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Philip Joseph Ganz Jr.

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Michigan State University University of Michigan

FUNERAL HOME

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Moeller Murphy Funeral Directors

2500 Broadway St

Santa Monica, California

Philip Ganz Obituary

Ganz, Philip Joseph
June 10, 1948 - October 29, 2011

Philip J. Ganz, Jr., passed away unexpectedly October 29, 2011. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he spent his childhood and early adult years in the Midwest. He attended Michigan State University, followed by University of Michigan (JD cum laude, 1973).
A partner in Ganz & Gorsline, he was plaintiffs' winning trial counsel in many employment cases. Philip loved the practice of law and felt honored to be a member of the State Bar of California.

He brought tremendous enthusiasm and passion to his varied interests, chief amoung them family, friends, books, food and any and all outdoor activities.
A great source of pride to him were his three daughters, Cory, Esme, and Maureen. Philip was considered the patriarch of his large, extended family and delighted in the role. His passing is a devastating loss.

Philip was predeceased by his father, Philip J. Ganz, Sr., sister, Joanne Ganz, and brother Daniel Ganz. Survivors include his mother, Anne E. Ganz, sisters, Donna Menchaca (Rick Menchaca), Lynne Ganz (Ken Wille), Denise Ganz, eight nephew and nieces, and his companion of many years, Jennifer Sylvester.

Services will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2011, at Gates, Kingsley & Gates chapel, 1925 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica 90404; viewing, 12-2 pm with service at 2 pm.

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

Published by Los Angeles Times from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Ganz

Sponsored by Donna M Ganz.

65 Entries

JSS

March 7, 2020

JSS

June 10, 2019

Thinking of you, Phil. Happy Birthday in heaven.

Donna Ganz

October 30, 2018

Never forgotten. Always missed

JSS

October 29, 2018

Love you.

Miss and love you PJG.

October 30, 2015

Donna Ganz

June 10, 2015

Another year has passed.You have a beautiful grandson who made his debut this Monday June 8,just 2 days before your birthday.You are always with us.

adrian anderson

July 2, 2014

thanks my buddy for looking out for me and my wife

g cibula

June 11, 2014

a good man
a good and loyal friend
hope donna and the family are well
george cibula

Donna Ganz

June 10, 2014

Remembered with love

JSS

October 30, 2013

The Harpswell contingent had a dinner in your honor last night. Everyone had a unique story to share...you touched the lives of so many Philip. Miss and love you every day.

JSS

June 11, 2013

Thank you for keeping Phil's guest book online, Donna. I hope you and the family are well.

JSS

November 1, 2012

Ever in heart, ever in Spirit...love transcends the earthly realm. Phil, you are missed so very much.

Gloria Navarro

October 29, 2012

We miss you Phil. Rest in peace gentle man, gentle giant.

lily ha

September 12, 2012

He was my lawyer and he was the nicest. I just found out today and I'm really sad and heart broken.

Rosa Cumare

September 6, 2012

As a defense employment lawyer, I always included Phil Ganz in my short list of plaintiff's lawyer referrals for employees looking for representation. Just now I was checking to make sure I still had his right address and phone number and was shocked to see he had passed away. Phil is someone I respected highly as an honest adversary who did the right thing for his clients. He was a consummate professional and a true gentleman. He knew and respected the law, the legal process and, most admirably, he respected his opposition. It will be hard to find someone to fill his shoes. May he rest in peace.

June 10, 2012

Well Philip today would have been your 64th birthday.I think of you today and everyday.You and brother Daniel had such a zest for life.You left a hole in the family but a fine example of getting the most out of the time we have here.
Donna

June 2, 2012

Hey Phil,

You son of a gun. I wasn't expecting this. Lisa found out and just told me. I was waiting for the right time to talk or get together again. We were roommates at Michigan, you in law; me in medicine. In 1972 Bobby Fischer defeated Boris Spassky spurrring us to eat Dominos Pizza and play chess late into the night. You always started beathing heavy and inhaling the pizza when you were in trouble. You told me your goal was a dark suit, black car and a blond. You were my best man in Vail, and I was your best man and joined you on your honeymoon in Lake Tahoe (you got your blond, not bad, valedictorian at UC Berkley law school). I read all the rembrances before me. I can't add anything; they are all true. You were a good person, and you took it beyond the limit. I love you, buddy. I look forward to seeing. Bill Bauer

Phil with his mother and three daughters

January 8, 2012

Robert Rowan

November 23, 2011

Phil and I were law school classmates. We maintained our friendship from our first week in law school for the next 40 years. Phil's mind was a beautiful thing. He thought deeply about many things and maintained his sense of humor and love of life in all things. He loved his daughters deeply. He was a good friend.

Margie Maseda

November 20, 2011

Just heard of Phil's passing. Phil was a member of my parish, Our Lady of Malibu, and we sang in the choir together. It has many years, but I still recall his warm and gentle spirit. Not to mention the pride he had in his daughters. He will be missed. Sending my deepest condolences to his family.

Lisa Blank

November 16, 2011

Phil handled my mediation when Laurie was in court. Terrific attorney, terrific guy. To his family, I send my condolences. I was very sad to learn of his passing.

I salute you, love.

Jen Sylvester

November 16, 2011

I salute you, my love.

Jennifer Sylvester

November 16, 2011

Mark Rudy

November 14, 2011

Phi was one of the brightest and effective lawyers that I had the honor of providing mediation services for. He will be sorely missed by the employment bar.

Ann Ganz

November 13, 2011

Remembering my brother-in-law, Phil, whom we all adored and looked up to in so many ways. He blessed our lives so deeply with his caring and joie de vivre, inspired us to be our best selves and watched over us all. He had a big heart and infectious laugh that made our family gatherings so much fun. He showed us how to live fearlessly and dream BIG!
We love you and you will always be in our hearts.

November 8, 2011

May God bless you and comfort you in this very difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve & Sheri Kaufman

Gil Jasso

November 8, 2011

Even though I did not know Mr. Ganz on a personal level, The personal conversations we had away from the professional side made it seem that I knew him for a very long time personally. My Condolences, Thoughts and Prayers goes out to the Ganz Family. May God Rest his Soul.

Chris Rieger

November 7, 2011

To family and friends,
I have had the great pleasure of getting to know Phil over the last year and a half over the phone while we discussed my case. Phil was always very easy to talk to and even though our correspondence was client based, I felt that we developed a friendship. I enjoyed his honesty, advice and sense of humor and consider myself lucky to have known him. Please accept my most sincere condolences. Thank you for sending this link.
Sincerely,
Chris Rieger

November 6, 2011

To My Dear Friend and Colleague Phil Ganz-
Trust that we will be there for you and for all that you cherished most- your three daughters and your love and passion for the practice of law. Trust that your daughters will not be alone and that everyone who was fortunate to know you- will be there for them and to carry on your good work. The world was a better place because of you in it- a true believer and true warrior and one of the best Dads around. I respected that most of all about you. Your endless love for your daughters is ever apparent, and yes, it took a “real man” to raise “real women”… as was demonstrated today at the services and tribute in your honor.
We will all miss you.

Love and peace be with you always my friend.
-Rita Miranda-Morales, Esq.Santa Monica

November 6, 2011

I first met Phil some 15 years ago when i sat as a superior court judge in LA and the first impression that i made was that here is this really top notch lawyer who is also a gentleman and really seems to care for his client. Throughout the years, that first impression was a lasting impression because that is the way he acted day in and day out. My condolences to Phil's family. He was one of my favorite lawyers and i will miss him. God bless. Judge Romero

November 5, 2011

It was my honor to have witnessed Phil's passion and dedication to the system he used everyday to make a difference in the lives of many. Our profession, community and nation will miss him but is left a better place because of him. I I am sorry for our loss.
Judge Soussan Bruguera

Yuli Wang

November 5, 2011

Dear Phil's family:

I, as a Phil's client, have just heard the sad news about Phil and offer you my heartfelt condolences. Phil was a kind and honest man, and a good lawer who had done a great job for his clinets in the past years. I am so sorry about the unexpected news and will miss him greatly. My deepest sympathy to all Phil's family. Warmest wishes, Yuli Wang, Chartsworth, CA

Jessica Ramos

November 5, 2011

Goodnight and Goodbye, Phil. You were my wise & incredibly patient mentor for many years and through many trials & countless cases, and one of the finest, most generous & most gracious people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Though Phil was physically imposing in stature & a true Alpha Male, one just had to meet him to realize that he was a gentle giant, one who was charismatic, kind, fair, intellectually curious, witty, one who only saw the good in people & never said an unkind word about anyone. On countless occasions, I saw first-hand how he effortlessly charmed & inspired everyone - - his colleagues, employees, clients, opposing counsel, experts, judges, court clerks, jurors, court reporters, passersby in court, literally everyone. His wide-eyed enthusiasm for life & all its wonders, his unfailing & contagious optimism, & his chronic inability to hold grudges against anyone (even the judges & opposing counsel who deserved it) were surely a mark of a rare kind of “innocence” that I haven't encountered since. I have always held him in high regard and will forever cite him as an example of what a real Man is, given his fierce love of family, his tender heart, his loyalty to his friends and colleagues, and his passionate devotion to fighting injustice in the workplace. Indeed, he is what “lesser” alpha males should aspire to be. Phil, you have left a void that will be impossible to fill. My deepest condolences to your family and close friends.

November 5, 2011

For nearly five decades I have been both grateful and fortunate to keep in contact with Phil and the entire Ganz family, thanks to his sister (my best friend) Donna.

With each passing year I admired Phil's wit and charm, his intelligence and humor, his love and sincerity. I can see his big smile and hear his positive comments about life and family, even during a healthy debate (Phil's favorite pastime).

Phil, a tireless worker, has earned everything he has, nothing was given to him; but he has given all of us so much to remember-thank you my dear friend, I will miss you.

Debbie (Miller) Slager, Kalamazoo, Michigan

November 5, 2011

The Lucas' (Nathan and Brenda) extend our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Although I (Nathan) only knew Phil as a client, he had a friendly, kind and giving heart. He helped me (and hence my family); and I sincerely thank him (and Laurie) for that. I also thank God for having our paths meet. We will surely miss him. However his journey is not ending, but it is now just beginning with the Lord. May God be with you and your family in time of your grief. God bless you all.

Pat Barkley

November 4, 2011

Phil was a valued client for the past thirty years. He frequently held depositions in our offices, and he was always kind to my staff and reporters, had interesting and important cases, and conducted himself always as a true professional. He was an outstanding representative of the legal profession.

Ron Podell

November 4, 2011

When my sec. told me I had a call from Ganz-Gorsline I perked up thinking that I might have another interesting and challenging case to look forward to. I could not have been more shocked and despondent to hear this news.
Phil and I have had a wonderful professional relationship for years. I had the pleasure of testifying in the case that put him into the national spotlight, and I think both of us realized we had helped each other reach a creative high point during that difficult challenge. And from that time on, I always felt we had a wonderful bond though we were dealing with serious issues and challenges.
We could find a light moment to chat and laugh inbetween the tension filled depositions and trial testimonies that were part of my job and a small part of his overall work. But, he made every moment important.
For me, getting to know Phil was akin to the experience of a musician who finds a kindred soul with whom he can connect philosophically and musically to produce something unique. And most importantly, I think we brought out the best in each other, and I know I was able to think out of the box because of his great intensity to bring justice to his clients. His commitment and dedication to his clients was contagious and admirable.
I am happy Phil did not suffer, but when someone dies suddenly and well before his time, it creates a great loss for those close to him Though I don't know Jennifer, he spoke of her tenderly and I send my condolences and deepest feelings for your well-being. I am sure he left a very large void.
To his children, you were lucky to have him and very unlucky you did not have him longer. I am sure he will always be with you and his wisdom, love, and enthusiasm will never die.
Laurie, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know you will carry on with the work that the two of you created. I hope you can gain inspiration from your collaboration, and I remind you that you still have another entire chapter to write in this firm's history.
Again, my condolences to family and close friends. We have lost a special man and a source of light and strength. But, Phil will be in our hearts and minds forever, and I know he is a guy who will seize the moment wherever his journey takes him and in whatever world he finds himself.
Ron Podell, MD

He spoke about his daughters many times over the 20+ years during which we collaborated. He was a very proud father and his love was very apparent and genuine. We shared the same values in that sense. I never spent time with Jennifer but she was also in his thoughts and words during our free moments between depositions and trials.

Paul Landers

November 4, 2011

I was thinking of Phil over the last weekend; which is very strange. One of the reasons I was thinking of him is, we are all so uncertain of the future and have to deal with the deepest question of all: what happens to us when we die?
I remembered discussing this with Phil. He seemed certain in a life beyond our earthly lives, and whilst I am not quite convinced of this myself - 'I'm not really religious', I nonetheless enjoyed the deep spiritual conversation we had on the subject of the afterlife; which was profound and engaging.
Phil was a gentle giant, and the memories of his smile and personality will remain with me until I die. He was such an honest, adventurous and kind man - which makes it all the more tragic. Life would be much better with many more beautiful and altruistic individuals like Phil in the world.
Everyone we meet and come to know in lives, and every moment of our lives is precious to us all; therefore Phil was precious to me; I'm honoured to have known him!

Dolores Leal

November 4, 2011

The plaintiff's employment bar mourns the loss of Phil, a highly regarded member and colleague. We at the Allred, Maroko & Goldberg firm, extend our sincere condolences to his family.

Eve Chesbro

November 3, 2011

As a colleague of Phil, I knew him to be a true believer who brought great passion and dedication to his clients. His loss is so very sad. I send my deep condolences to his family and friends.

November 3, 2011

Phil was a passionate advocate for employee rights. He will be sorely missed.

William W. Bloch

Steve Serratore

November 3, 2011

Phil was an exceptionally bright, always professional and extremely like-able lawyer. Although I only knew Phil professionally, he possessed a magnetic energy that was always great to be around. My thoughts are with his family, Laurie and his friends.

Janet M. Koehn

November 3, 2011

I join all who are saddened by the passing of Phil, our colleague and friend. For me, I will miss my fellow Spartan, Wolverine, and Eagle.

Vida Holguin

November 3, 2011

Phil would always pull me aside in private after meetings to comment on things that had been discussed in meetings. Boy we had some laughs. That man was smart with a wonderful dry wit. A true advocate. Vaya con Dios mi amigo.

Christopher Hayes

November 3, 2011

My sincere condolences for your loss.

michelle Shahbazi

November 3, 2011

The new was most shocking. Phillip was a wonderful, sincere man, and I was a very fortunate client to have known him.
God bless his soul, and I wish all his family, and friends to come along well in this very hard time.
He will truly be missed by all of us.
With deepest condolences,
Michelle Shahbaza

Andrew Frank

November 2, 2011

I consider myself lucky to have known Philip. His stature and his deep voice commanded respect. His great sense of humor, compassion and down to earth personality made him loveable. He and I shared a lot in common in personalities. He loved his daughters, had great pride in his work and was not afraid of a big fight if he believed in his cause.

Donna Menchaca

November 2, 2011

Philip was my beloved older brother.We are 13 months apart and when we were young he was my constant companion. Philip was the idea man and I was his willing accomplice.Once when we were 4 and 3 years old,we got our hands on a large amount of chewing gum. We proceeded to chew it up and stick it in one another's hair and clothing. Philip received a spanking while I was let off the hook as "too young" to know better. I felt both guilty and indignant as I was fully aware the parental unit would not approve.True to form, Philip accepted his punishment without regret or recrimination.
My brother was interested in everything life has to offer. He introduced me to poetry and pomegranates, science fiction,Mad Magazine and Modern Art.
I vividly recall his reading out loud to me the poem "Richard Cory". His delight in the language and irony of the poem led to my lifelong interest in the genre.
Philip was sensitive and stoical enough to break my heart but met life with such enthusiasm and vigor that I looked forward to his every visit. Philip will be so very missed but he left a wonderful example of how to meet life and get the most out of it.

Phil literally climbed every mountain...and always moved forward with gusto, grit and gravitas. He will ALWAYS be in our hearts. I love you, Phil.

Jennifer Sylvester

November 2, 2011

Gregg Sindici

November 2, 2011

When you tried a case against Phil, you knew you were up against an exceptional adversary -- but you also knew that you were dealing with a true gentleman who represented his clients with passion and integrity. It was a privilege to have known him.

Chris Lewis

November 1, 2011

Phil was passionate about life, love, and family, especially his three daughters. He also took great pride in helping others. I am very thankful to have known him and most of all, very proud to call him my friend.

Seth Champi

November 1, 2011

This news was very difficult to pass along. My family sends their deepest heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Phil. Despite being a man of great physical and mental strength; Phil melted when he spoke of his daughters. Always outmatched by them and their latest shenaninganz (pun added for emphasis); Phil would always make a half smile, roll his eyes from one side of the room to the other and explain what is was like to have to raise a house full of untamed barbaric heathens. Memories of Phil will always be treasured.

Johnny Tourino

November 1, 2011

I count it a personal blessing that my wife Kim, daughter Jessica and I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Laurie Gorsline and her friend and Law partner, Phil Ganz several years ago over a case they fought on our behalf and prevailed. And over the course of that time, we were introduced to, and had the pleasure of meeting Phil's lady & soul mate, Ms. Jen Sylvester and with whom, we all collectively, shared a special bond, even well after the conclusion of the case.

At first sight of Phil, one might expect an aggressive type A, over testosteroned warrior of a man, given this ever fit, 6' 4", 250ish and lifelong, disciplined athlete. He was indeed, an imposing figure. Adding to his stature, his deep resonate, commanding voice that gets attention in any room he enters, he's arguably an intimidating figure... until you actually meet him.

At which point, in the span of a few short minutes, this gentle giant, reveals in tone and attitude his caring, compassionate, kind, loving, considerate demeanor. Ever the gentleman, the image one may have at first glance versus the man one gets to know... the stark contrast confuses.

Well read and brilliant... it was difficult to argue with him, though yes, I managed... on several occasions, to some (albeit minor) avail.

I'll forever miss and never forget (because they amused me) his "deep sighs"as preface to pause and think about how he would present "his point" convincingly to me (...or others for that matter). His great sense of humor and sharp wit endeared him to all who had the opportunity to know and love him.

With and unyielding sense of right and wrong, Phil and Laurie tirelessly, fought the "good fight" every day and in to the night to help and support the victims whom found their way to their door from abusive employers.

He was proud of his work, his firm, his friend & partner Laurie and the collective body of work they accomplished. His pride in his lady Jen, his family and three daughters were the light of his life.

Though our politics were at opposite ends, as I've said on any of several occasions, Phil is a man who embodies all that is good and decent in a man, with heart as big as he is. He'd certainly share his point of view, but allow others to theirs, without judgment or condemnation.

My wife Kim and I, enjoyed a very special relationship with Phil, Jen and Laurie and count ourselves wholly blessed to know them, love them, and have them in our life.

We are proud and honored to call them our friends and miss Phil dearly and his near daily... kind & thoughtful commentary and Counsel immeasurably. As will all, who had the opportunity to know and love him.

Our prayers and deepest condolences for him, his family and loved ones...

May he Rest in Peace.
Our Love always,
Johnny & Kim Tourino

george cibula

November 1, 2011

phil was a collegiate judo champion at michigan state. he learned to be quick by dodging trains in lombard, il.in 1961 we were twelve or thirteen.we would spend hours playing around the three chicago and nortwestern rail road tracks that ran through lombard.we would put small rocks on the rails to see how far they would fly when the train ran over them. if we had any pennies, they would go on the tracks to get flattened.
we dodged the trains and the policemen who would chase us. we never got caught.one afternoon phil ran in front of a freight train to avoid being caught by a pursuing policeman.i thought he was killed by the train, and did not know he survived until a half hour later. i asked phil why he would risk his life to escape the policeman. he said he was more afraid of the policeman taking him to see phil sr. than getting crushed by the train.
since we had been told a hundred times by both of our parents to stay off the tracks, i agreed he had made the right decisions to run in front of the train.

phil's parents were good to me, always letting me eat and stay at their house.i had many good days with phil and his black lab "baby." he was a great friend.

November 1, 2011

My Family and the Ganz family were neighbors, from the mid 80s to mid 90s in Malibu. Phil had 3 beautiful girls and I had two. They were all fixtures in each other houses. Phil's weekend parties were legend. The italian food was always incredible. He had a great ability to make people feel they were welcome guests. Our daughters thrive due to Phil's constantly teaching them new things and not to fear. You must understand that the area in which was were lived was rural and the children could explore without any fear.
Phil's beautiful daughters will be a tremendous part of his legacy. Maureen (Mo-Mo) s[ent as much time in our house as my daughter Gaby spent in hers.

They are both very inquisitive children. Their days were always full of wonder. Who could ask for more. The inquisitiveness was fostered much of the time by Phil. From helping build their tree house to hikes they went on.

He was a great father, an excellent attorney, but most of all, and this is really the important part, a terrific role model for his children.

He was my friend, neighbor, and confidant on occasion. My memories of Phil are all good. He always put forth his maximum effort. That is his evidenced by his children's success and brilliance. This is what a father leaves behind and is best evidence of how he lived his life.

The Math Family, Michael, Gabriella, and Anabel

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