Strange Genius, Thats what comes to mind when I think of him.
You could talk for hours with him on what is reality, what is intelligence, what is truth.
You could talk for hours with him on world history, spirituality, faith and belief.
And we did.
He also once told me that his emotional well being rose and fell depending on how well the Chicago Bears did that year.
That is what you got with Kurt. or as I preferred "Kurtis"
His genius was in his unique perspective on all things.
From a troubled childhood, being never fully diagnosed correctly for what eventually was thought to be Asperger's Syndrom. Made to feel like an outsider by "our culture" for being different his whole life.
He was immersed in religion, for which he saw many problems and few answers.
Into adulthood, he would impress as many people as he would annoy. He really was a tornado, like Jim says. He wrote his own rules, and usually left a mess in his wake.
Jim has been nice enough to put up his words from the service on this blog, as well as Andrew.
His parents also asked me to say a few words, which I would also like to share in his memory.
I will say that it is profoundly obvious that everyone has a lot to say about this guy. He inspired a weekend long storyfest in his honor, each story coming from a different era and perspective.
Many people gathered at Maplewood over the weekend following his death, but far more gathered at his family's church, the Theosophical Society that afternoon, and later that night at Kelly's to share his stories...
He influenced many people, and so many cared for him. I just hope some day to have as great a sendoff as my friend Kurtis got by his family and friends...
You will be missed Kurtis.
---------------
Thank you for allowing me to say a few words in honor of Kurt Hanson.
I feel the need to start by reading from one of Kurt's favorite philosophers, J. Krishnamurti
- "There is no end to education.
It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with your education"
- "There is no path to reality. You must venture out and discover this for yourself"
Kurt Hanson, was one of a kind.
Kurt Hanson, was a truly original person.
I found him to be one of the most educated and engaging of all of the people I have ever known. It amazed me how intensely he thought about most things, able to provide a deep thought or opinion on anything.
And he was Funny.
He captivated, he could crack up a room with a rant, sharing a story of his travels and random encounters.
Like many of you, over the years Kurt and I have had countless debates. Many evening long conversations that touched on our beliefs and thoughts.
A conversation with Kurt was never small.
He always challenged me, he made me defend what I believed…
And in doing so, he made me a stronger person for it.
I owe a lot to Kurt.
He made me think, and he made me re-think…
And I will never forget how much he made me laugh.
I can say today that Kurt Hanson changed me for the better
And he will always be a part of me.
-Steve Niketopoulos
