Rik Hansen

Michael Burris Rik holding the easter bunny

Michael Burris Hansen's with their Grand Mother

Michael Burris

Michael Burris Wedding to Sheila Johnson, the love of his life ♥️

Michael Burris

Michael Burris

Michael Burris Conducting marching band at SCSU 1984

Abbi Burris Rick Hansen conducts the marching band at St. Cloud State

Michael Burris

Michael Burris

Michael Burris

Michael Burris Conducting SCSU marching band 1988

Abbi Burris Rick Hansen conducts the band at a homecoming concert, St. Cloud State University -Photo Courtesy of Tom Steman

Michael Burris

Michael Burris

Michael Burris

Michael Ernst An outdoor wind ensemble concert in Russia.

Michael Ernst Wind ensemble rehearsal in Budolfi Church.

Michael Burris First trip to Japan to guest conduct at Musashino University

Abbi Burris Link to Rik's presentation at the prestigious 60th Anniversary of The Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference-courtesy of Al Moore. https://www.midwestclinic.org/user_files_1/pdfs/clinicianmaterials/2006/richard_hansen.pdf

Michael Burris Dr. Hansen's daughter Abigail marries Michael Burris.

Michael Burris Musashino 2012

Michael Burris Duomo di Milano

Michael Burris Guest conducting with Armando Saldarini

Abbi Burris Gabriel's intro to musicology 101 with Papa. Some of their most favorite bonding moments spent watching "quality pop" music videos together.

Michael Burris Musashino 2015

Michael Burris Guest conducting Musashino 2015

Abbi Burris Papa, "the man who wears many hats."

Steve Lyons Rik was a master collaborator. He was always the first to reach out to share his passion for music and people. He was a gentleman, but brought such passion when he stepped on the podium. I owe him so much - he inspired me, supported me, and was equally amazing with my own students. Rik my friend - you will be missed but certainly never forgotten.

Abbi Burris "Music is well said to be the speech of angels." -Eric Carlyle Heaven gained a musical angel and noble soul in the late evening on the 16th of September: my father, aka “papa”, aka “Maestro Rik Hansen.” Although it often feels he left this earth all too soon (age 69), he lived a life filled with passion, dedication, purpose, and meaning. He fought a tough and complex battle and passed away from complications of Leukemia and later diagnosed-Parkinson's Disease. My mother and I were blessed to be at his bedside at during his final moments (after a long separation due to COVID). He had just discharged from the hospital and laid to rest that same evening at Our Lady of Peace Hospice Home. We could feel an overwhelming sense of him finally being able to rest in peace. Even in his final moments, he made a point to make the timing "just right." When in is darkest moments, Rik always found ways to bring forth light, humor, joy, and hope to those around him. During our family's time of seeking ways to "ride the waves" of grief and our loss, we found an immense amount of comfort from the words and messages of those whom my father inspired. I am so proud to hear of all the stories from those lives my father touched-both professionally and personally. I did not realize the extent of those he influenced, both locally and internationally. Due to the complications of COVID-19, our family made the decision to hold off on doing an in-person memorial service. In the meanwhile, this is meant to be a place for those from around the globe to come together to share memories, music, photos, and expressions to celebrate Rik's life and legacy. Papa-You have left behind a life and legacy of bountiful achievements to inspire us. Yet, your impact comes from an even deeper place because of your character. You helped to build up and elevate those lives you touched. Even in the early stages of your musical career you once stated, “I always tell them I am more interested in their brains and hearts than their fingers.” On the sands of time you have left your footprints with everlasting artistic musical inspiration, messages to rise above barriers, embrace differences, and to always dream big. Everyone shall recall your story and remember the messages that came from deep within your heart.