Eric Alan Hanson

Eric A. Hanson, 49, passed away after a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma on October 17, 2015. He is survived by his daughter, Diane and son, Daniel; father, Charles (Marsha Flowers) Hanson and sisters, Holly (Doug Proal) Hanson and Greta Hanson (Steve) Maurer; bonus sister Brandice (Ryan) Eslinger; bonus brothers, Colin (Ashley) Flowers, Derek (Brittney) Flowers, and Brock (Jessica) Flowers. Also survived by his nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Diane Hanson. Eric was born in Kittery, ME on July 21, 1966. Upon moving to Beulah, Colorado in 1972 with his family, Eric realized his dream of becoming a cowboy, while also developing a strong competitive spirit steeped in sportsmanship in all of his life’s disciplines, but especially sports, 4-H and rodeo. He attended Pueblo County High School (Class of 1984), Brewster Academy in Wolfsboro, NH (Class of 1985), and received his undergraduate education from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington with a degree in Sports Science (Class of 1991). Eric was a natural athlete and during his college career he excelled in a number of sports, including cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and rowing/crew, for which he developed a particular interest. A pinnacle achievement in his rowing career came when he competed in the Lightweight Men’s 4 at the US Olympic Sports Festival Lightweight in 1989. In 1995, Chico Feed yard became his home base. Eric’s greatest joy was his children, Diane and Daniel. His foremost priority was cheering and encouraging his children in their sports, academics, and individual pursuits, as well as local, state and national livestock fairs and shows. Eric managed dairy operations, raised beef cattle, farmed and stock contracted for a living. He pursued team roping, calf roping, and ranch rodeo with a passion. He built - with the inspiration and assistance of family - and managed the ‘Bessie Milk-A-Cow Exhibit’ at the Colorado State Fair, with the help of the Milk n’ More 4-H Club; he was the club leader for 15 years. He coached both youth baseball and volleyball, and was always available as a roping mentor, and volunteer with the Southern Colorado Horsemen’s Assn., saddle and roping clubs. He developed his own niche for producing ropings, which provided a unique opportunity to combine his love for rodeo, friends, family, laughter, hard work, and teaching, all into one.In lieu of food and flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Eric’s memory to the Pueblo County 4H Foundation, State Fair Foundation, or the Herland Endowment for Rowing ~ Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, 2015 at the Weatherport/Giadone Tent on the Colorado State Fairgrounds. Dress for the weather.