Msgr. Philip Hanley age 85 years, passed away peacefully at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital on Friday, October 29, 2010. During his courageous struggle with Parkinson’s disease, Philip still maintained his intellectual spirit and wonderful sense of humor. He was born June 6, 1925 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, the fourth of 10 siblings. Predeceased by his father, Donald and mother, Jennie; sister, Ellenor; brothers, Norbert, Lloyd, Earl and Berny; sisters in-law, Claire, Florence and Elaine; brother’s in-law, Walter and Pat. Philip is survived by his brothers, Martin (Beverly), Dom and sisters, Margaret (Ben), Mary and brother in-law Karel. Philip was raised in a devout Catholic family and realized in his early years that his vocation was to be a Priest. He was ordained on May 20th, 1951 at St. Andrew’s Cathedral and served as Pastor in a number of Parishes over the years on Vancouver Island. He attended Lumen Vitae University, Brussels, to major in the latest Catechetical program; obtained his Masters Degree in Theology from the University of Ottawa and received a Doctorate in Theology (Cum Laude) from the Georgian University in Rome. Philip authored his manuscript on the HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC LADDER and later his EARLY HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON VANCOUVER ISLAND. In 1982. Philip was invested as a Prelate of Honor (Monsignor) at St. Andrews Cathedral. In 1999, due to health concerns, he retired from active Ministry as Pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish. Though Philip was a scholarly man, one of his greatest pleasures was interacting with people. He had the most natural ability to make everyone feel that they were special. Coming from a large Family, he was an Uncle to many nieces and nephews; always showing support and encouragement with his customary big smile…. never judgmental. His affection for his Family and his love of the Priesthood were the foundation of his life. He very much enjoyed Family activities including skiing, fishing and golfing. Philip was respected by so many and will be truly missed. The Family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation for the special care given to our Brother by the Staff and Management of Mount St. Mary’s and his personal physician, Dr. John Jollymore.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 3rd at 10 am in St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Blanshard & View Streets, with viewing between 9:15 am and 9:45 am. Interment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcccallbros.com.
15 Responses
I was Youth Minister at St. Patrick’s Parish in Victoria in 1990-91, and lived with Msgr. Hanley and Fr. Caldwell at the rectory for over a year. The monsignor was always an imposing man, and respected by people in the parish. He had lots of charm, and he liked a good joke. He was always generous with his family. He came from an old-time tradition of the Church. He was one of the last to wear the long cassock (with some 100 buttons) and biretta cap with a purple tuft. While many of his attitudes were pre-Vatican, he felt deeply for his parishioners, and I am sure did his best to serve them. My deepest condolences to the family.
When I knew Monsignor Hanley He was Father Hanley, a curate
at St Peter’s Parish in Nanaimo, just after being ordained.
He had a great influence on my spiritual life. He was a charming man,
and full of fun & a great sense of humour. He was always welcome
in our home & could drop by any time to visit or for a meal.
Years later, when my Mother passed away, & He retired; we were
honoured, that he was the celebrant at Her funeral Mass. at St.
Patrick’s Parish in Victoria. It was a very moving service.
I will always remember Father Phil.
Monsignor Philip Hanley played a large roll in my life as a Catholic. I took my confirmation teaching at age 16 with Monsignor. We learned allot about each other his big smile and my challenging questions. He never missed a beat giving me the answers he knew I needed to hear. Later when I was to be married Monsignor was the priest that we went to. When my first child was born, he had then moved to St Patrick’s.
I called him upset because the Cathedral wanted me to wait until my daughter was six months to baptize her. He made a phone call to his brother Berney at Queen of Peace and two week later she was baptized and I became active at the Queen of Peace and came to know both brothers. Each one gave meaning to my life.
It was always a treat to see Monsignor Hanley when he visited Our Lady Queen of Peace. He always gave me that wink and a smile to let me know he remembered that questioning teenager who found her path. To all of his family I know nothing can ease your sorrow at this time but I hope you find comfort in his memories and the knowledge of how man peoples life’s he truly touched.
Monsignor Hanley guided me for many years, since my first Confession in 1969, until during my visit to Victoria in 2007 we spent a day together as I drove his specially adapted vehicle so that he could visit some favourite people and places. He was such a remarkable man, who had worked as a logger, earned a doctorate, guided his parishoners, continuously studied, made a European wine country voyage with his brother Bernie, preached deeply illuminating sermons, enjoyed golf, oh! on and on. He is one of a tiny number of men that any man could look to as a model of manhood and Catholic wisdom. A marvelous pastor and friend. I am very sorry that I will never see him again. But I know that in his faith, he has gone with holy patience and joy. A dieu.
Father Hanley married us in 1983 at St. Andrews. He was a very kind and good person, and he lived his faith in all he did. We know he is in a special place in heaven. Our sincerest sympathy to his family.