I had the pleasure of growing up alongside the Hanson family.  Jens was always an exceptionally kind and gentle man.  The Hanson home was a warm, happy and  inviting place to spend time.  I count myself blessed for having grown up close to the Hanson’s.  

When I began to attend the University of Windsor, I had the unique pleasure of assisting Dr Hanson as his student assistant for one of his theory classes.  I was entrusted with grading student assignments and had the opportunity to work with him to make sure I understood the material well enough to grade the assignments.   His guidance and teaching  were very positive and encouraging.  He had a way of speaking to students that made us feel respected and valued.  I cannot say enough what a kind and warm man Dr Hanson was to all of us at the University of Windsor.

It was my privilege to have Jens as a colleague for 30 years, until his retirement. A quiet personality among several strong ones in the School of Music, he nevertheless held his own with pithy observations, always with justice and with students' welfare in mind. 
His lean and often humorous compositions were a delight to perform, and were a model, along with his teaching, for a generation of students, many of whom developed as composers in their own right. He was much missed when he retired, and will be especially now by all who love him. Rest in peace, Jens.

Carol Adderley from Central United remembers his kind spirit

My heartfelt condolences and love to go the Hanson family.  Dr. Hanson was a gentle, quirky, mischievous man whom I loved dearly.  I had the privilege to know Dr. Hanson in both personal and professional spheres. 

As my professor, he was brilliant, but still knew how to teach those of us who were less brilliant; he had no patience for people who wouldn't take music seriously ("Were you watching cartoons while you did your theory homework?") but all the time in the world for those who wanted to learn. He seemed meek and humble (which he was), but if you listened very closely, you discovered his wit and wicked sense of humour. I loved his giggle when he laughed at his own jokes. 

When I was a teenager, he was the long-suffering dad of my friend and unwitting adoptive parent who let me run wild in his house. When the shenanigans and giggles got to be too much, he would retreat to his study and gently close the door.  I never quite knew what he thought of me (which is maybe just as well), but as I matured, I think we came to an understanding. We both loved music and we both loved Kathryn and Betsy, and that was a good foundation for our friendship.  I'm grateful for the Hanson family, for the lessons Dr. H taught me, and the way he challenged me to look deeper and listen more closely. We were talking about music, but I think it applies to life as well.

Dr Hanson was who so many of us pictured when we thought of music theory at the University of Windsor School of Music. He was always thinking and always  teaching theory illustrating at the chalkboard or at the piano in the recital hall. He made 20th century theory class something you wanted to think about beyond the notes and form you saw on paper. I was able to play his composition "Keys" twice with the Wind Ensemble and there was something interesting about it every time.  Dr Hanson will be fondly remembered by everyone  who was fortunate enough to have him as a professor. Condolences to all who knew him.

My condolences to all the friends and family of Jens.  I had him as a professor at the University and kept in touch afterwards.  He was always such a kind and gentle man and his influence on the music scene here in Windsor and elsewhere will live on.

Karen (Feetham) Barnes

One time, as a student at Windsor, I was writing a composition on a computer (on the single computer the University had for that purpose, squirrelled away in a hidden room in the middle of the building). He passed by, glanced at what I was doing and said, "That looks interesting." 
My life has not been the same since.
Thanks, sir.

Jens was the sole reason I did a music degree. Upon taking a friend from Chatham to Windsor to “check out some courses”, i met Jens and he convinced me to apply. It was already late July but he helped to make the application seamless.  We became friends over the next few years as I would take my band arrangements to him for advice and criticism. He was always kind but tough.  After grad he often had me come to his home to tune his Gulbransen piano. In 1999 I commissioned him to write a millennial march for the GWCB. At least in his mind it was a march. Lol. I will remember him always as I fondly remember Betsy.

Great professor.  Always enjoyed his quiet manner, and appreciated his brilliance.  His compositions were quite amazing, as well as his great wry sense of humour.  I feel lucky to have had him for several classes.

Very sorry. Dr. Hanson was a beautiful man. I am grateful for his support, patience, kindness, for humbly sharing his knowledge and his time with me. It was a pleasure to learn from him. He lives on in his students and music.

Deepest condolences. He was a great professor who opened my ears, heart and mind to the beauty of all 20th century musical styles.

OBITUARY

Dr. Jens Hanson

29 November, 1936 – 15 January, 2024

Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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