Erik Hansen

Erik was certainly an artistic / cultural tour de force in Maynard (probably elsewhere too, I only knew him for the 10 years I've been here) and a friendly guy who will be sorely missed. He was always hatching new plans to beautify a space and ready to discuss the latest and best new indie films! (This was a great obituary, by the way. I really enjoyed hearing about his "muse sessions" and geography lessons with the kids.) Kathy and all his family -- I am so very sorry for your loss.

Creative partnering and befriending.

I met Erik in 2017 at a Maynard Cultural Council Meeting that I was visiting upon my returning to the US after 6 years in Norway.

We recognized in each other´s creative activism, and soon we were supportively partnering on each other´s project - most memorably, his for public murals (Maynard as a Canvas), and mine for creating the storefront art gallery in the old Gruber furniture sales building. We enjoyed turning brainstorming into action and results.

In my first years in Maynard, Erik welcomed me to his town, his home and he befriended me. Even when I moved away from the area for three years, we stayed in touch. He and Kathy were to first to welcome me back to the area in June of this year. Erik and I last had lunch together in Maynard October 2024, and again walked around town, with him updating me on the latest goings-on. We talked by phone in October and November.

With as many friendly connections I made in my 4 years living in Maynard, Erik was the one friend active in my life from 2017 until today. His presence and our friendship will stay with me.

I first met Erik sometime around 2007 or 2008 when he came to see an art exhibition my work was in. He introduced himself and we talked about our shared interests in making art about dreams and the malleability of memory. We stayed in touch and I was blown away by his i-scapes, "imaginary timescapes" he would meticulously set up and photograph. I always looked forward to visiting his studio during various Open Studios and see his shows. To this day I use a lot of his terminology when talking about different kinds of expression. In later years I definitely wish I spent more time staying in touch and visiting. Always such a positive and inspiring human being, he will be sorely missed.

The shock of Erik's passing still weighs on me. I offer heartfelt condolences to his wonderful wife Kathy. We will all miss Erik's very special qualities.
I remember Erik as an artist, often sharing ideas and thoughts about art. He was dedicated to his craft, and his passion for it came from a concerned and thoughtful source. We often met for coffee in Maynard while my motorcycle was serviced at Duncan's Beemers. Talking with Erik was a pleasure, and his knowledge and interest in history came through. He was curious, well read, and sufficiently sarcastic to feel authentic. He also had a sense of style, in the way he dressed, wore his hair, and walked. He was classy and original. I also always appreciated his generosity, in the way he listened and cared about what I was working on. In that sense of mutual sharing, mutual admiration and regard, I thought of Erik as a dear friend and really good person. So long Erik!

I miss Erik. He was a welcoming and a sincerely warm friend who opened his home and heart to us. I wish more people were like him in that the sense they were simply good humble human beings who saw goodness in others. He was a talented photographer, maybe that added to his sensitivity to discovering things in people and encouraging them on many levels. He was blessed to have Kathy as his partner and best friend. I wish I had known him earlier in my life. May his soul rest in peace.

My memory of the first evening I spent with Erik (and Kathy) is filled with warmth, a sense of being welcomed and enfolded, of Erik´s direct, honest and deeply generous way of connecting. It had been a personally difficult day for me and I left after that visit feeling like I could get through the day. I will miss Erik´s warmth and his brilliant mind.

I met Erik at Media Graphics before a job interview. He was super friendly, and knew much about art photography. We struck up a conversation that went on for years. Our personal and professional lives crisscrossed a bunch. We photographed our weddings, and worked together at various photo studios. Erik will forever be in my heart.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.