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David was one of two children of Carl and Lena Manore, who ran a local newspaper in Meaford, Ont. Growing up in Meaford, David's exploits as an independent, one-of-a-kind thinker began to attract a coterie of long-term friends and colleagues.

David had difficulty reading, although it was not discovered until later that he had dyslexia. While this may have initially slowed him down, it never held him back from his successful life as a savvy business owner and philanthropist.

His first profession was as a photographer for the Ontario government, working closely with senior politicians of the time. His second was as a renovator of older homes in the Annex area of Toronto.

In 1975, David met Isabel. As the story goes, Isabel did not immediately take to this mischievous entrepreneur, but his perseverance ultimately paid off. David and Isabel were married in 1978.

It was the best thing that could have happened to both of them. As soulmates and business partners, they started the Madison Avenue Pub in 1983 in the basement of a Victorian house in the Annex. The Maddie was the start of an adventure that would grow in leaps and bounds.

Without formal training in design or architecture, David designed, renovated and constructed all parts of his restaurants and hotels, providing many innovative expansions over the years. This included Paupers Pub in downtown Toronto and then the Madison Manor Boutique Hotel next door to the extensively expanded Maddie. Other notable projects included their cottage in Wilson, N.Y., and Casa Isabel, a boutique hotel and restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. David and Isabel spent the winters in Puerto Vallarta running the establishment.

David had many passions in his life, including a love of fast boats, deep-sea fishing, unique cars, his annual charity golf tournament and cooking. He had boundless energy and never seemed to need rest - most people simply could not keep up.

A quiet and talented leader, David befriended anyone who needed help. He saw opportunities and took risks and never stopped looking for more. He was also committed to charity work, supporting many worthwhile causes in Canada and Mexico.

Over the years, David and Isabel developed a wide and loyal family of employees, friends and business associates. David was at his finest and most comfortable when surrounded by friends, a beer in hand, exchanging story after story with tears of laughter streaming down everyone's faces. He was truly loved and will be sorely missed.

David and Barb Butler are David Manore's friends.

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