Eric Karl Hanson

August 22, 1956 - January 14, 2009

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Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Saturday 1/17, 10:00 am

Eric Karl Hanson, 52, died on January 14, 2009, but not before passing on a legacy of virtues that has touched and changed the lives of the people he knew. Eric was born on August 22, 1956, in Midland, Texas. He graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1978. Upon graduation, he worked for Pennzoil in Houston, Texas, and in Bradford, Pennsylvania. In 1981, he left Pennzoil to join the Hanson Corporation in Midland, where he served as an independent landman for 16 years. Eric joined Hanley Petroleum Inc. in 1997, where he served as President and General Manager.Eric loved the land profession and served it faithfully. He was a member of the Permian Basin Landmen's Association (PBLA) and served in many capacities before becoming the president for the 1988-89 term. He headed up the effort to start the PBLA Skeet Shoot that is now in its 27th year. Eric continued his service nationally in the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) serving as the president for the 2000-01 term. He played a key role in the formation and success of NAPE (North American Prospect Expo). Eric was awarded AAPL Landman of the Year in 2007.Eric's community service work included serving on the vestry of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity as well as volunteer work with the American Heart Association and the Buffalo Trail Council for the Boy Scouts of America. Eric served as president of the board of the Petroleum Club of Midland in 2005, president of the board of the Midland Children's Rehabilitation Center in 2008, and served on the Hillander School Board of Directors from 2006 to 2009. Eric served on the committee to select the Bruno Hanson/Midland College Award for Environmental Excellence, an award named in honor of Eric's late father.Eric is survived by his wife Janet Hanson, and children Harris, Mary Lisbeth ("M.L."), Kathryn, and Kristen ("K.K."). He was preceded in death by his father, Bernold ("Bruno") Hanson, and is survived by his mother, Marilyn Hanson; sister Gretchen Bakke and her husband, James; sister Karen Hanson-Flowers and her husband Joe; mother-in-law Joan Dudding and her husband, Howard; brother-in-law Mark Russell and his wife, Yolanda; nephews John Bakke and his wife Dusty, and William Wallace ("Liam") Russell; and nieces Elysse Burrow Denton and her husband Keith; Harriet Burrow, and Rebecca Flowers.Eric was known for his uncompromising values and his willingness to serve. He was a true gentleman, an Eagle Scout, and his word was his bond. Eric's courage throughout his life and especially during his battle with cancer has been a testimony to his unwavering faith in the Lord. By God's grace, we see Eric's strong character traits personified in all four of his children. Eric will be missed by all, but will live on through the lives of those who knew him.Honorary Pallbearers are Wayne Bissett, Brett Bracken, Clay Cornett, Lee Hanley, Allen Harvey, Leon Hirsch, Bob Hodge, Albert Metcalfe, Earl Michie, Frank McCabe, James McCord, Jim Newman, Willis Price, Charles Ray, John Michael Richardson, Steve Scribner, Roger Soape, and Cullum Thompson.A family graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Resthaven Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church, 800 West Texas Avenue, Midland Texas, with Dr. Steve Schorr officiating.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Midland Children's Rehabilitation Center, 802 Ventura, Midland, Texas 79702, or High Sky Children's Ranch, 8701 W. County Rd. 60, Midland, Texas 79707.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

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Saturday 1/17, 10:00 am

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Eric and I were buddies in the truest sense of the word. We were members of Boy Scout Troop #51 and Eric's Dad, Bruno was our Scoutmaster. I remember with great fondness visiting the Hanson family home and playing for hours with Eric, and also the many Boy Scout camping trips we both went on. Midland was a great place to grow up and a lot of the reason for that rests with the Hanson family. I moved from Midland when I was sixteen, but I never forgot Eric and the good times we had together. I was proud to read that he built a great career, and it sounds like he had a wonderful family too. I am truly sorry for your your loss and even though I had not had contact with Eric for years, I too will miss him.

I had the priviledge of knowing Eric and his family growing up in Midland, working with Eric briefly in the mid-90's and later working with his older sister Karen in Houston in the 2000's. Eric's reputation: a solid citizen, well respected and admired by his fellow landmen, a leader in our profession and a gentleman at all times. Eric had a great reputation that preceeded your meeting him and stayed with you and followed afterwards. He rose to the top of our profession. A man who left this earth a better place that is was before him, made possible by his ways and influence on others. You are missed by us all. Eric had the great values and morals we all strive to develop. Karen and Gretchen, I am so sorry for your great loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

One of the best friends I have ever had and one of the finest people I have ever known. Although our visits were few and far between, Eric was in my thoughts almost daily. I will miss him greatly and I will keep you, his family, always in my thoughts and prayers.

Eric was a person with high values and a caring personality-like his father. He will be missed by all who knew him.

My heartfelt sympathies to you, Janet and your precious children. I was so saddened to hear about your loss. What I remember most about Eric was his truly infectious smile. What a dear, sweet man. Eric will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Jimmy Hansen introduced me to Eric in 1963. There was a time in around 1964 when we were playing some lost your hubcap down on Nelley Street when a car turned up the alley and saw about fifty kids running to Eric's house. I am sadden to see the passing of our friend and at the same time blessed to think that of the fifty neighborhood kids, more or less, that Eric is the only one we have lost.

Dear Janet and family, My sincere condolences for your tremendous loss. I've known Eric for many years and count him as one of the finest Landmen in the profession. He represented the best our profession has to offer. His life was a testiment to the goodness in people. His service to his family, community, church and profession will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. I thank God for the privilege of knowing him. My fondest memory of us together was at an AAPL executive meeting at the ranch. I still have a picture hanging on my wall, each of us with cowboy hats and guns, though not a shot was fired, just some good companionship.

I knew Eric from little tyke to adult. We grew up 3 doors down from each other and lived our childhood as it was meant to be, fun, energetic with not a worry in the world. The Hodge boys around the corner (I see John wrote in,), the other Hansen's around the corner (hello Jimmy), the Browns across the street. Every now and then we would even let our sisters play with us. Stayed in touch through MHS and even on to Southwestern University. Made it back to Midland as adults to raise children...I am terribly saddened about losing one of my longest known friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you always Pal! You are truly one of the good guys!

To all of Eric's family, I am very heartbroken to learn of your loss. Eric was an extraordinary person and will be missed by the many people whom lives he touched. Our parents in Midland were friends and all of the kids grew up together. Although for the most part, I lost direct contact with Eric after college, I was always able to keep up with him through our families and periodically over the years we ran into each other professionally. I saw Eric at the airport a little more than a year ago and even though he was heading to Houston for treatment, he only wanted to hear about my family and catch me up with his family. Eric was always a kind and generous person who had great courage, strength, and conviction in all aspects of his life. Eric was a beautiful and genuine person who had fun and laughter in his heart. I have great respect for him professionally, as a family man, and a friend; his legacy will continue to live on with all of us. My thoughts are with you.

May God bless Janet and the rest of the Hanson Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

To Eric's Family: I have known Eric since early childhood. We lived around the corner from his home on Pecan, and spent lots of time together as kids--he was particularly fond of the football and baseball games we would play in his yard (until his parents "paved" their front yard--I suspect they tired of trying to grow grass with all of us tromping through their yard). I also remember him being very fond of his dog "Rebel" (a feisty little Boston Terrier, if I recall correctly) who followed him everywhere. I particularly remember how close nit his family was--his Mom and Dad were delightful parents, but certainly disciplined him when necessary. And his older sisters Karen and Gretchen were always there to stand up for him. I lost track of Eric during college but we reconnected in the early eighties. I remember being struck by what a nice man and genuine person he had grown to be. I again lost track of Eric in the early 90's until I heard of his illness last year. I had several phone conversations with him over the past few months and was amazed at his strength and courage. He was unwilling to talk about himself other than to say everything was going well. Instead, he talked about how proud he was of his family, and how much they had enriched his life. I feel fortunate to have known Eric, and will remember him with deep respect and love. May God bless you.

I'm thinking of you all. May God hold you and comfort you during this sad time. Eric was such a fine gentleman!

Marilyn, Karen, and Gretchen, I was so incredibly saddened to hear about Eric. My heart breaks for you and all the family. I know he will be missed by so very many. What a testimony to a life so well lived. Take Care of yourselves, Cathy Carleton Martin

To Eric's beautiful family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Eric was such a genuine man, anyone who met him could see his strength and honesty in just one smile. I am lucky that I was able to know such a strong but gentle man. I am also thankful that I have the privilege of knowing such a beautiful and caring family. I know that the Hanson family has the strength to do absolutely anything, but know that I am praying for your family and with God and Eric on your side I know that you will have the strength to carry on. RIP Eric, you are one of a kind and definitely going to be missed. God bless you and your family.

Our thoughts and prayers for comfort and the peace that passes all understanding are ours for Janet and family. Eric was everything a man's man should be and we know that his legacy will live on in his family. He was well-liked and well-loved to the end of his life and beyond and we will join the others who will miss his presence in our lives and in our business.

My deepest condolences to Eric's family. May God bless you and give you strength during this time of grief.

I knew Eric since 8th grade. We played on the same basketball team at the YMCA in Midland and attended school together at good 'ole MHS. We also worked together at Texaco. When he really showed what type of person he was was when he got sick. His example of steadfastness and optimism then was so exemplary, I can't get over it! This really showed his faith in the Lord and projected where Eric is seated now. We will remember Eric in our hearts and continue to pray for strength for his family.

Janet, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family this weekend. Eric was a great guy and a good friend and I will miss him. I know you will be surrounded by many of Eric's brothers this weekend and many more will be thinking of you who could not make it to Midland. May the Lord bless you and keep you ! Robert Heydenreich

You guys have been in our prayers, and we are so sad to hear about Eric. He showed true courage throughout his illness. We will be out of town this weekend, but we will be thinking about you on Saturday. You are a very special family.

Eric was a wonderful man and I feel blessed to have known him during my time at AAPL. He will be truly missed by all. Janet and family please know my thoughts and prayers are with you now.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Marilyn and Gretchen, I was so sad to here of your loss. I have so many fond memories of Midland growing up as a child. Eric will be a welcome addition to God's house. My prayers and thought are with you all. "Make the best of everything. Always give thanks to the Almighty!!!" Bridget

My Hansen family lived across the street from the Bruno Hansen family, and I was childhood friends with Eric, Gretchen and Karen. I want Eric’s kids to know that, even as a boy and young man, Eric always exhibited character traits of fairness and honesty to which we should all aspire. God’s blessing to each and every friend and family member during this sad time.

Words are woefully inadequate to describe the loss of such a classy man. To his entire family and especially Marilyn, my heartfelt sympathy. Eric, I wish you God's speed my friend.

Warmest thoughts and wishes during a loss such as this. May God give His presence to all of you now and always. Eric was such a kind and wonderful man. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this time.

RIP Eric, you'll be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. We had some great times back in Midland in the 80's and I'm better off for having known Eric. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hanson family.

Eric was such a kind person and always a gentleman. His sense of humor and smile was always present. He loved being a Landman and was so good at it. Janet, you and your family are in our hearts and prayers.

Harris and Mary Lisbeth ("Bunny") - You may not remember me as you were little when I had the privelage of being a small part of your lives. During my early years in the petroleum industry in Muddville your dad, mom and I painted and performed minor re-modeling of your house ( I think it was on Shell Street). Your folks were always good to me and your dad allowed a group of us young landman to hunt on the family place near Ballinger. I was stunned to here of your dad's passing as I was not aware he had been ill - that was one thing about him - he never complained or let it be know anything was wrong. He will be missed by many. I am so sorry for your loss.

Janet , we are so sorry to hear about Eric. We know though James and Chaille that he has been battling this terrible cancer for a long time now. We wish we could be there with you at Eric's Memorial but just know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care of yourself. Love, Kathy and Jody McCord

Eric was not only my boss/co-worker but a great fiend. He always came to work with a smile on his face and a 'Good Morning." Eric was a gentleman and a gentle man. I will miss our lunches from "Bob's Better Burgers" and his teasing. I will miss him.

He was the best of the best-in all respects Never known a finer man I am priveledged to have know him.God bless and comfort the family .

Eric was a role model for all of us. We will miss him.

Eric will be truly missed. We pray the Lord comfort his family and all whose lives he touched. He and Bruno are now reunited and may they spend their time hunting while awaiting the rest of the family. "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Emerson - What was within Eric is a beacon to all of God's grace and love.

My most sincere condolences to Eric's family at this time of loss. I've known Eric since we were in junior high school and he was one of the best people I've ever known. He will stay in our hearts forever.

Eric was one of the finest and most respected men I have ever met. He was a person of the utmost character with an unfailing love for his family, his Lord and the many of us who knew him as a friend. He was a strong leader, with a calm sort of manner and a huge resolve. With his wisdom, foresight and his commitment, he advanced the profession of Landman to new heights. He always exemplified those Eagle Scout traits he had learned so many years ago, and always with a smile and a kind word. It was an honor and a privilege to know Eric Hanson. He has left an endearing mark on all us. We will all miss him. May the Lord comfort Janet and the family during this most difficult time.

My deepest condolences go to Janet and Karen and family. Eric did field work for me in the 90s and was first rate. A man of honor and integrity, and one who loved the oil business as have his father and sister. And of course a role model. We will all miss Eric.

I am truly saddened by the loss of such an outstanding indvidual. We are all fortunate to have known him. He will be missed. May God bless the family.

I know there are no words to describe your loss, but I want to express my sincere condolences at this time and say you will always have him in your heart for as long as you continue to live. Please know that God never gives you more than you can handle; I know because I lost my husband. Life will go on; it will just be different but always better because of having Eric in your life. My prayers are with you and all his friends and associates who will miss him so much. I thought he was a great guy but have only seen him at various landman functions since moving from Midland.

To Janet, Mary Lisbeth, Kathryn, and Kristen. I know each of you will miss Eric tremendously. Our prayers will be with each of you as you work through this difficult time. However, I know each of you look forward to the day you will see him again in our Lord's presence. Eric was a "first class" person in ALL respects and in everything he pursued. May God bless each of you.

Eric was a first class gentleman and a knowledgable and fair Landman. Always a person with a smile and a positive attitude and I am sure a fine father and husband as well. Eric will be missed by all who knew him. The world needs more men like Eric Hanson.

To Eric's family and friends: I was sad to hear of Eric's passing. I didn't know Eric well, but I know he was very active in the oil and gas industry, the community in Midland and was involved in PBLA and AAPL. During my brief time in Midland I don't recall attending a PBLA luncheon that Eric didn't attend. Eric's example was an inspiration to many of us. We will miss his contributions. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God's grace give you comfort.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Eric's obituary is truly a tribute to the great person we will all remember and the great way he lived his life. He will be greatly missed--his smiling face, his always kind words and his laughter. His entire family is in our prayers and thoughts.

My sincere condolences to Eric's family. A true professional who was kind and considerate of others. A gentleman who will be missed by all who knew him.

I remember Eric as someone who was always upfront, respectable, genuine and caring...an example to so many of us. Janet, may you find comfort in the Lord along with your children and the many many friends who will miss him.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.