In Memory

Richard Hanlin - Class Of 1959

Richard Hanlin



 
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03/03/15 01:06 PM #1    

Carol Griffiths (Allen) (1959)

Richard Hanlin 

Obituary

Native San Franciscan and long time resident of North Beach. died peacefully at home October 3, 2014 nearly 4 years after a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. He never let the grim diagnosis crush his enthusiasm, although, sadly, it did stop his swimming. Richard was born October 26, 1941 in San Francisco to Richard and Mary Hanlin. He spent his school years in Orinda where he played football and was a state champion swimmer. After high school he joined the US Marine Corps. He graduated from San Francisco State in journalism, was a reporter for a time, but was drawn to adventure, choosing to see the world as a merchant seaman. He spent time in Korea, China, Vietnam and Israel. His work years were spent as a general contractor, building garages, foundations and tunnels, work he loved. He managed a family property with his sister Sarah Hanlin Sutro with whom he shared spirited conversations. He also enjoyed being a landlord. He was most appreciative of the opportunity later in his life to be back on the water as a tugboat worker on the Bay, another great adventure. He followed local politics closely, weighing in on many issues, and was in frequent contact with the press and politicians alike. A keen student of history, he kept abreast of world happenings and events on the Mississippi and Louisiana Delta. He was an active member of the Marines Memorial. He and his wife Kate were married in 1978 and have a son, Max, and grandson Oliver. 

In his own words, Richard was most proud of having a son who had been a US Army Infantry Company Commander in Afghanistan; his passion was political fights in North Beach; his greatest joy was his grandson Oliver, who, when he had enough of his grandfather's jokes, would exclaim "Papa, why don't you go take a nap!" And his greatest victory was marrying Katy Baker, who he said ignored him in high school! He loved hearing and telling a good story, a good joke, and was an excellent writer. His friends and family will miss Richard's humor, intellectual curiosity and truly wonderful company.

There will be a celebration of Richard's life in the near future. 

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Oct. 12, 2014


08/28/15 11:21 PM #2    

William (Bill) McGuire (1960)

Kate Baker Hanlin sent this picture with the comment, "I love this photo and want to share it with Richard's classmates." Richard must have been about 26 when this was taken in 1969.


08/29/15 12:57 PM #3    

Gerrie Olsen (Walker) (1960)

Dear Katy,

Very sorry to hear about Dick, he was a great guy.  Take care, hope to talk to you soon.

Love, Gerrie


08/29/15 02:20 PM #4    

Irene Ingram (Smith) (1959)

 

One of my favorite memories of Dick was from Mr. McNicholas's 6th grade class at Glorietta School. I remember him being very smart and I think we had a nickname for him - something like "the Brain".  

He was always smiling with a devilish gleem.  I'll always remember the day we had a substitute teacher and the boys in the class, lead by Dick, decided to make the substitute unwelcome by putting a wad of gum on her seat with a tack in it (point side up)!

I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.    

Irene Ingram Smith

 

 


08/30/15 02:05 PM #5    

Joseph Moore (1960)

Katy

What an incredible photo!  It captures the essence of his wanderlust.  It reminds me of when he, Tim Carter and I went on our trip to Mexico.  He was always pushing for more adventure and exploration. Our dinner in San Francisco with you two last year shortly beore he passed was very special.  Eva says "HI".  Hang in there.  Joseph


08/31/15 11:24 AM #6    

Susan Jensen (Hansen) (1960)

Katy

Thank you for posting this wonderul photo of Dick! So reminiscent of the Marlon Brando and James Dean era and he is stunning. We all miss his beautiful smiling face and effervescent personality.


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