed a public library book that I had checked out. (the head librarian then put it in hsi "private" collection!