Christopher Michael Hansen, age 33 of Kirtland., passed away surrounded by his family September 10th, 2022. He was born December 23rd, 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Chris packed a lifetime into his short 33 years.
As a child he had a great interest in fantasy and sci-fi. Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings were passions he shared with his dad while chess and computer games found him a niche with his friends and schoolmates. Even though it wasn’t a passion, his desire to participate in all kinds of groups led him to cub scouts, school band, soccer, baseball, and basketball (where he could be coached by his Godfather and dad). His greatest joy came in summer theater camp where he played a number of characters in humorous Shakespearan parodies. His technical aptitude and computer gaming skills led him to build his own computer as a teen so he could have ‘more speed and power’.
Extremely sensitive, empathic, and deeply spiritual as a child, he shared a special bond with his mom who was gifted in her sensitivities and all things spiritual. Her illness and passing during his late teenage years left a void and inspired him to expand his horizons and travel.
After finishing his master’s degree in Philosphy at Cleveland State University, Chris received scholarship to the University of Ireland at Galway to begin work on his PhD. With a focus on Nietchze, he traveled to Germany for study and began his 8-year exploration of the Continent. He was very much at home sharing Guinness with friends, exploring ruins and old cemeteries in Ireland, museums, and historical buildings in Germany, and climbing mountains outside Prague. While continuing to work on his PhD as he traveled throughout Albania, North Macedonia, Belgrade, and Ukraine, he used his computer savvy to establish online businesses teaching English and doing technical writing.
Even though Chris was quiet, private, and fiercely independent, he was a teacher for us all, challenging us to be our best selves. He touched more lives than he ever knew and will be greatly missed.
Chris is the loving son of David (Deb) Hansen and the late Debra Hansen (née Smith); grandson of Barbara Hansen and the late Jim Hansen, the late Bob and Joyce Smith; nephew of Kathy Smith, Sandy (Larry) Kurka, Mary Hansen, Jeanne (James) Prescott, Tom (Monica) Hansen, Jim Hansen, Bill (Polly) Hansen, John (Bridgette) Hansen and the late Mike Smith, Christine Himes and Carol Partman Hansen; Godson of Mike (Mary) Monroe; beloved friend of Chelsea (Adi Godard) Purdy; cousin of many
The Hansen family will receive friends from 12 Noon – 4:00 PM Saturday, September 24th, 2022 at the KIRTLAND COMMUNITY CENTER, 7900 CHARDON RD, KIRTLAND OHIO (also called Kirtland Senior Center or Gildersleeve School). A CELEBRATION OF LIFE service will be held Saturday September 24, 2022, at 3:00 PM. Burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to The American Cancer Society or Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1000 Mentor Ave., Painesville.
