11/16/2025
Dr. Douglas C. Mantz, author of what is claimed to be “the second greatest Christmas story ever told" has died. Douglas passed away at his home in Sackville, beside his loving wife on Friday, November 14, 2025.
Born in Whitby, Ontario, he was the son of the late Carl and Grace (Gibson) Mantz.
Mantz was the founding professor of English at Crandall University and finished after a career of more than 30 years as professor emeritus of English and Canadian literature. Mantz received a Canada Council Grant to establish an English Study Program through Oxford University for students from Crandall University.
Mantz published six books of humour, plus TV comedies and radio cartoons for the CBC. Mantz is remembered by his students for prayers before its lecture in which he encouraged us to make a leap into the unknown. He was considered the best first year English professor. He assured the students that they could educate their imagination by osmosis, not by studying grammar or by entertaining social history. Mantz’s field was landscape portrait. He was extremely well educated, having spent periods of study at the University of Western in Ontario, Toronto, Yale, Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Paris, London, Leyden and Wolfenbuttal. Mantz was a great admirer of Northrop Frye and studied under him at University of Toronto.
Douglas will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Eileen (Ramsden) Mantz whom he has been devoted to since they met over 60 years ago; his son Jonathan (Lucie Honosutomo), California; as well as brothers in law John (Darlene) Ramsden and Peter (Lisa Rankin) Ramsden.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge St., Sackville, NB, (506-364-1300) where a Celebration of Douglas's life will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 11 AM, Pastor Mark Reece officiating. All are welcome to attend.
If so desired donations in Douglas's memory may be made to the Middle Sackville Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Douglas's online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home page.