Obituary of Erik Sorensen Hansen

Erik Sorensen Hansen, age 90, passed away on July 22, 2018 at Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, NS. He was born on October 7, 1927 in Halifax, NS and spent most of his life in Wolfville. He was the youngest of three children. He was predeceased by his parents Hans Sorensen Hansen and Inga Laurethe Andreasen Myhre. his brother Jack, sister Helen (Walker), first wife Frances Cleveland, and grandson Gavin Gillespie. Erik is survived by his wife Juliet Hansen, daughters Gay (Thaddeus Holownia), Sackville, NB; Lee (Jim Gillespie), Grafton, NS; Sarah, Armstrong, BC; son Rik, Western Shore, NS; and step-daughters Magda (Mark) Mahler, Jasper, AB; Julia Wassef (Jim Morrow), Avonport, NS and Nadia Wassef, Edmonton, AB; 22 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Erik taught in the Chemistry Department at Acadia University for over 50 years, continuing his love of teaching post-retirement through online courses well into his 80s. He also served at times as Provost, Dean of Students and as President of the Acadia Alumni Association. Erik was a devoted father and husband who used his many talents, sense of adventure and amazing resourcefulness to enrich the lives of his beloved family. Erik was an avid sailor with a keen love for the ocean. He was known for his kindness towards animals, his sense of humour and his gift of storytelling, often entertaining family with adventures from his past. The family would like to thank the nursing staff of Medical B Unit and Dr. Michael Mulherin of Valley Regional Hospital for their kindness during Erik's end-of-life care. No visitation or funeral services by his request and cremation has taken place. A private gathering for family has been organized and an event for friends and colleagues in Wolfville will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valley Regional Hospital or ElderDog Canada. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4P 1B9 (902-679-2822).