In tribute to Paul Hansen

paul hansen is the reason I almost moved to boston. the only thing that stopped me was the fact that I'd already done three years of americorps, and to me that was enough. he really knew how to get things done for america, and have a great time doing it.

You were a nut, Paul, but I loved ya. (Watch slideshow)

Paul was an incredible advocate for community empowerment. Over the years, he's been both an inspiration and an incredible organizer in his own right. His passing is a great loss and we'll miss his humor, insight, and presence.

The CTC VISTA Project would be not be where it is today without Paul. I have worked with so many organizations benefiting from the CTC VISTA Program, I cannot count them all. We all want to make a difference. Paul did.

I only met Paul once, but he was very personable, curious, and focused in on a person when he was talking to him. Kudos to him for all the work he's done for communities

For some reason, there is one memory of Paul that stands out more than any others. During a monthly VISTA meeting in Lowell, a VISTA who was placed at the Organizer's Collaborative was discussing their project the Organizer's Database (also known as the ODB). While she did not seem aware of the humor in her acronym, Paul was having a very hard time keeping his laughter in. I had been doing a good job stifling mine until I noticed Paul cracking up too. Eventually, there were several of us at the table laughing every time the abbreviation was said.

Paul was part of the reason my wife and I moved to North Carolina. He said that this was the land of milk and honey and we took his word for it.

The last time I saw Paul was at the Beyond Broadcast conference. It was an extremely cold day in Cambridge and I was walking to the conference when I passed a diner with steamed up windows. I stopped for a second and thought about going in for a coffee and decided I should just hurry up and get to the conference to warm up. As I turned to leave, Ben stuck his head out the door and invited me in to join Paul and some VISTA's for breakfast. Suddenly I had warm breakfast and friends on a lonely cold day.

It literally took years to find Paul. His commitment. his talent, his humor, his gentleness, his regard for by others--they're irreplaceable, like Paul himself.

I was a VISTA member in 2003 and 2004. Paul was just coming onboard. He seemed so full of life that this news is especially shocking.

My thoughts and prayers are for Paul tonight.

I am sorry for your loss.

My first real contact with Paul came during the summer of 2005 when he suggested that as a VISTA, I have my belongings shipped to Massachusetts rather than rent a van. Paul, had I followed your advice, I'd be a slightly wealthier man....

Without Paul's help, I certainly would not have become a CTC VISTA. When I applied to the program back in May of 2005, the Community Software Lab, was not terribly wealthy. Not only did Paul allow the CSL to pay my VISTA fee in installments, he even sat on the board of directors. Even this past winter, minus his hair and most of his voice, Paul made it to the CSL's board meeting, giving good advice at a time when others might not have made the hour-long train ride to Lowell.

Paul, I'll miss sitting around the lunch table, listening to you talk about technology. I'll miss seeing your face at VISTA gatherings and at CSL board meetings. And of course, I'll miss your penchant for pink shirts! I'm grateful to the CTC VISTA Project for giving me a chance to serve. Whenever I visit the Project website, I;ll see your work and remember you.

Paul was a great human being with an amazing sense of humor. He left us way too young, but he accomplished so much while he was here, and he leaves a lasting impression.

Paul, you'll be missed.

Paul brought great creativity to his life and work every day. He was a pleasure to work with, and under his leadership the project built on its strong foundation and became state-of-the-art. In the midst of the daily grind, he brought a clear eye and fresh perspective, and continued to express himself artistically; his installation that appeared on the UMB campus for a day in 2005 was particularly inspired!

Paul was an extremely important part of my CTC VISTA experience. From the training to keeping up with me during the whole year. I can remember more than one rather long conversation on the telephone with Paul. He listened so well. People with giant hearts listen like that.

His laugh and smile. That's what I'll remember most. I can't believe he's gone.

Paul was one of my favorite people. When I became a VISTA, I was freaking out. I was nervous to be so far from Texas, but Paul was always so sweet. He was such a calming influence, and whenever tensions got high - he had this way of diffusing the situation. I always called him my savior... I was having a super difficult time with my first VISTA boss. Eventually it got to a point where I just couldn't take it anymore. He didn't force me to stick it out for the sake of the program - he just told me I could leave and move to VISTA Headquarters. In my three months there, I got to know him a bit more and I am so happy for that. He is hilarious and ridiculously talented. Some of my favorite times in Boston were the group lunches we had at UMass... Paul always with his greasy slices of pizza. When lunch was over, we'd take the long way back to the office so we could pass the dumpsters. He'd look for interesting trash! I loved this about him... how he could make something beautiful out of nothing. I loved the way he ate an entire box of cookies before we even noticed and how he was so patient with all of us. Amazing.

Paul was one of those people in the background, but who had such a profound impact on people's lives. I was one of those people. Since I was a CTC VISTA in 2005-2006, my dreams have become even more empowered because of the work and commitment of people like Paul Hansen. I am greatful for having been touched by his work and his time on this earth. I will miss you, Paul! Thanks for everything.

i remember when i went to my first VISTA PSO in 2006. I was so nervous. It was my first 'professional' event and I knew i was about to embark on something really life changing. When i saw Paul, with his tousled hair, pink button up long-sleeve shirt, and canary yellow tie (which was slightly askew) - all nervousness evaporated. the joy buzzer which i had in my hand (reserved for meeting other VISTAs) found happy meeting with Paul's when we shook hands. He didn't seem too surprised, it was as if he'd been expecting it.

I've said it before, and will happily reiterate here: had it not been for Paul's kind encouragement of the potential in me, I would not have the life and vision that I do now. Paul's the one that encouraged me to be a VISTA Leader in Boston. He was also the one who personally recruited and connected me to NAMAC where I now happily work as a VISTA (cheer)Leader.

Paul played a very central and inspiring role for many people I know and he will be sorely missed.

Thank you Paul... Than you so much.

On a very rainy, cold and windy day in February 2005 I drove into Boston to hand deliver my application/ paperworkto Paul for my VISTA service. I got so lost I was almost in tears by the time I found his office. I'd never been to the UMA/Boston campus. I was also late to get to my job in Brookline and a total wreck. Paul was so gentle and calming that I knew I must be doing the right thing. He assured me that all would be well, and personally showed me the easiest way to get out of the building and back to my car. Paerhaps I would never have made it to my second year if it were not for his easy way of making things seem to work out. I am not alone in having no idea of just how ill he was, and am so very sorry that he won't be with us for another meeting or conference. It's now his time to rest and receive our collective love and good thoughts. I'm so sorry for his family left behind.

Without the CTCVISTA Project I wouldn't be the person I am today. I thank Paul for My Certificate in Non-Profit Management From Duke University. Without Paul and the project I would never have acomplished this. I was the first CTCVISTA in North Carolina and I am still here working in the Non-Profit community. Paul will be missed

Paul is a Very Good Man.

When I think of Paul I think of shapes (and plastic):

The shape of cookies
The shape of Legos
The shapes of robots...and squares of AstroTurf

In fact shape is one of the visual elements I teach my students in visual language and for here on, in tribute to Paul I will show them some of his UserObjects. With Paul everything was about shape which is "an area that stands out from the space next to or around it due to a defined or implied boundary, or because of differences of value, color, or texture." To me Paul was like a big shape that stood out because he allowed himself to be defined by the people around him. Even though he is no longer with us physically it is his shape that remains...I am happy to have been able to show him what I am doing with 3-D shapes in virtual space. It's a fitting memory of a guy who was both integral and individual, visual and elemental (plus he loved Cosmic Slop like me).

Paul was so special. Warm and funny, smart and caring... never once did I spend time with him that I didn't go away feeling a little bit better.

There are not enough good, decent people in this world; it hurts to lose him. My life, and the lives of so many others, will forever be richer for having known this man.

Thank you, Paul. You'll live on in our hearts.

Dear Paul,

You aren't here anymore. The doctors gave you all the tried and true chemotherapies, and they didn't really work, so I suspected this day might come. But could you have told me it was Monday? Because, in case you didn't know, it's on my to-do list to visit you this weekend. We saw each other just before Thanksgiving, which means we're about a week overdue for our semi-regular check-in. There's a voicemail from you on my phone - a call I missed the other day - and a call I might have returned tonight, if you were here. But you're not. And instead, I'm home, bundled up in a red, terry-cloth blanket, writing you this letter. And so many others elsewhere are grieving.

Most people don't know this about you, Paul, but boy, can you sweat! You are a terrible sweater. I had the bad fortune of walking into the UMass gym one day and found you on a stationary bicycle. You looked as if someone had dumped a pail of water on you. Your pores must have opened like floodgates. It was awesome to behold!

This one day, at UMass, a CPCS staff member who I won't identify popped into our office. She didn't really know what we did at CPCS, which was fine with us, because we didn't know what she did, either. She remarked how every time she walked by our office, both of us were always deeply engrossed in our computer screens. She started blathering at that point, and her ravings are largely forgotten, except for one thing. In the course of her ramblings she labeled us "techno-kings" and "cybo-freaks." [sic] From then on, we would occasionally describe ourselves to each other in those terms, guffawing inwardly.

Paul, because this letter is silly in parts, I'm afraid that people might think the letter is disrespectful. Or irrevent. Or ill-befitting the solemnity of the occasion. I am positive you want it this way. I am positive you want people to remember the pleasure they find in your company, your art, your world.

Paul, you successfully and effortlessly straddle the community/technology fence. No, you do, as few can. Many people in the community technology field fall on one or the other side of the fence. I always felt the distinction was divisive and counter-productive, technologists here, activists over there, huddled under the same tent in the rain. You believe in the power of technology to transform communities. Little do you know you yourself transform countless lives.

If there were one word I could choose to describe you, it is devoted. You embody service, Paul, and your devotion to your family, friends, and co-workers affirms this on a daily basis. You are always serving and helping people! I want to know, Paul, where do you find the energy? Even in the midst of taking care of VISTAs, you are often found designing a website for someone. Or a catalog. Or postcard. Seldom do you get paid for this work.

You're one hell of a designer, Paul. Your work never fails to please and inspire me. (The same could not always be said by the rest of the staff at VISTA headquarters. I'm referring specifically to when you redesigned the VISTA website that one time. :-) Do you remember when I came to your studio? I think it was the first time you introduced me to Liz. This was in the Fall of 2005 during the Dorchester Open Studios. For those who didn't see your studio - you moved out of it a year and a half ago - let me try to describe it. (It's also important to tell the reader that your medium is sculpture.) Your studio looked like the experimental laboratory of one of Santa's elves. You had zillions of teeny toy-like sculptures, in primary colors and various shapes and textures, scattered everywhere, piled high on shelves, spare parts laying about. You also had a cappuccino machine in your studio.

When we were at work, and you were feeling uncommonly magnanimous, you would talk about inviting us VISTAs over to your studio and serving up drinks from your cappuccino machine. In a former life, you ran a little coffee shop in Provincetown. It was how you met Liz. I'm sorry I couldn't stick around the studio for a latte that Fall day back in '05.

Paully, you are always honest with me. I was having an awful day a couple years ago - I was trying to figure out the next step in my life - and I asked you a direct question, without any lead-up:

"Is life always this hard?"
"No," you said. "It gets harder."

(Really reassuring, Paul! :-)

Paul, you aren't just a friend or former boss to me, you are one of my role models. The most important thing you teach me is that what we have to do is what we have to do. By that, I mean there are no easy solutions to difficult problems. There's no shirking or shrinking from responsibility. Give to others all that you can of yourself. Much of the world is broken, and it is the duty of the able to try to fix it.

Paul, you just turned 38. You used to be a major computer nerd when you were a kid. You are obsessed with 8-bit artwork and music. And robots. And VISTAs. You like dark chocolate. And swimming in the ocean. And wearing Crocs.

One last thing. I never told you this, but now is as good a time as any, if you have an extra moment. And of course you do, because you're Paul, and your heart is as big as a barn. There was a woman at your wedding who told me that behind your back Liz's family had a name for you: "Saint Paul," she said.

After all of this, I'm embarrased to say that I cannot formulate in words adequate terms to express my gratitude to you, Paul, for all of the gifts that you have given me and so many others. But there's some time between now and our next visit. At that encounter, I'm thinking we should rendezvous at your old studio, fire up the cappuccino machine, unfurl on the couch, and then - blowing on our too-hot drinks - I'll be ready to tell you.

Paul made it possible to be passionate about the things we're all passionate about. He was such a constant source of support during the myriad trials of VISTA; it's hard to believe that future years of the program will be robbed of his humor, advice, and encouragement.

Paul was always so helpful in working with. I actually never had the pleasure of meeting him in person...our relationship would be via phone or email. However, even through these mediums, it was easily apparent that he is a very genuine person. He was always incredibly patient, understanding, and helpful whenever we chatted. So many people have said so many great things about him...wish we had the chance to meet in person. Our condolences to his family. He obviously impacted many.

Life is Short
They say it takes a minute
to find special person,
an hour to appreciate them,
but then an entire life
to forget them.
Paul was a very very special person.
His spirit will continue on forever.
His love is till giving us hugs.

I feel very sad to hear the news about the sudden death of Mr. Paul Hansen. I
immensely enjoyed working under his directorship as a CTC vista. I always
remember the quiet friendly nature he has shown during correspondence as well as
at various meetings that i attended .

A remarkable, gentleman who kept such a cheerful mood through his illness, I neverthought that we will have to hear this. He will surely be missed by all of us who met/knew him.

May god grant peace to his soul ,and give strength to his family and friends
to endure the pain of loss.

Paul, you we helpful, kind, and funny. Thank you for reaching out to help us in this out of the way corner of the Pacific Northwest. I appreciated the guidance and the doors you opened. This world will miss you.

paul,
you rock. i remember your calm demeaner. You always had good ideas when I needed them. Thank you ;)

Paul made inservice fun! He was so enthusiastic and warm. He has done great work for the community and will be missed.

I was granted the opportunity to work with Paul as a CTC VISTA. My fondest memories are of him always willing to help and greeting everyone with a smile. You will always be remembered.

I wish I had the opportunity to know Paul better, but at least I know that his hard work enabled myself and many others to pursue meaningful work in CTCs nationwide. I hope that our collective service will help stand a tribute to Paul and I'm honored to have known someone who has made such a difference in so many lives, both in his direct relationships and the fruits of his work. Thanks for everything Paul, we'll miss you dearly.

Paul, you will definitely not be forgotten.
I am happy to have witnessed your greatness and your ability to bring out
the greatness of others.
With peace and respect to you & your loved ones.

Our offices were in the same 154 area of Wheatly at UMass. It was always a pleasure to pass by Paul in the hall as he had a wonderful personality--and was always friendly and upbeat. You could tell that he was a special person. I'm sorry that he didn't win his battle. We will miss him.

I'm sorry for our loss. I know that sounds strange but we are the ones who will feel the loss and pain of his all to brief presence. Paul you will be missed by all who knew you. Your laughter and energy was always enough to fill any room. My only regret is that I didnt get to know you better. I like to think of you at peace now, probly surounded by past VISTA's and of course lots of puppets (I'll never understand the puppet thing) Thank you for sharing your time, energy, and love with us and the community.

I only met Paul during the my VISTA orientation, but I found him to be a very great person. He was always patient and helpful with all my constant emails and questions. I am very grateful to Paul for helping me get involved in AmericorpVISTA, it was a good year, that I spent doing the things I want to be able to do full time, the things I went to school for. Considering what a help he was to me, someone he hardly knew, I imagine he was more than ten times that to some one who knew him well. My condolences to all his close friends and family.

Paul’s humor, optimism and vision have profoundly influenced me in the past two years I have known him.

Paul was an inspiration to me: in his design and art, his use of colors and contrast, his rediscovery of common (and uncommon) objects and his whimsy and delight in their placement. In our work Paul showed me how to stay sane in insane places and where to look for fun in the mundane. Most of all, Paul was a model for maintaining one’s sense of self in the most ego-reducing places.

Paul, you will be greatly missed and not forgotten.

Paul was wonderful at welcoming us at PSO and share so much about his vision and how this all began. We enjoyed his humour and his compassion. Surely he will be greatly missed.