Miles Patrick "Pat" Hanrahan

Miles Patrick “Pat” Hanrahan passed away peacefully at home in Springerville, Arizona, Friday, July 25, 2025 at the age of 94 surrounded by love and family. Born on July 14, 1931 in Denver, Colorado to John William Hanrahan and Emily Violet Boyle Hanrahan, Pat grew up in Denver alongside his five siblings; brothers, John, “Jack”, Richard “Dick”, Dennis and twin sisters, Emily Howell Warner and Eileen Spillane.

After graduating high school, Pat enlisted in the Air Force with the Colorado Air National Guard. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Rangeland Management from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. He served proudly with the U.S. Forest Service as a Range Conservationist in Magdalena, New Mexico and Safford, Arizona; later as District Ranger in Nogales, Arizona and Glenwood, New Mexico and finally as a Natural Resources and Fire Staff Officer on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in Springerville until his retirement in 1989.

Pat’s life was blessed with love and family. His first wife, KayLea, brought him two beautiful daughters, Irene Kay (Ron) Walters and Eva Marie Hanrahan; whom he cherished deeply. Later, he met Dolores Magaña at a baptism in Nogales where he was mesmerized by her singing voice. They married shortly after and shared 58 loving years together, raising three more children, Stephen Patrick Hanrahan, Carolyn (Michael) Koury and Michael John (Sheila) Hanrahan.

Pat was the proud grandfather of 19 grandchildren, Tommy, Shae, Andy (preceded him in death), Cortney, Scotty, Martha “Pooja”, Danny, Laura, Logan, Chase, Diego, Jasmine, Jaycee, Jolina, Ricardo, Xavier, Rio, David, Sean, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter who brought him endless joy.

A highlight of his pastoral life was fly fishing on the high-country lakes of the White Mountains in Arizona. He tied his own flies, cast them with care and found peace in the cool waters of places like Big Lake and Becker Lake, surrounded by pines and sky. He was even known to dive in after a few big ones that “might have got away.”

He had two lifelong best friends, Kenny and Zeke, whom he met in third grade. Their bond lasted more than eight decades, full of laughter, poker, storytelling, YouTube videos and just enough whiskey and gin to keep things interesting.

Pat was a man of many passions. He played guitar and banjo, though Dolores firmly insisted he play that “thing” outdoors. One of his greatest joys was performing “Big Rock Candy Mountain” and every child, grandchild, niece and nephew knew the words by heart because of him. His spooky bedtime tales of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles with Holmes perpetually forgetting his flashlight are family legend.

He loved oil painting, gardening, fishing after church and taking “shortcuts” that were not always shorter. A toothpick was forever in his mouth. Before his Forest Service career he worked on ranches, rode broncs and bulls, was a Golden Gloves boxer and drove a liquor truck. He had a profound respect for Native peoples, public lands and wildlife. He was fiercely curious and never missed a chance to ponder the mysteries of the universe, even if the topic was quantum physics and the room slowly emptied.His most precious possession was his rosary and his love for the Lord was second only to his love for family.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, John and Emily, brothers, Jack and Dick, sisters, Eileen and Emily and grandson, Andy.

He is survived by his beloved wife Dolores, who swears she doesn’t miss the banjo, but we all know she does, brother, Dennis, his five children, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchild, his lifelong friends Kenny and Zeke and many nieces, nephews and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Dolores was his primary caregiver for the past three years and he praised his Savior every day for this gift of her love. His grandson, David became his personal assistant for the last eight months of his life, ensuring with the support of Accord Hospice that Pat’s final wish to die at home, surrounded by love was fulfilled. The family is especially grateful to Heather (Pat’s angel), Sammie, Ann, Will and Brian from Accord, whose kindness and presence made all the difference. In addition we will never forget St. Peter’s Catholic Church family who always showed up.

A man of faith, a steward of the land, a musical heart and a friend of many, Pat Hanrahan leaves behind a legacy of strength, humor and devotion. He will be missed more than words can express.

Rosary will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Springerville, followed by a memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m.