Neil Jenkines MacPhail

It is with great sadness, and reverence for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of our beloved uncle and brother Neil MacPhail, aged 86. Neil Jenkines MacPhail, the middle son of John MacPhail Sr., and Ruth (Jenkines) MacPhail Cuthbert, is survived by his loving family. He will be remembered as a man with a thoughtful, generous nature, who loved traveling, reading, talking and winning at any game, especially Scrabble and Trivia.

Upon graduating from Stanford University, Neil followed in his family’s footsteps of service to the community, by choosing to teach elementary school in San Rafael for over 25 years. Students and colleagues from Gallinas, Glenwood, Bahia Vista, and Coleman elementary schools remember Neil as a kind, patient, and inspiring teacher who was always ready to listen. After his retirement, Neil enjoyed traveling the world with his many friends and family, and with his lifelong partner Mr. Gerald Kelly (deceased).

Neil was an avid philanthropist. He tried to improve the world by supporting organizations which protected the environment, alleviated suffering, and made arts and education accessible to many people both nationally, and internationally. Just prior to his passing, Neil was awarded the Ruth Brinker award for exceptional service, for his generous support of “Project Open Hand” an organization which delivers food to home-bound individuals in San Francisco. Everyone who knew Neil, will surely miss his unique ability to make everyone he spoke to, feel like they were interesting and important. He inspired all who know him to read more, learn more, and explore more. We will never be able to do another crossword puzzle without thinking about how Neil would always know the right answer, or engage us in the delightful search to expand our vocabulary and learn more. He was truly one of a kind.

A private memorial is being planned for later this year. If you wish to make a donation in his honor two of Neil’s favorite charities are Project Open Hand in San Francisco and The San Rafael High School Alumni Association.

Mike Hanly passed peacefully on April 8, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was 89 years young and always said, “If I die before my 105th birthday...then I died prematurely!” He is survived by his longtime sweetheart, Lois Anderson, his daughters, Joan Hanly Ferris (Allan Ringard) and Lisa Hanly; stepdaughters Kim Murdock and Lisa Sullivan; grandchildren Morgan Brooks, Hilary Mitchell, Michael Gruppie, Guy Gruppie, Jr., Jake Murdock and Paul Canevari; and great grandchildren Rylee Freed and Shaun Brooks.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife Janyss Sullivan and daughter Cathy Hanly Canevari.

Mike was known for his generosity and kindness of heart. He was funny, smart, witty and was forever telling his favorite jokes to anyone who would listen. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren delighted in his silliness and loved him deeply. Mike was generous with his wisdom, time and gifts. He had many he called friends who will miss him dearly.

For years he volunteered weekly at the local soup kitchen and enjoyed cooking and planning the menu for the guests. He was an Irishman at heart, welcomed everyone, wore his heart on his sleeve and loved feeding his friends and family his gourmet cooking. He held home cooking classes with his daughters that would inevitability turn into giggling fests. His family clamored for his famous gumbo and hamburger soup but mainly they clamored to be around his contagious happiness and joy.

He was born and raised in Sacramento, where he was a prep basketball star at Christian Brothers High School. He had a love of sports including playing tennis and golf, which he enjoyed into his 80s.

After a stint in the U.S. Army, he eventually moved to Santa Rosa where he earned a reputation as a savvy Real Estate Investor/ Broker. Everyone in Sonoma County real estate knew, respected and loved Mike Hanly. He was a mentor to many agents and brokers in town. He was a true one-ofa-kind, who will be missed but not forgotten by his large extended family and many friends.

The next joke you hear, good or bad, please think of Grandpa Mike…he told it first. And probably better.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, April 24, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, Santa Rosa.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Petaluma.