Erik was born on March 12, 1970 in Detroit to Arthur Hanby and the late Janet Collin. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan in 1995, and practiced in Oxford for 20 years. On September 14, 1996, he married Dr. Dina Khoury. Together they raised two children, Gabriel and Natalie.
Erik was an exceptional man in many ways. Erik personified the meaning of the self-made man. He was an accomplished cellist, having attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Erik worked throughout college when he was a student at Michigan State University. He continued his education at the University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry. It was there where he met his future wife, Dina. Erik was a superb dentist and a very focused entrepreneur. He joined a thriving dental practice in Oxford, Michigan and developed it for many years. Later, he was a Clinical Instructor at the University Of Detroit Mercy School Of Dentistry. There, he was voted “Instructor of the Year” for two years consecutively during his tenure at the university. After being diagnosed with cancer, Erik was selected to be a patient advocate on the Steering Committee for the National Cancer Institute- a role that he was particularly proud of. His final major professional experience was as a Clinical Reviewer for Delta Dental of Michigan.
Erik and Dina lived a wonderful and rich life together. Their family life was truly exemplary. They built a home full of love, energy, and vibrancy. Erik and Dina loved to travel, hike, read, fish, spend time with family, and exercise. When the loves of their lives, Gabriel and Natalie, were born, their home became complete.
Erik shined as an amazing husband, father, and role model. However impressive his professional success was, it was his character that truly distinguished him. Erik coupled a calm, selfless demeanor with an inexhaustible kindness. He always thought of others, even when dealing with a very difficult illness and reflected an almost angelic serenity. This spirit carried into how he treated everyone. He was beloved by all who knew him. His personality was engaging, and he made everyone he spoke to feel like the most important person in the room.
His genuine manner made him a pillar of our family life, and a well-respected and loved member of our community. He transformed our lives with his light. His humanity, joie de vivre, and optimism impacted all who knew him.
Erik was preceded in death by his mother Janet Collin. He is survived by his wife Dina, children Gabriel and Natalie, Father Arthur, Aunt Barbara Hughes (Jack), Step-Father Jim Collin, In-Laws Dr. Elie and Farideh Khoury, Drs Nabil and Mouna Khoury and their children Zaina and Elias.
Visitation will be held at Pixley Funeral Home in Rochester on Wednesday July 20, 2022 from 2-8pm. A memorial service will be held at St. Mary Orthodox Basilica in Livonia on Thursday July 21, 2022 at 11:30. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in his name to Interlochen Center for the Arts or the Mariam Center of St. Mary’s.
Erik, may you Rest in Peace and may your memory be eternal. For all of us who had the privilege to know you, love you, and be loved by you, you will remain in our hearts forever.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pixleyfh.com for the Hanby family.
