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Phil Green Obituary

Phil Green February 14, 1940 -- February 10, 2013 His life nearly came full circle, within four days of achieving another glorious milestone. To all who knew him and those who loved him dearly, Novato's Phil Green lived life to the fullest, was the happiest he's been in years and was still making people laugh right up until his last night. Phillip Green, who dedicated 50 years of his life to law enforcement in Marin County, died quietly in his sleep Sunday, February 10 while visiting with relatives in Southern California. He was 72. A remembrance and celebration of Chief Green's life will be held at the Redwood High School gymnasium in Larkspur Saturday, February 23 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Chief Green was an innovator, a visionary and a man of deep conviction when it came to law enforcement, his peers said. He also had a lively sense of humor and often times used it to break the ice or provide some levity to nearly all situations. To many of his police chief colleagues, Green was "Yoda," of Stars Wars fame, the man whose opinion was solicited often and whose words were most respected. He was a patriarch to many in Marin County law enforcement and a role model to both of his sons, Phil and Lawrence, who followed in his footsteps and became police officers. Phil is a sergeant with Oakland and Lawrence is an officer with UC-Berkeley. Born in San Francisco, Phil Green graduated from Westmoor High School in Daly City. In 1976, he graduated from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, with a Baccalaureate degree in Public Administration and in 1978, received a Master's Degree in Public Administration. In 1981, he graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy. He was also a former member of the United States Marine Corps of which he was extremely proud. In 1961, at the age of 21, Chief Green began his career in law enforcement with San Rafael. He rose through the ranks and eventually became chief of Corte Madera, Larkspur and then Twin Cities Police Authority when the two agencies consolidated in 1980. Chief Green also formed the first special response unit in the county and established numerous programs, especially dealing with domestic violence, child abuse and drug education. He nearly lost his life in a shootout with drug dealers in 1971 and received the last rites. Fortunately, with time, he recovered. When he retired from Twin Cities Aug. 23, 2010, Chief Green was the longest tenured chief among 330 in the state of California. A plaque in the lobby of the new Central Marin Police Authority bears his name. In retirement, Phil loved to spend time with his grandchildren, play golf, gardening, and working around his home. He was an avid sports fan, and actively supported the San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants. Survivors include his wife Chris, sons Phil (Nikki), Lawrence (Monica), a daughter Vicki Zink (Terry), stepson Jim Fife, stepdaughter Denise Repp (Matt); as well as nine grandchildren, Justin, Laurel, Eli Kaitlyn, Clayton, Tyler, A.J., Alan, McKenzie; brothers Russ (Valerie), Randall (Karen), sisters Meredith Young, Shelly Caalim (Mike), and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Chief Green's name be made to the Central Marin Police Authority Police Explorer program, Post 400 or the Special Olympics of Northern California.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Marin Independent Journal on Feb. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Phil Green

Not sure what to say?





pattt

February 14, 2025

always in my heart

patty

February 14, 2023

never forgotten.

Ted Bader

February 14, 2019

Phil made a great difference in my life and led me to a 50 year career in law-enforcement. May he rest in peace. If either of his boys want to contact me I would be happy to talk to them about him. I am still working for the state of Nevada after retiring twice already. [email protected]

Ronald Neil

March 17, 2013

A true friend and a joy to be in his company. Phil, my thoughts of you will always bring a smile to my face.

Ted Bader, Agent in Charge, US Border Patrol (Ret.)

March 11, 2013

I first met Phil when he was a young officer at SRPD and I was a rudderless youngster working midnight shift at a gas station. He, among others, inspired me to go into law enforcement. He was a great man and a good cop. RIP my friend, see you on the other side.

Clark Sheppard

March 1, 2013

Chief Green was a wonderful man. He helped me by allowing me to be a reserve officer at Corte Madera PD at a young age . That support helped me become a full-time officer at Petaluma PD. Chief Green directly affected my life in a positive way. I respected him a great deal, both personally and professionally, and will never forget him. Rest in Peace, sir.

Ted Lindquist

February 28, 2013

This is to clarify my earlier post in the guestbook. After posting the entry, I realized I had not clarified how it was that Phil saved my life. On the night Phil was shot in mid-April of 1972, I had only 2 months patrol experience and had just been allowed to patrol solo. I was the officer who answered up to be the cover officer on the high risk stop in question. Phil called me off and said he'd handle it. I have always felt that Phil saved my life that night by keeping me and my inexperience from being directly involved in that stop that resulted in Phil being shot.

Ed Linga

February 26, 2013

My condolences to Chris and entire family. It was an honor and pleasure to have served under Phil at TCPD from 1980 till my retirement. Not only was Phil my Chief for many years but a good friend as well. He will be missed, Rest in Peace Phil.
Ed Linga (TCPD retired)

Dave and Cindy Frazer

February 25, 2013

A cop's cop, innovator, and natural born-leader. Great sense of humor and we will certainly miss his wisdom and charming demeanor.

Tom Odetto Sr.

February 25, 2013

To The Green Family
I had the pleasure of working with Phil, when I was a cadet at SRPD back in 1972. It was obvious from the start how much trust and admiration his fellow Officer's had for him. Rest in Peace Phil, my thanks for showing me the way. Tom Odetto, MCSO (Retired)

Linda Fortney

February 22, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family! My mom, Beverly Sanders (Green) sends her condolences as well. Rest In Peace Phil.
Linda and Doyle Fortney

Ted Lindquist

February 21, 2013

Phil was one of the best cops and leaders there ever was or will be. He saved my life too. Only 3 years after he was shot in 1972, and underwent major abdominal surgery, he led the forming of San Rafael PD's first SWAT team which I was proud to be a member of. Phil was still suffering after effects of the surgery during training and never once complained of discomfort but I could tell it bothered him. He gritted it out always with a joke and a smile as he did everything else. Truly a remarkable man who I will greatly miss. You left us too soon Phil. Love you pal.

Rich Simmons

February 21, 2013

Carolyn & I extend our deepest sympathy to Chris & the family on the passing of a great man & a wonderful friend. We will miss Phil.
Warmest personal regards,
Rich & Carolyn Simmons

dave & cathy krueger

February 20, 2013

Stand-up guy and a Good Marine, Great Cop
Funny beyond description.
RIP Phil Green

Sal Rosano

February 20, 2013

Connie and I add our sympathy and prayers for Chris and the rest of the Green family at the passing of a great guy and a consumate professional. I have had the pleasure of working with Phil when we were police chiefs in adjoining counties, and it was always a pleasure to see his enthusiam for the job, and for his desire to assist those who sought his counsel.

Sal & Connie Rosano
Santa Rosa PD Retired

Gail Barone

February 20, 2013

My prayers to the family of a wonderful man and great cop! I got a speeding ticket when I was 21 and he let me go, I remember it like it was yesterday. I had two small children and no money, he was truly kind. He made a memory for me for life.

Marie & Shane Torres

February 20, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Phil will be missed. God's speed Phil.

February 20, 2013

RIP and Godspeed Chief.
Ugo Innocenti
NPD Sgt. Ret.

WOODY HOKE

February 20, 2013

I had the honor and pleasure to have served with Phil in the streets of San Rafael and came to know him as a friend and close neighbor. Our close communion between Novato and San Rafael was shared by many. Phil was a leader among men, who liked to share laughter with those who served under him and those who stood side by side with him. Rest in peace, Phil...you earned it.

Ramona & Mike O'Brien

February 20, 2013

We were saddened to learn of Phil's passing. He was a great role model,a great cop, with a great sense of humor.He will be missed.

Gene Pennington

February 20, 2013

Phil was well respected by all of his police "Family" and the communities he served. He saved my life in 1972 and I will forever be grateful. I had the honor of working with Phil for many years at San Rafael PD. We enjoyed many happy times together and I always enjoyed our lunches together. His sense of humor was amazing and he always made me laugh. Phil was a hero and he will be missed.

Joe Leonard

February 20, 2013

First and foremost, I am honored to be able to call Phil my friend. I worked with Phil from 1964, when I joined the San Rafael P.D., until he left to go to Corte Madera P.D. When we would get together for coffee breaks, we would talk about different things, mostly related to work. I learned so many things from him during those breaks. I'll miss you my friend

Steven Dawson

February 20, 2013

My sympathy to all. Saddened me to hear this.

Bob NeSmith

February 20, 2013

I had thirty years in law enforcement in Orange County, when I moved to Marin and met Phil Green. From the start, it was obvious to me that he was a great leader who was more than respected by his "family" of officers. I'm glad he made retirement, but so sorry he didn't have longer. Rest in peace, brother.

John and Gail Goff

February 20, 2013

It is with great sadness that Gail and I learned of the passing of Phil, one of the finest men I have ever known. I first met Phil in the early 60's when he started with S.R.P.D and I was a rookie with MCSO. The Dept's were across the street from each other on "A" Street. Many walks did we have to the "Court House Creamery" for a cup.
I learned so much from Phil over the many years. The Cities of San Rafael, Larkspur and Corte Madera should be very proud to have had Phil working for them. Gail and I will miss him very much.

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