Obituary of Timothy John Hanifin

Timothy J. Hanifin of Santa Cruz died on February 2, at home, after a three year battle with cancer. He was 81. Tim was born of Irish immigrant parents on May 26, 1931 in Stockton, CA. He grew up in Gustine, graduating from Gustine High School in 1948. Tim attended St. Mary's College in Moraga and graduated from The University of Notre Dame in Indiana with a Bachelor's Degree in English in 1953. He served as an Army Counter Intelligence Agent during the Korean War. After being discharged, he attended The University of Santa Clara Law School, where he received the Outstanding Law School Graduate Award in 1958. Tim practiced law as a trial lawyer specializing in insurance civil defense work. He was a partner with the San Jose law firm of Hanifin, Van Loucks, and Vaught, until he was appointed by Gov. Ronald Regan, in 1972, to the now Consolidated Municipal Court of Santa Clara County. He served there for over twenty years, retiring and moving from Los Altos to Santa Cruz in 1993. Tim was an avid reader and enjoyed sharing his extensive library with others. He was a devotee of music from jazz to classical. He enjoyed sports, history, religion, fishing, and woodworking. Tim was known for his generosity to charities and individuals. He was a member of, the Family of St. Joseph, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Charter Member of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Thomas More Law Society, Symphony League of Santa Cruz County, and many other organizations. Tim is preceded in death by his sister Kathleen Pesco. He is survived by his sister Ellen Hanifin of Santa Cruz, his brother Patrick Hanifin (Mary Jane) or Brea, five nieces and nephews, and eleven grandnieces and grandnephews. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Shrine of St. Joseph (544 West Cliff Dr. Santa Cruz 95060) or Hospice of Santa Cruz County (940 Disc Drive Scotts Valley 95066), or a charity of your choice. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 11 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Shrine of St. Joseph. A viewing will take place prior to the beginning of mass at The Shrine.