Remembering Dick Manning: From art to music to marketing, he always hit the high notes

By: JEFF FRANK - Staff Writer | Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:01 PM PST ∞

VALLEY CENTER -- The list of Dick Manning's talents is a long one.

The longtime corporate public relations specialist was a living contradiction of the maxim "jack of all trades, master of none." Manning pushed himself to excel in everything he tried, and he tried a lot.

Credited with helping to polish the reputation of San Diego Gas & Electric when its public image was less than favorable during the 1980s, Manning was also an accomplished artist, musician, sailor, chef, dancer and athlete, among other talents.

"He was a Renaissance guy," said John Burns, who worked with Manning during his 11 years at SDG&E. "He just excelled at what he did. That took in art, music, public relations, writing. He was just a smart, well-rounded, very capable human being."

And also a formidable tennis player, added Burns, part of a quartet that traded stories and volleys every Monday for many years. "As a lefty, he always gave a little different curve on things."

Richard Lee "Dick" Manning died Feb. 13 from complications of lymphoma at an Escondido care center. He was 76.

A continually positive attitude distinguished Manning in all aspects of his life.

"He always managed to find that pony in there," said Chris, his wife of 17 years. "Even in the oncologist's office, as bad as he felt, he had an amazing way of keeping his spirits up as well as mine and the family's. One of the oncology nurses came to (visit) and said, 'We voted on who was the sexiest patient, and it was Dick.' "

Born Jan. 1, 1932, in Omaha, Neb., Manning got started on his road to accomplishment at age 8 when he learned how to play the piano -- using the same instrument that remains in his home today.

After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, he graduated in 1958 from San Diego State with a major in psychology and minor in music before starting his public relations career.

Stops along that road included working as director of public affairs for the Western Oil and Gas Association, executive producer for KCET-TV Los Angeles and director of public relations and marketing for the Southern California Rapid Transit District.

When he joined SDG&E as vice president of public relations in 1981, the energy behemoth had a favorability rating of 15 percent, according to a story in the September edition of PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) News.

"All of us had a bunker mentality when he joined the company," said Burns, then the company's director of licensing and environmental. "One of his early moves was to tell (chief executive) Tom Page to step out front and be the spokesperson for the company. He would talk to people like it was Campbell Soup, explaining the production and costs of energy.

"It put a face on the company and gave it a personality. That was all Dick's doing. It was a 'You bet your job approach.'"

By the time Manning retired in 1992, SDG&E's public approval rating was more than 70 percent.

"He was a critical factor in changing the community's perception of the company and the company's perception of itself," Burns said.

After retirement, Manning dove into community service and the art world, said his daughter Leslie Leinbach. He began painting large abstract oil canvases, holding several shows and getting involved as a board member for the Escondido Arts Partnership. He was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido in May 2006.

In October of that year, Manning put together a classical piano recital, "A Celebration of Music and Life," at the Escondido Municipal Gallery that raised several thousand dollars for the San Diego Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

"He worked so hard on those pieces," said his wife, Chris. "Even when he was going through chemo, he would take (music) home to work on."

Manning was in the process of preparing a second concert when his illness got in the way.

"He always just jumped into everything with gusto," said Chris. "He would say, 'Well, I've ruined a lot of lumber (trying things).' ... He was just a born teacher and leader and funny man. The greatest joy we all have, family and friends alike, is remembering how he would make us laugh."

-- Contact staff writer Jeff Frank at (760) 740-5419 or jfrank@nctimes.com.