Activist, educator, organizer knew the true meaning of community

Somewhere between a love for sharing stories and a love of community connections, Michael (Mike) Maunder lived his life. Giving voice to people and neighbourhoods was a passion for the natural-born community organizer.

An author, teacher and principal, Maunder lived in a one-bedroom apartment in West Broadway and devoted himself to community development, education and neighbourhood renewal.

Mike Maunder on the deck at his Spence Street home. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press files)

He maintained a connection with Augustine United Church, whose commitment to social justice he appreciated, volunteered at the Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre, and found comfort in a Buddhist prayer community.

Maunder died on July 15 at the age of 80.

Read more about Mike in our weekly A Life’s Story feature.

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Paul Samyn Editor's Note. A weekly dispatch from the head of the Free Press newsroom.

“He drew on his intimate knowledge of the Interlake"

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By Sheldon Birnie:

Lauded Manitoba author chronicled life in the Interlake

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"I was getting to witness history"

Photographer Chick Harrity, who documented the Vietnam War and eight sitting U.S. presidents for The Associated Press and U.S. News and World Report, has died. He was 87.

Michael Weissenstein, The Associated Press:

Photographer Chick Harrity, who documented history for AP from Vietnam to the White House, has died

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“His art became part of American culture"

Peter Max, whose colorful, psychedelic pop art expressed the optimism of the “flower power” movement of the 1960s and graced everything from postage stamps to a cruise ship, has died at 88, his son said in a written statement Wednesday.

Beth J. Harpaz, The Associated Press:

The psychedelic pop artist Peter Max has died at 88, his son says

NEW YORK (AP) — Peter Max, whose colorful, psychedelic pop art expressed the optimism of the “flower power” movement of the 1960s and graced everything from postage stamps to a cruise ship, h... Read More

How They Lived

Read about the lives of great Winnipeggers and Manitobans on our Passages website.

Until next week, may you continue to write your own life’s story.

Sunday Passages