John Thomas Manchester died peacefully in his sleep, at home, in Camarillo, California on December 4, 2013. He was born in Portland, Maine on November 29, 1944, the son of Dr. Virgil Manchester and Juanita Crow Manchester, and spent his youth growing up in Lewiston-Auburn, Maine.
After serving in the United States Army from March 1969 to December 1970, and graduating from university, he began his career in the financial services industry. Tom moved from Tulsa Oklahoma to California in 1984 to become Senior Vice President, Resident Manager of the Smith Barney Century City office, where he remained until his retirement in 2000.
Tom was a resident of Ventura County for the past 30 years. He is survived by his beloved wife, Melinda Doi Manchester, sons Coleman (Katie) and Christopher (Eliza) and grandchildren Caleb, Chloe, Kennedy and Rhys, and brother Lawrence (Donna). He is also survived by his former wife Kathryne Coleman Chandler, many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Tom spent the past 14 years of his life enjoying his retirement, playing golf, traveling around the world, and spending time laughing and enjoying the company of many dear and devoted friends. He thought each day was "marvelous," and lived life to the fullest, until he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor a year ago. He was a true patriot, and beloved and respected by so many, and touched the life of each person he met. He was naturally good, kind and generous and will be remembered for his integrity, humor and friendliness
A celebration of a life well lived will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2013, at 4:30 at Spanish Hills Country Club.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the UC Regents, UCLA Brain Tumor Program, 757 Westwood Plaza, Suite 6236, Los Angeles, CA 90095, in Memory of J. Thomas Manchester.