In Loving Memory

“I came to respect the Klingon way he portrayed, in a depth and understanding few seem to find. A code of honor and a pride that swells in your chest and keeping you going, keeps you placed with a sense of dignity, respect, and honor with your fellow man/woman on this earth.

He taught me that no matter if you are not a warrior on the outside... you heart can be the warrior... You fight till he dying day, and never give up your compassion towards man, never give up what your heart is but to share it with others.

I'm not sure this makes sense to you... but I will say I can not think of him as truly dead.  He shared his heart and his soul with us, and it still exists with us, his body may rejoin the earth, but what makes the man, his soul continues to live and I have little doubt he is watching us right now, and if you speak to him, he will hear you no matter where you are in this world.  And in the last day I have felt him at my shoulder, comforting and watching, and listening as I came to terms.” - Aiden (vajtIq)  

“He was so much more than just a Friend, Mentor, Fellow Klingon Warrior, and the Founder of the IKEF.. He was a great man and a wonderful father. In my eyes he reminded me so much of my own father and now Joe joins him in the Black Fleet. Joe in so many ways helped those less fortunate or just lost and gave more to others than he ever asked in return. He drew people to him with his special magnetism and showed them a place in his heart that all felt welcome. We will all miss him more than a few words or phrases could ever express. It is sad he was not able to see his friends and extended family join around him once more at the Dover Reunion that he was so happy and excited about these last few weeks.  But his Legacy will never be lost or forgotten he will live on within all of us... ALWAYS!!” - BG Vamphry Mlgh'lw zantaI Tumid ( Ron Zimmerly)

“Joe Manning was simply a great man. Every good and decent thing that anyone has ever heard about him is true. Joe wasn't simply a trek fan and an everyday guy he was a visionary, and one who cared about others more than himself. He loved to make people happy, a duty he performed quite well.

He took us all under his wing and let us view the scenery as he flew whenever the inspiration hit him.

When I first met Joe I had no idea that he would become such an important part of my life. At first he was just an acquaintance, then he became a friend, and then he became a mentor, a brother, a councilor, and essentially a Dad I never had.

He touched and bonded with more people than we are even aware of. His advice and council were as gold, his deeds legend, and he took time for people and made many sacrifices for the happiness of others.

I learned many things from him and I am a better person for having known him. I loved him like a Dad, respected him as a man, followed him as leader, valued him as a friend, stood beside him in battle, and had many laughs with bloodwine late night with bacon and eggs in the morning. He carried a charisma and a confidence that is not what I'd call a common trait. He was a true Leader, a true Chancellor, and most importantly the kind of friend people only dream of. I will miss you always my friend.” 

- Aaron T. Bowman  

“I spoke to Robert O'Reilly today and he has asked me to give this message to everyone who is missing Joe right now. Please excuse me if I butcher the spelling:

"Stovo KoR NAJ naH nok, ja' HoH Thlingan Jo-JaK"

translation: “Stovo KoR does not mourn, but all Klingons do."

Bob sends his love and condolences to Judy, Wendy and everyone else.” -  Bode  

“Words can not express the shock and sadness that filled me this morning as I read of Joe's death.  Following so closely on the heals of my father's death it obviously has made an even greater impact on me but even without that it would have brought great sadness.

Joe was a unique individual who saw how the fandom could be used for more then simply celebrating a shared love of a Sci Fi show/universe. He took one element of that show, the peace conference, and made it come to life in our own world and time.  He brought people and groups together so that they could share their love of all that was good as portrayed in the Star Trek universe and make it real here.  How many lives he touched and how many people benefited from his work we will never know but what is sure is that the world and the fandom is a far better place for what he did.

I will always remember the little chats we had each year as Dover drew to a close.  He always wanted his talk with Fr. John and would never refer to me in any other way.  To him, no matter if he was looking into the face of a Klingon or a feline Chufelis the title was always Fr. John.  His heart and his love of both the fandom, its people and those in need were outstanding examples for all to follow.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Joe's family and friends at this time.  I said a mass for him this morning and will continue to offer more in the future.  I will dearly miss him and hope all that he began will continue in the years ahead.” - Char Rel aka Fr. John

“Grief overcomes me.  How can I put into words what Joe has meant to all of us?  I have attempted to follow his example over the last 20 years.  His love of family, friends and community.  The world is truly a darker place.” - Dave  

“I have known Joe for over 20 years and considered him one of my closer friends. It has taken me until now to try to put into words The GREAT loss that I feel at his passing. To Judy, Wendy, Amber and the rest of his family, I can only say God Bless and I hope the healing from his loss does not take a long time. He was one of the best people I have ever known and he will be greatly missed by everyone! He has gone on, but he will never be forgotten!

Please be well and know you are in all our prayers!” - Sta'Han Dragose Har'Tang (Terry Dragon Hartline)  

"I met Joe at a Convention in Ohio and talked throughout the weekend with him as well as a few times since. He was a great man and personified what being Klingon means. His caring for others and the way he helped others is rare. He will be missed." - Marc Okrand  

"We canceled the Reunion because of the poor numbers, and that it would just be to much for us (the family and the Doomslayer) to deal with right now.  I didn't want it to turn into a farce. If they (those wanting to gather) want to go ahead and get together, that's fine with me as long as it doesn't dishonor Joe. That's all I care about." – Judy Manning (Fleet Mom)  

April 23-25th formerly for Camp Dover is still planned for a Memorial Remembrance for Joe Manning.

“It has been decided by request from many that the memorial candle light vigil be held both Friday and Saturday from 6:00pm until dusk April 23rd and 24th at the Cemetery. The Dover Police have been informed we will be there both evenings and have put it on their schedule so this should help alleviate any undue headaches. Thanks to everyone’s support and help getting this organized and helping with the details It can't be done without all of you. Remember you’re the driving force I am just a very loud voice letting everyone know.” - BG Vamphry Mlgh'lw zantaI Tumid (Ron Zimmerly)  

A website has been created in memory of Joe Manning for those who are not able to do Facebook, and are not members of Camp Dover Klingons or IKEF. [Of course, if you are, you are still welcome to the site.] Memories-of-Joe

MISS ME... BUT LET ME GO

-Author unknown

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room;

Miss me a little, but not too long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember that love we once shared.

Miss me, but let me go.

“ I miss you father. My heart is empty and sad.
May Sto-Vo-Kor be ready for your glorious tales of honor and battles.”
– Kmel (Wendy Jo Daley)

USS Aquila NCC 42297
"The Wings of Tomorrow"