Arden Patrick Manning

August 7, 1932 – June 24, 2024

Arden Patrick Manning died peacefully in his home of Portland, Oregon on June 24th, 2024 at the age of 91.

He is survived by his children, Richard Manning, David Manning and Susan Chamlou, and his grandchildren Katherine Chamlou, Nina Chamlou, and Trevor Manning. Arden’s wife, Lillian Manning, passed away November 27th, 2014, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.

Arden was born on August 7th, 1932 in Akron, Iowa to loving parents Alvin Arden Manning and Helen Marie Curry. He and his family, including his older sisters Margaret and Lois, moved from Iowa to Washington state in 1942. The three siblings would call the Pacific Northwest home for the rest of their lives and enjoyed living close to each other while they grew their families.

He graduated from Vancouver High School in 1950 and soon after, joined the Airforce, working in Finance during the Korean War. He served between 1951 and 1955.

While stationed in England, he met and married the love of his life, Lillian Manning, née Fryer, in 1955. The newlyweds then moved to Portland, Oregon to start their lives.

In the early years of their marriage, Arden enrolled at University of Portland, where his son David and all three of his grandchildren would eventually attend, receiving a business degree in Accounting in 1959. Soon after, he also earned his CPA license. Lillian and Arden welcomed their first son, Richard, in 1959, followed by twins David and Susan in 1963.

Arden was always a strong provider for his family. In 1965, he became the CFO for Gerber Legendary Blades, which was acquired by Fiskars, at which time he was hired on and continued to work for many years. In 1976, he and business partner Tim Hamilton acquired Gerlock Towing, which was later passed down to his son, David.

Over the course of his life, he served on the board of Albertina Kerr, was a longtime member of Multnomah Athletic Club, and a faithful member of St. Therese Catholic Church. He loved staying actively involved at Northeast Portland’s Summerplace, where he and Lillian lived from the 1990s onward. There, Arden became a pillar of the community and provided his accounting services for the administration.

During his golden years, Arden became known for his enviable green thumb. He delighted in gifting his friends and neighbors with seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers from “Arden’s Garden,” the moniker engraved on the sign leading to his garden.

However, his most cherished roles were being a husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend. His loved ones remember him as gentle, kind, patient, wise, and unfailingly generous.

The funeral service is scheduled for July 17 at St. Therese Catholic Church at 10:30 am, with a reception to follow in the parish hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Arden’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Albertina Kerr in memory of Arden Manning.