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Eric Hanson

1955 - 2022

Eric Hanson obituary, 1955-2022, Salt Lake City, UT

BORN

1955

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Starks Funeral Parlor

3651 South 900 East

Salt Lake City, Utah

Eric Hanson Obituary

Eric John Hanson

1955 ~ 2022

Au Revoir

Our beloved Eric surrendered his life and love on the morning of August 20, 2022. Eric had a remarkable capacity to connect intimately with everyone who had the privilege to know him.

Eric was born in 1955 in Santa Monica, CA. to loving parents John J. Hanson and Twyla June Hanson. He was raised alongside his spirited twin brother Mark, enjoying sea and sand in various locations around Southern California. His extraordinary step-mother Betty married his father in 1973. Eric and Betty enjoyed a wonderful relationship.

Eric graduated from Reed College in Portland, Oregon in 1978. It was there he made special friends for life. Midway through his education at Reed he spent a year studying in Paris at the Sorbonne University, a highlight of his life where he relished in the language and culture of France. In 1988 Eric received his PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Utah, another avenue for creating the closest of friendships.

After graduation he met and later married his wife, Sue. They were together for 34 beautiful years. Eric referred to Sue as his "Suzy Soulmate". His son Ian, the light of Eric's world, was born in 1991. Ian knew his Dad as gentle, kind, and encouraging. Ian will carry on Eric's legacy of truth and love.

Eric's career was at the heart of who he was. He worked with adults, children, adolescents and families at Valley Mental Health. He later transitioned his years of experience and insight into a meaningful private practice. His career provided he and his colleagues another arena to bond as friends for life.

Eric was a masterful composer and pianist. His music provided him a unique depth of expression and beauty.

In 2005 Eric was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. It was to be his ultimate challenge and bravest endeavor in his life's journey. He endured with grace and acceptance, always with a beautiful glint of hope in his eyes. Sue and Ian were his anchors until the end.

Surviving Eric are his wife Sue, son Ian, brother Mark and sister-in-law Verlie, step-mother Betty.

Sue and Ian want to express their profound gratitude to Active Home Health and Hospice Care.

Please join us for a wake on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 4 to 6pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. A remembrance tribute will begin at 4:30. Tributes will be live-streamed from his obituary page at www.starksfuneral.com where they will also be available on demand.

In honor of Eric, donations can be made to the U of U Department of Neurology for Parkinson's Research online at https://ugive.app.utah.edu/designation/1222 or Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake: gslclubs.org

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Aug. 30 to Sep. 18, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Hanson

Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.

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Susan Way

April 22, 2025

Eric was such a good, kind, caring person. I was very sad to learn of his passing, several months ago, when I tried calling him. I am sorry that I missed his wake. My condolences to Sue and Ian

Cole Rose

January 18, 2025

Dr Hansen was my therapist from 1st grade up until I graduated. he was an amazing therapist and a great man. he very literally saved my life and I can't believe he's gone, seeing this obituary was heartbreaking and my condolences go out to his family.

Nicole perry

August 25, 2024

Eric was my therapist growing up and has helped me so much. He changed my life for the better and for that I will forever be grateful.. r.i.p. eric

Nicole perry

June 6, 2024

I was stunned coming across Eric's obituary.. he was my therapist when I was younger at valley mental health.. he was the reason I got the help I needed. You will be deeply missed.

Allene Fowler

September 20, 2022

I was stunned to see Eric's obituary today in the Tribune, Sue Dear.
I knew Eric and you both, originally through Alliance House. That was almost 30 years ago now. when we first heard Eric playing the piano at a fundraiser, Bob and I immediately picked up one of his records. After many years I recently ran into Eric at our Bridge Club. It was a delight to re-acquaint with him. Please know you are in my thoughts at this time of loss. I never met Ian, but tell him and all your family of my deep sympathy. Warmly, Allene Fowler

Single Memorial Tree

Marianne & Jeff

Planted Trees

Jean R Reeve

September 8, 2022

Eric was instrumental in my Children's lives. Shay, Chaz, Chantelle and Chaz all were under his care for a number of years. I attribute my Children's lives were healed my his advice and guidance. We regarded Eric as a part of our Family. His music and talent was beautiful.

Juan Carlos Claudio

September 3, 2022

Eric, your dancing, playing the piano and free spirit will always be in my heart. We at Grey Matters Dance love you now and forever! Dance and play music in peace my friend. Your music forever plays in my heart.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

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Memorial Events
for Eric Hanson

Sep

24

Wake

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Starks Funeral Parlor

3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

Sep

24

Memorial service

4:30 p.m.

Starks Funeral Parlor

3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

Funeral services provided by:

Starks Funeral Parlor

3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

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