"One night ..years ago I took my two kids and wife to Lombardino's for some old school italien...towards the end of the meal some slick hipster with ray ban clear glasses made a couple of comments and talked to my kids.we talked with the couple and I told him them I recognized his voice from wpr!!! I had liked his jazz shows and his radio voice!! He was the real deal!they made our night!!"
In loving memory of
Michael Jon Hanson
December 9, 1940 - September 9, 2019
MADISON- Michael J. Hanson, 78, of Madison passed away unexpectedly on September 9th, 2019. A Celebration of Michael's Life will be held on Sunday, October 20th, 2019 at the EAST SIDE CLUB, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison from 3-6pm. Memorials may be made in Michael's name to the ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128-6804, or the Freedom From Religion Foundation, PO Box 750 ยท Madison, WI 53701.
Tributes
"Thanks for keeping me company for so many years. You made hard times not so bad and good times much better. RIP"
"RIP Michael. I enjoyed listening to you. Dave Kerl transmitter operator ECB"
"I worked with Mike at Wisconsin Public Radio years ago... those Saturday nights in the Radio Operations Center are still a strong and valued memory. A kind man, but with a lust for living and a wicked sense of humor... Engineering for Mike's program was NEVER boring! I last saw Mike about a year ago, when I went to catch him performing with his jazz group at a bar on the West Side. People like Mike Hanson, Ken Ohst, and a few others were the heart and soul of WPR. They're all greatly missed on the air. BTW Mike... THANKS AGAIN for the Miles Davis that night when I was headed for the North Woods!"
"I'm a big fan of Mr. Hanson's work on radio. My condolences to his family and friends. I firmly believe that Mr. Hanson's wonderful show will live on via the internet for a long long time. A pretty good legacy, imo. Thank you Mr. Hanson for introducing me to so many wonderful stories."
"Dear Rosie, Rolfie, Sabrina, Doc and all the Hansons: Popz was such a kind, warm, fun and unforgettable figure in all our lives. We hope you find comfort in the wealth of great memories. Lots of love from Kathy, Tommy and all the Vandys"
"Visiting Madison we stopped at Liliana's Restaurant to hear my cousins play music and sitting at the bar, I heard this voice I knew from my childhood at the Hanson household. It was Michael - still the same in his seventies as he was in his twenties - funny, warm and just a really great guy. So glad we had the change to reconnect. Sending our love to his family. Kathy (Lynch) & Dan Jones"
"I personally do not know this great Man, but his voice and manner bespoke of a kindred spirit..i loved His style..and enjoyed many hours in his company..i am sure His legacy will carry on, and that his admirers are many..May you find peace and joy in all of the condolences offered, and to know He touched so many folks...My name is Rich Dandrea, Allegany,NY..i 'met' Michael on "Mind Webs"..."
"Dear Rose, Rolfe, and Stephen. Bob and I are shocked to learn about Michael's death. Bob and Michael were favorite students of Sociology Professor Michael Hakeem at the UW. And, typically, Michael continued to keep in touch and help Prof. Hakeem after he retired. That was Michael--thoughtful and caring. We lost touch with your family, but you remained in our hearts. -- Carol and Bob Olsen"
"I knew Michael from arthritis exercise class on Friday mornings. He was upbeat with a wry sense of humor entertaining the class with apropos comments. Michael showed his innate generosity by often bringing extra Steep ?n Brew coffees to class and sharing them freely with fellow coffee lovers. He was well-liked by everyone and he will be greatly missed. R.I.P. Michael."
"I didn't know Michael but knew his love of music and his works.
Peace and comfort to all."
"Michael will be missed by countless people whose lives he touched from just being a great guy, through radio and his music."
"Michael was blessed with a great voice as well as the hands, mind and coordination to play and make jazz accessible to many. Later I found he had humor, generosity, compassion, joy, and a great ability to move through difficulties with a smile. We will miss you in so many ways, Michael. Blessings. Julie"
"If there is a DJ afterlife, I guess he and Ken Ohst can resume their friendly argument now. The two of them taught me so much about Jazz. Many, many thanks."
"Michael held a special place in many lives. Vibrant, fun, caring, talented, bright, generous, and so well read. To Rosie, Rolfe & Sabrina, Stephen & Jeannie, and the boys lots of love to you in finding just the right spot to carry his spirit with you. "
"Others were attracted to Michaels endearing.warmth...it wasent just his talent and thoughtfulness that made him so incredible but the love and caring behind his kindness. He was a gentleman Bonnie Hoffman "
"To Rosie, Rolfe and Stephan. It was more than an honor to know and work with Michael. What he did was important. He provided heart and peace to this hard cold world and we are all better because of him being in it. I am so happy be able to call him my friend and will miss him more than I can possibly put into words. However I am proud of what we accomplished together and that I was able to help correct terrible wrongs done to him and help ensure his radio legacy. I am also comforted in the knowledge that I will always be able to hear his voice and marvel at his talent with the pages we created in the Internet Archive. My deepest sympathy to you all. The world lost an amazing human being. May these pages be a source of comfort and fond memories to you and stand as a testament to the man. He was loved, valued and deeply appreciated in life and will be missed terribly now that he is gone. Thank you Michael. You made the world a better place to be in and I will always love you."
"Thanks for all the the great advice, friendship & opportunities you gave me. You helped so many jazz musicians and it?s appreciated. Micheal & Rosie are forever in my heart as my ?other? family. Love Angela Miranda & Brendan "