Eric O. Hanson
March 5, 1942 - July 7, 2017
Resident of San Jose
Passed away Friday, July 7, after a five-month struggle with illness. His wife, Kathleen Hanson, his daughters, Erin Katharine Collins and Kara Hanson, their husbands, Andrew Collins and Jonathan Miller, and three grandchildren mourn his loss, as does his brother, Kirk O. Hanson.
Eric was a professor of political science at Santa Clara University for more than 41 years, specializing in comparative politics, Chinese politics, and religion and politics. A natural born teacher, Eric could often be found leading class dressed in period-appropriate costumes or wielding props. He was the recipient of the University's Brutocao Award for Teaching Excellence in 1992 and the College of Arts and Sciences award for excellence in teaching in 2003. Among his notable service to the University, he chaired the committee that revised the Core Curriculum in 1992, headed the Core from 1992-1997, and served as chair of the Political Science Department. Besides the faculty he mentored and the hundreds of students he advised, he was also the Alumni Liaison for the department and published the alumni newsletter, "Political Asylum." His books include Catholic Politics in China and Korea (1980), The Catholic Church in World Politics (1987), and Religion and Politics in the International System Today (2006).
In addition to academic pursuits, Eric was an ardent fan of the Santa Clara University women's soccer team, attending games regularly with his wife and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved reading and playing with his grandchildren.
Eric was a man of deep faith, who quietly lived his values with joy and compassion for others. His wisdom, generosity of spirit, gentle nature, and mischievous humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The family plans a private funeral and burial. A public celebration of his life will be held at Santa Clara University in September. Details will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to Santa Clara University in Eric's honor.

View the online memorial for Eric O. Hanson

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

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Jul. 16, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Hanson

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

7 Entries

Roger Hernandez

October 23, 2017

I had Professor Hanson in my senior seminar course on Religion and Politics. He gave me the confidence to succeed and write one of the most important essays of my college career. He was also one of my favorite professors at SCU. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

James M

September 15, 2017

Professor Hanson possessed a great mind and a caring heart. Truly a gentleman and a scholar. My prayers to his family

Darlene D'Amico

September 1, 2017

This October I will be celebrating my 40 year reunion from SCU. Eric Hanson was my favorite professor. I will never forget the evening a few of us students were invited to his home for a delicious Chinese meal. It was a lovely evening! . My condolences to the Hanson family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Janet Carroll mm

August 18, 2017

My deepest sympathy, love and prayers are with you, Kathleen, and your two lovely daughters. I always treasured Eric as a colleague of wide vision and keen insight. May he be forever in God's embrace of love - where, I pray, you who loved him so may also find consolation, strength and peace.
Janet MM

Kate Long

July 25, 2017

I'm stunned to learn of the death of my favorite professor at Santa Clara, the man whose enthusiasm, selfless teaching, observant nature, and quick wit and encouragement made me recognize political science as what I wanted to master.

I was headed to my final in Dr. Hanson's "Politics in China" class in 1989 when the world learned about the massacre at Tien Anmen Square ("Six Four", he'd say later) and we eagerly applied what he'd taught us.

Then one day twenty or so years later I ran into him at Oakland's cathedral, which he was showing to a visiting friend. There, in that different context, he spoke first and proclaimed, "Kate Long. How are you?"

In the years since graduating, I'd visit him from time to time and he'd still drop everything and chat. One of the best indicators about Santa Clara University is that every one of my professors knew my name by the end of the first week of classes. I met Dr. Hanson in 1988 and he never forgot my name.

I will always, always remember his.

KELLEY

July 16, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

Angel Romero

July 14, 2017

Mr. Hanson's generous nature will always remain with me. One of my fondest memories is of how he'd cordially open his home to me so we could share a cup of coffee. He was man of dignity who treated those around him with respect and fairness. I'd like to extend my condolences to the Hanson family. May he rest in peace.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results