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.
Reader interactions
21 Replies to “Christopher Michael Hansen”
Dearest David and family , my heart has been very heavy for Chris ,and even heavier now for you with this unthinkable lose of your son … Chris put alot of years into his short life ! But what a full and adventurous life he experienced ! Maybe it’s not the years that count as much as the life we put into those years ! It is just so sad the gifts he had to share with friends , family and the world were cut to short !!! How lucky for those that did though ! An unforgettable guy with the best smile , so warm and loving ! The reunion in heaven has to be amazing ! I am so happy you you had special time to share your love and wisdom with Chris , and he with you , some people never get a minute of that beautiful ( however very sad circumstances) time to build the bridge to forever together here . Now and forever you he will always be with you ❤️❤️ A life well lived … rest easy Angel Chris !
I never met Christopher but his story tells me he was a wonderful young man and the world is a lesser place now. You should be very proud. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Omg
Dr Hanson….I don’t know what to say other than I am in tears and heart broken for you! This is a fathers worst nightmare. I am always here for you my friend!
My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and community of which he lived.
My deepest condolences. Chris sounds like an exceptional human being, who had a fascinating life.
I’m sorry to hear this news. Had so much fun with Chris growing up. Your family will be in our prayers.
I’m sorry to hear this. I am the director for Wildwood Theatre Camp since 1995, the program that I believed is referenced here. That production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was adapted by Maria Lister and performed in 1999, methinks. I think I remember Chris from sessions I did, if I’m not mistaken – although in my mind he was a small little guy, not this vibrant world-traveling dude shown here. How wonderful. Some people do more living in their time than many do in much longer periods. Good for him. I’m so glad to hear that some of the time that he spent with us was valuable. It makes this post bittersweet. Thank you for sharing. My condolences to you and your family.
Sorry for your loss
I’m so very sorry for your loss Dave! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
David, We’re so very sorry to hear of Chris’ passing. We know nothing we say can make this easier for you, but we do want you to know you’re in our thoughts & prayers. We pray for your peace & calm, & for you to be uplifted & comforted by your happy memories.
Love & Light,
Paul & Conni
Our family feels and regrets the loss of your son at such a young age.
Sending caring thoughts and deep condolences at this sad sad time.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts.
Dear David & Deb, I have no words to express my sorrow but I can express my love for Chris and your family. Through the years we meet people who become an important part of our journey. Your family has been important in mine. I wish you much love, I wish you much joy in knowing that Chris and Debbie are joined in an amazing new journey that we all will travel someday. Peace, Love, Namaste, Joy
Sending lots of love , peace and prayers to David your family and friends . May you find peace in your memories and comfort in the well lived FULL life your son had
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. We celebrate the light of David .and his appreciation of life. I will attend Saturday as I welcome seeing you again. With you and David in the light, Your friend, Dwight
I watched Chris grow up with my children. My heart is breaking for David and Deb …. He will always be forever in our hearts and deeply missed!
David I’ve just read all the messages from. Your friends & family. Chris was so loved. I didn’t get to spend as much time with him as others but the time we had was nice. We’re sorry for your(& OUR) loss. Much love Sandy & larry
Dear Dave and Deb,
We are terribly sorry for your loss. May God give you strength during this most difficult time. Im sorry I am missing his celebration of Life today, I am out of town. Christopher accomplished so much in his short life, you should be so proud. In our thoughts and prayers.
Mike , Millie and family
The faculty and students in Philosophy at the National University of Ireland, Galway send their deepest condolences to Chris’s family.
Chris was a valued member of the doctoral community in Galway and a teacher of philosophy to our undergraduate students.
Your are in our thoughts.
I wish to extend my deepest condolences for the loss of Chris. I truly enjoyed caring for him at Metro and have thought of him often since his recent discharge. It’s wonderful to know a little bit more about him from this page and I’ll be praying for your family during this devastating time.
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