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Samuel Hanser Obituary
Beloved friend, healer and counselor. Entered into rest January 15, 2010, at age 27, leaving behind parents Suzanne Hanser-Teperow and Phillip Hanser, step-parents Alan Teperow and Jane Hanser, sisters Leora and Raviva Hanser; brother-in-law Graeme Trayner; nephews Jack and David Trayner; step-siblings Shira, Gabriel and Tova Teperow; and his loving partner, Michael Miller. He also leaves countless others whose lives he touched through his work in somatic therapy, specializing in pain and trauma. His vision was to establish a Healing Empowerment Center, see it built, and serve as its director. Memorial at Memorial at:
Swedish American Hall
2174 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 1 pm.
Donations in Sam's memory may be sent to California Institute of Integral Studies, Dorotea Reyna, 695 Minna Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. In the memo line, please write the Samuel Benjamin Hanser Scholarship.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Hanser
Sponsored by Russell Evans, dear friend and soulmate.
Bridget Stewart
January 28, 2025
Sam would have been 43 today. We lost him 15 years ago on January 15th, just shy of his 28th birthday. He elevated the mood of every room he walked into. His patience with me and the emotional roller coaster I was always on made him the singular reason I was mentally OK. My last memories of him were him counseling me on my worst break up to this day. I selfishly miss him for myself but the world was so much better with him in it. He truly made a difference while he was here.
Sam had 5 professions under his belt before he left us. That´s something to think about. He wanted to heal people and he did, anyone who came in contact with him was better off. I had the honor of spending our high school years together and staying close with him through college and our 20s. I miss his giggle. It was the best. He casually decided he wanted to do design in high-school, took a summer class, built a portfolio and poof got into Parsons, like it was no big deal. While there, he designed this gorgeous wellness center he hoped to become the director of one day. He was an architect, interior architect, certified in somatic therapy, massage therapy, Tantra - a healer.
It´s too painful to imagine never being near him again. I pray there´s an afterlife. Our mutual friend says, "There's not. He knew it, that's why his connections while he was here was so important. That's why we love when and how we can. Treat people good, make the most of every day. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed." I don´t remember Sammy thinking/stating there´s no afterlife but his connections were in fact very strong and he certainly made the most of his time here. I always found that he was extremely spiritual in an authentic and meaningful way. I was so grateful when he told me I was one of his soul sisters. I needed that validation because I was insecure and the feeling was mutual. He gave it to me without being asked. He was intuitive that way.
I think about you all the time Sammy. Life is less sweet without you here but soooo much better because you were. I remember and love you forever until my last breath. I can´t believe it´s been 15 years.
Happy Birthday Sam
Mark Anthony Paul Florentino
January 16, 2025
Little Sammy I surely miss you. I will never forget the day I was parked in Newton working as a technician for Verizon and I was just perplexed why you weren´t getting back to me because that wasn´t your style. Even when you went to Parsons in NYC and eventually on to San Francisco you always returned my texts or calls, so when I googled your name from my work truck while grabbing a coffee in Newton Sq and came across your obituary I was truly at a loss for words. You were born with this vibrant personality that for sure had to have been also nurtured by your loving family having had the pleasure of having met them at your family home in Newton. I don´t have a single memory of you ever having been in a negative/bad mood. From the very first time we met at Buzz Nightclub in Boston to the very last time we met in person, Sammy was one of those rare breeds that would actually lift the positive aura/vibe in a room simply by entering it....that is not an exaggeration. I miss you Little Sammy and I will never forget you.
-Mark Anthony Paul Florentino (Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale by way of Charlestown, MA)
Russ Evans
January 15, 2025
Wow! 15 years and I still think about you all the time and my love for you hasn't diminished.
Mark Florentino
January 17, 2024
"Little" Sammy another year has passed and yet I don´t miss you any less only more. Your positive upbeat personality always shined brightly through any negativity present in the room.
-Mark Florentino
Charlestown, MA
Mark Anthony Paul Florentino
January 14, 2023
He will always be known to me as "Little" Sammy but it had nothing to do with his huge "Stature" of a Personality.
All Sammy had to do was simply walk into a room and the negativity in that room would immediately be vacuumed out. From my very first self introduction to him in the pool room of Buzz nightclub in Boston, never once in my entire life did I bear witness to Sammy dragging down a room´s energy.
I´ve not seen "Little" Sammy´s match to this day some 13 years later; nor, do I ever expect to.
-Mark Florentino, Charlestown, MA, 02129
MARK FLORENTINO
January 22, 2020
I MET "LITTLE" SAMMY BACK IN 1998 AND WE BECAME FRIENDS INSTANTLY
EVERY TIME I WAS IN SAMMY'S PRESENCE HE ELEVATED MY MOOD
HE JUST ALWAYS HAD AN AURA ABOUT HIM
WE LOST CONTACT FOR AWHILE AND WHEN I TRIED TO REACH OUT TO HIM I GOT THE NEWS
I HAD A DREAM ABOUT HIM ON SUNDAY NIGHT
ALMOST TO THE DAY OF THE 10TH YEAR OF HIS PASSING
I TRULY BELIEVE IT WAS LITTLE SAMMY'S WAY OF SAYING GOODBYE TO ME BECAUSE WE NEVER GOT THE CHANCE
-MARK FLORENTINO
New Year's 2002 Yoga retreat
Russell Evans
January 25, 2018
Sam, my beloved Sam, I can't believe that it's been 8 years since I've heard your voice and seen your beautiful face and even longer since I felt your energy...physically. I feel your energy around me all the time and that'll never change. I can't believe that it's taken me this long to express how deeply you touched me and how you made me find it in myself to see who I really was. You've enlightened my life more than you could ever know, well knowing you, you do know and that was the design from the beginning. Love always.
Brian Orter
February 11, 2014
Was thinking of Sam today. I think of him often as I pass by one of the the apartments he lived in on the West Side a couple of times a month. Thanks for keeping the site up. It's a way for me to visit occasionally. I sure liked him.
Elaine Gaertner
November 12, 2012
Dear Suzanne,
Max sent this to me, and even though time has passed since Sam's death, I wanted to let you know how profoundly sorry I am to hear of this loss. There is nothing worse than losing a child. Everything I read tells me that he led an extraordinary life. I am so sorry.
Steve Parks
June 17, 2011
My heart has broken discovering today that Sam is not with us now. I had the pleasure to know Sam as a dear friend in Boston where we grew up, help convince him that Parson's might be a good idea for growth, saw him design in New York. But I'm saddened that I did not get to know him as a therapist and as a practicing healer-what I saw him as back then. It makes sense to me he was a healer, practiced mindfully and strove to serve others. I know that he helped many people and enriched lives as he did mine just by being himself. I recall when I first heard "We can heal ourselves" and the idea for a center that could teach others to do it. (I think originally he set it floating on the Hudson which I thought brilliant). Sam will be always remembered with light. I recall he loved his sister dearly. I am envious of those of you who knew Sam while he lived in California, where I live now. I hope he enjoyed it as much as I do and I'd like him to know that he will be missed by the many people he touched and I'll always remembered him fondly as a student of life. (Warm hug)
Leyden Lewis
September 22, 2010
I had the privilege of being a teacher to Sam at Parsons School of Design and a personal friend. I am blessed to have experienced his clarity and transformation from student to master of compassion intuition grace and love. I am so sad to hear of the loss of such a rare and bright light. I will always hold him near to my heart.
August 18, 2010
Dear Jane,
This is the National Eczema Association (NEA). I wanted to let you know that Payson & Janyce Greene have donated money to NEA in "Memory Of" Samuel. The Greene's noted as such on their donation. I wanted to let you know their donation helps tremendously in our research on eczema!
Best Wishes to the family of Samuel Hanser,
The National Eczema Association
Peggy Codding
August 5, 2010
Dear Suzanne and Family,
I had the honor of knowing Sam when he was beginning his journey of discovery into knowing who he would be as a man, a writer, an artist, and as a human being who would bring the world to a warmer, richer place.
My memories of Sam are as clear and colorful today as they were on the days they became memories. The space that Sam made on this earth will remain his, like a gentle breeze moving across my mind when I am in need of a sweet thought or a calming sigh. I am sure, so often, that Sam is still close, still nurturing, still the healing breath of peace for me when one is needed. He was always such a presence in life, and so he will remain. To find him now, I need only look within.
Jim Tate
February 12, 2010
I had the honor of working with Sam for the first time last year, and several mornings we had some time together ride sharing to the men’s healing workshop. The compassion he held for all beings was evident from even those brief moments. I was moved by his deep commitment to helping others even as he acknowledged his own suffering. Sam, you inspire me to be a better man, and remind me that love is what this incredible journey is all about. Thank you for shining such a very bright light.
February 7, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. May your memories of Sam's exceptional warmth bring you comfort.
George & Joan
Hampden, MA
Karen and Ira Wajsman
February 5, 2010
Dear Tep and Suzanne,
It's been a very long time, and we did not know Sam, but reading the other messages, it's obvious that he was quite a guy. The world is certainly poorer.
May his memory be for a blessing...our thoughts and prayers are with you as well.
February 4, 2010
I met Sam at a weekend workshop about a year ago and was inspired by his enthusiasm, dexterity and spiritual grace. i pray that his spirit remains with us and that his soul rests in peace.
Bill Nichols, San Francisco
Nancy Serna
February 3, 2010
I had the gift of attending a class taught in October by Sam and Vyana. Sam's gentleness and openness to all of us who spent the day together was amazing. His heart shone through in all his wisdom and his eagerness to share his journey and knowledge. A truly special man with a gift. I too feel privileged to have benefited from Sam's light.
Julie Murphy
February 3, 2010
Sam was a student in our Hakomi Training last year. From the beginning I was deeply touched by his honesty and courage. From the first day, I knew he would be an unusual student and a gift to us. I loved that he questioned and thought through everything we presented thoroughly and with heart. Sam's smile could light the whole room and infect all of us. His compassion and authenticity, and his passion for life brought healing and joy to our entire group. I mourn his passing and send prayers to all his friends and family. May his love and dreams live on.
Tess Challis
February 3, 2010
I will always remember Sam as a beautiful, loving, brilliant soul. He just lit up the room and everyone who knew him just had to love him. How could they not? What a sweet, sweet, being.
February 2, 2010
Dear Tep and Suzanne,
Even though we did not know Sam, we can not imagine how devastated you are. To lose a child at such a young age seems unbearable.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. "Hamakom Yenachem etchem b'toch sh'ar avelei zion vyerushalayim"
May the atualization of his dreams be a source of comfort to you for many years to come.
Much love,
Clara and Mark Safra
Bridget Hosseini
February 1, 2010
I am so broken. I've just learned of my beautiful friend's passing today. I can't imagine living in this world without him. I feel cheated, although it's comforting to read the revelatory comments from others he touched. I hope one day soon I can help bring his divine vision of a wellness center to fruition.
When any family members can (including his love, Michael), please contact me @ 323 252 2582. He loved all of you so much and we loved each other. We told each other every chance we had. I hope there's some sort of fabulous afterlife for my soul friend. I can't bear the thought of never being with him again.
I love you Sammy. You are my heart.
Bridget Hosseini
[email protected]
Michelle
January 31, 2010
Sam and I went to high school together. We weren't close, but it didn't matter. He never hesitated to say hi or ask how you were doing. If you were having a bad day, he would ask what was wrong and he would actually listen and care about what you had to say. He was one of the most caring, genuine, and sweet individuals I've ever met. I am sure I am not alone when I say that I feel I am a better person just for having known him.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
Steve Gordon
January 30, 2010
Dear Suzanne & Family,
I never had the pleasure of meeting Samuel, but I did have the pleasure of knowing you, Suzanne. And the Suzanne I knew was a person who was dedicated to helping others live fuller, happier lives. It is with great sadness, then, that I offer you my sympathies and heartfelt condolences in your time of grief.
January 29, 2010
I had the pleasure of knowing Sam's radiant smile and attitude. It will certainly live on forever
Tim K
Sarah Gagnon
January 28, 2010
Dear Suzanne and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Mycroft Holmes
January 28, 2010
A colleague let me know about this today.
Sam and I were youth together at BAGLY, and I ran into him at least once since. May his memory be a blessing.
Mycroft Holmes
Lisa Rue
January 26, 2010
Dear Suzanne and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May time heal and hold you, with the loving memories so many have given testament to on Sam's behalf.
Peace...
Emil
January 25, 2010
I was honored to have met Sam in NYC. He would captivate people with his big hearth and happy personality. I am very sorry for his passing.
Marin Miller
January 24, 2010
Dear Raviva,
I am so sorry that you and your family are experiencing the enormous loss of your brother Sam. What a difficult and shockingly painful time this must be for all of you. I am sending you all my love and sympathy. He sounds like a remarkable human being (much like you!) and the world was fortunate to have him. May his legacy of love live on through all of you.
Peace be with you and yours.
Love,
Marin Miller
(a former teaching companion of yours at BabyMoves)
Bubbie and Grandpa Fistel
January 24, 2010
We are thinking of our Boston family and share in your shiva week of being together at this time. Sharing the heavy loss makes it lighter for everyone. Know that we love you all very much and share your loss of the beautiful human being, Samuel Hanser.
Penelope
January 24, 2010
Sam was a dear childhood friend through the Children's Theater, and I am absolutely heartbroken to hear of his untimely passing. I will always hold him in my heart and be grateful for the light and joy and incredible compassion he showed for others. He was a kind soul. I'm so sorry to hear he's gone...
Pike Long
January 23, 2010
To those who truly knew and loved Sam,
I had just begun to know Sam, as he was my counselor at CIIS. I can say without a moment's hesitation that he was truly one of the most generous, kind, open and loving people I have ever met, and he immediately won my trust as someone whose intentions in this world are pure. He was a radiant light and an inspiration in a world that desperately needs more souls like his.
I truly believe that he has served to inspire all who have known him, and that he would be glad to know that despite leaving us all far too early, he has left behind a legacy that encourages us to truly live our lives with integrity.
Thank you to those who helped shape this wonderful person, and I am so very sorry for the pain you must now be feeling. I want to especially extend my condolences to his partner Michael; I know that he loved you immensely and spoke of your relationship with a warmth that was exceptional.
The world is a better place for his having been in it.
Sincerely,
Pike Long
Yitzhak Sokoloff
January 23, 2010
Dear Suzanne and Alan,
It was only a few weeks ago that I heard of the birth of you grandchildren in London, and now the sudden news about Sam z"l. I'm so sorry about your loss and your pain. I wish that I could have been with you at the funeral and shiva but I'd already left for Israel. Please know that our prayers are with you for a time of comfort and joy.
I read about Sam on line and listened to him speak, and his humanity resonated so clearly. Our world is much poorer this week, but I'm sure that his humanity succeeded in making it a better place in the time that he had.
May God comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and may you know no more sorrow.
Yitzhak
January 22, 2010
Dear Suzanne and family - I just heard the news about your son, Sam. My deepest condolences to you,your family, and Sam's partner during this most difficult time of loss. Sons hold a special place in our hearts...and in reading all the wonderful posts in this Guestbook, your Sam must have been an amazing human being! Keep his memory in your pocket and he will never be far away...and have Faith that you will one day meet again. My sympathy, love, and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Louise Chastek Jacobs
Laura Anderson
January 21, 2010
I went to elementary school and middle school with Sam and I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to Michael and the rest of his family.
January 21, 2010
Reviva, I am so sorry for your loss.
Ani Mistateph Be'Tza'arech.
Dror Daniel Ifrah.
January 21, 2010
Dear Raviva
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of great sorrow.
Daniel, Dawn, Maya and Talia Ifrah
Winston Berger
January 21, 2010
I knew Sam through my wife Nancy, who was in the CIIS Somatics MFT program with him. The first time I met Sam I felt he had the wisdom of an old soul, but he was also playful like a puppy! I have many fond memories of my times with Sam, and I'm so glad we had dinner with him & Michael the Sunday before he passed. Sam was so excited about getting his Healing Empowerment Center off the ground. Blessings on your soul's journey, Sam, and my deepest condolences to Michael and the whole Hanser family.
Michael Moniz
January 21, 2010
Dear Suzanne and family,
I didn't have the opportunity to meet Sam but have listened to others share their thoughts and memories of him and know that his sudden passing is a major loss to the many people that he touched. Our prayers are with you and your family. Peace and love.
Juergen Bamberger
January 21, 2010
Sam,
you will be in our hearts forever!
My heartfelt condolences to the Hanser family.
A fellow lightworker of the 'Roselight' Community.
Karen Wacks
January 21, 2010
Suzanne and family - I watched young Sam step into the world and face adversity with grace and honesty. I am grateful for the time that he was here with us - His passing is a loss to all of us and I am glad to have known him when I did. I pray for your well-being and comfort and for Sam to be at peace.
January 20, 2010
I remember telling Sam how generous he was and he laughed and said "Yeah, I AM generous" He had so much to offer! Prayers and support for all who loved him! Krassi Harwell (California)
Amy Skezas
January 20, 2010
Sam was such a light in the world. His loss is a deep, deep well for me. I seem to have taken it for granted that he would be with us for a much longer time than he was. Sam's smile and his laugh were a bit of heaven on earth and I am so grateful for having had the privilege of knowing him.
Vyana Bergen
January 20, 2010
I am remembering a special afternoon in Kajaraho India with Sam. He and I found the temples that were hidden from usual public view, we talked about the gods and goddesses and imagined dancing together under the shadow of their images. Sam's passing leaves many of us behind in deep grief, but I know that he is dancing with the gods and goddesses right now.
January 20, 2010
We are deeply sorry for your profound and sudden loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The love you have for one another goes on and on. We are keeping your family close to our hearts and sending you love, light, and energy during this time of mourning and in the days ahead.
deborah, mark, doria, and kyle zamcheck
January 20, 2010
I met Sam as a fellow student in the 2009 Hakomi training and found him to be very gentle, committed and dedicated to polishing and adding to his skills. Although soft spoken, when he was into something he cared about, the inner intensity revealed itself. I just watched his video talk on Youtube which filled in more of his personality and style of working. The world of healing and therapy just lost a wonderful man that was coming into his prime. I'm so sorry for his clietns, friends and family.
With Love and Blessings...
Ed
Pete Germond
January 20, 2010
I am so sorry about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Sam and all his loved ones.
January 20, 2010
Phil I am shocked and saddened by your loss, My thoughts are with you.
Steve Chapel
Alecia Vultaggio
January 20, 2010
It’s hard to believe Sam is gone. I knew him from the special comp training in the Hakomi method. He mentioned feeling a timelessness in our relationship that I draw on now, so he doesn’t feel so far away. I remember a session during the training where he found and was trying out the span of these magnificent and gorgeous white angel wings. He was flooded with a sense of liberation, had complete ease in his body, and felt a deep, abiding joy and connection to everyone and everything. I imagine he’s experiencing that now. Enjoy, Beautiful Boy. Love, Alecia
Annie Wirth
January 20, 2010
To Sam's Family,
I am a member of Sam's Hakomi Family. I spent the last year with him in training and was deeply touched by his authenticity, profound honesty, enthusiasm for life and our somatic practice, fearlessness, and curiosity. I cannot express to you my profound shock at his premature passing. The world has lost a true healer, a man of integrity, and I have lost and brother on the path. I am so sorry for your loss of your son, brother and partner. Please know he will be remembered with love. Annie
Tom Westin
January 20, 2010
I got to know Sam last year through the Hakomi training, where I was in a small group with him. He was outspoken, alive, compassionate to the suffering of others, and an excellent therapist. He went too soon, and my thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
Uma Kahn
January 20, 2010
To the family and beloveds of Sam-I-Am...
I am so deeply saddened by Sam's untimely and surprising passing. We knew one another from the Hakomi Comprehensive training, which means that we dove right in to meet one another in very deep places. Soul places. He was an exceptional person in all regards. I loved him.
May your memories sustain you, and may you feel his presence buoy you up for a very long time to come.
Warmest regards,
Uma
January 20, 2010
My experience with Sam was that he was a sweet and loving person. I am saddened by the news of his death and wish all of his family and friends all of the support and healing that he would have wanted for you.
Elizabeth Rogers
Hakomi student
Marjorie Fischer
January 20, 2010
Phil and Jane, I am so sorry for your loss. As I read about Sam, I was amazed by how connected he was to people in his desire to provide comfort and healing. He accomplished so much. May God provide you and your family comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Rachel Gaddy
January 20, 2010
Phil, I am so very sorry for the loss of Sam. I wish you and your family strength and peace in the coming days.
Yours,
Rachel
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