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Passing of Gil Hanson - Father of LIAPG

October 03, 2023 9:13 AM | Chris Wenczel (Administrator)

It is with great sadness that our founding father Gil Hanson passed away on 21 September 2023.  He did such a wonderful webinar this past February on Hummocky Terrain of Long Island, you can watch the recording on the Media tab of the website.  Below is a memoriam published by SUNY Stony Brook.

 

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Hanson

It is with great sadness that we share news that our friend and colleague Gil Hanson passed away on September 21, 2023. Gil was an incredible mentor, friend, and so much more to so many of us. He will forever be remembered for his knowledge, compassion, wisdom, positive outlook, and dedication to us all.

Among many distinctions, Gil was one of the leaders and developers of modern isotope geochemistry.  His research career also included investigations of the regional geology of New York and Connecticut, critical studies of ground water and hydrogeology of Long Island and Long Island Sound, and a research program on the glacial geology of southern New England and Long Island. Gil also was instrumental in developing Stony Brook’s Earth Science teacher training program, founded the Long Island Geologists professional and academic group and organized its annual meeting, and was heavily involved in the push for New York State to begin licensing professional geologists.  He leaves behind a vast network of colleagues, former students, and friends who will miss his pioneering vision.

Hanson


Comments

  • October 03, 2023 8:05 PM | Soma Das
    Gil was my advisor, mentor and guide in Stony Brook. I was an international student and Gil gave me the support, taught me to be confident and successful. I am successful because of his mentoring and I was into geology because of his teaching skills which were unique. I reached out to him whenever I needed guidance and support for my career even after 16 years of graduating from Stony Brook with my MS. He left extremely fond memories and this is an immense loss for ESS department of Stony Brook.
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  • October 04, 2023 11:26 AM | John Lamprecht
    Such a nice and giving man. A true scholar and enthusiast for all things geology. Gil gave of his time and experience to anyone who asked. The world is a smaller place for his passing. He will be missed.
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  • October 04, 2023 4:09 PM | Jon Kolleeny
    I am so very saddened to hear of Gil's passing, my deepest condolences to his family and friends, including what I'm sure is a vast network of colleagues, current and former students, etc. Gil was the main reason I chose to go to Stony Brook for my MS in Geology, and he was my thesis advisor. I feel privileged to have had the chance to study with him, participate in field trips with him, and present a talk at one of the LIAPG conferences he organized. RIP, Professor Hanson.
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  • October 05, 2023 11:01 AM | Scott Yanuck
    I first met Professor Hanson when taking a class for my undergraduate Geology degree at Stony Brook and was immediately impressed with his mix of science and compassion. We had a lot of fun on field trips back then and I was able to get to know Gil as more than just my Geology professor. Gil provided guidance when I got my masters at Stony Brook and for that I am grateful. When I volunteered as a teacher at a summer camp in Shelter Island, I was not surprised at all to hear about how well liked Gil's classes were from my campers who hailed from Stony Brook. As professional Geologists, we are forever grateful to Gil for the founding of The Long Island Geologists and assistance in starting the LIAPG. We all have to go sometime, but here is to a life well lived! We will all miss you Gil!
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  • November 21, 2023 11:16 AM | Peggy Lomaga
    The above paragraph says it all about Professor Hanson… dedicated to geology , the university, the students, and to his family. His legacy is embedded in all who knew him 🎈
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  • December 13, 2023 9:38 PM | Tom
    I’m not a trained geologist but I appreciated Gil’s passion to share the geosciences with novice spectators and amateurs at the Open Nights. He seemed to genuinely enjoy the exchange of information and debate. God rest his soul and may his work live on forever.
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