January 26, 1937 ~ December 24, 2015
Born at the beginning of WWII in Taplow, England to Nancie Naylor and James Harris Hanley, Steve and family (sister Carolyn) moved to Rhode Island and Bermuda, then with brother Paul, to Tumacacori, Arizona and finally West Los Angeles. After a year at Radley School, Steve attended UCLA where he swam varsity and joined Phi Gamma Delta.
Upon graduation as Ensign (U.S. Naval Reserve) he married Jean Van Buren, and began his two-year duty at sea on the USS Thresher. They then moved, with daughter Alison and son James, to The Webb School of Claremont where he taught English and coached the swim and soccer teams. After a summer registering rural voters in Alabama, the family moved to Aptos, where he and Jean joined the Cabrillo College English Dept. Swimming, civil rights and music continued as family pursuits during these years.
In the late ‘70s Steve met and married Geraldine Peck and they moved to Soquel where they raised their four children: Benjamin, Bo Else, Guy (Blaz) and Bryn. Swimming, music and travel carried through these years as well, with trips to Florida, Mexico, South Carolina and Costa Rica. Steve also earned a Black Belt in Tai Kwan Do and played with several local bands.
After 35 years at Cabrillo, he enriched his retirement years by substitute teaching, playing music, creative writing and body surfing. Pre-deceased by his wife Geri, he leaves former wife Jean, his six children, and three grandchildren. Memorial for family and friends: Michael’s on Main, Saturday afternoon Feb. 6, 2016.
Mug: Steven Hanley