Merlin J. Hanson

August 7th, 1927 - June 21st, 2022

Merlin's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Merlin here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

I first crossed paths with Merlin Hanson in the early 1970’s. We shared a common goal to grow and improve our respective companies in the Tool & Die Industry. The National Tooling & Machining Association was one avenue to achieve that goal. As a result of his efforts and hard work serving as President of the NTMA changes happened. He made life better for the Association, its members and their families. I later followed him as President. Those shoes were hard to walk in, but he believed in me and gave me confidence to do the job, as only a friend knows how.
Irene, my wife, and I considered him a true friend. We are saddened by his passing but are thankful for having known him.

Irene & Jerry Weaver

Irene & Jerry Weaver

June 30th, 2022 at 3:01pm

Gail, my sincere and deepest condolences towards you and your family. I never knew your Dad, but always heard of him throughout my life. God's peace, comfort, loving blessings and favor to you and your entire family. It is good to know that if we are believers in Jesus Christ, then we will see our loved ones once again when we step into eternity in all of God's awesome glory in His eternal kingdom in heaven. ---- "As it is written,no eye has seen, no ear has heard, neither has it entered into the heart of men the things that God has prepared for them who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

Mark Sperlik

June 28th, 2022 at 9:37am

Merlin was my boss, my mentor and most of all my friend. I worked for him or with him for 47 years.

Over the last couple years we talked on the phone 4 or 5 times per week. We talked about business of course, but we spent a lot of time just talking about people. Especially family, which meant so much to him. He always wanted to share his experiences, stories and advice ...all of which were intended "to teach". I will cherish all of his wisdom forever!

He was a major influence in both my personal and professional life. But, Merlin made so many things possible for so many of us to accomplish. The list of all he did for the people that worked for him, his family and for the community could go on and on. He always wanted everyone to be the best they could be! And, he always did his best to help them get there.

Anyone that ever worked for Merlin was considered "family" to him. He made sure that anyone he met, or that worked for him, knew that they were cared about, "as a person". I was blessed to have worked for him, with him, and to have known him.

I loved Merlin. I will miss him terribly!

Mike Koziel

Mike Koziel

June 27th, 2022 at 2:07pm

Dear Carolyn, Greg, Connie, Justin, Nick and the entire Hanson clan,

All the Seths want to offer our heartfelt condolences to all of you on the passing of Merlin. He was loved and respected by so many. Like us, he touched a lot of lives and we felt enriched by our friendship with him.

He was noble soul who cared deeply for his family as well as the Benton Harbor / St. Joseph community. He has left an indelible mark on all.

I was fortunate to be able to avail of his infinite business wisdom which helped me more than any high paid consultant could have. I godly remember him saying in our Board meeting: “Well, Mr. President, what do you plan to do solve this problem.” That put me on my toes ready for action.

I will miss him. I looked up to him.

May God give all of you the strength to deal with this very difficult loss.

Warmest regards,
Mahesh, Madhu, Rishi and Kabir

Mahesh K Seth

June 25th, 2022 at 11:29pm

Carolyn,
On behalf of Shelly and myself, we would like to extend our most sincere condolences on the passing of Merlin.

I know that Doug and Sandy welcomed him to Heaven and immediately invited him to their weekly cocktail party. I’m sure by now he and Dougger have already played 18.
Merlin was a mentor to Doug and he cherished all the time they spent together in business and pleasure. The times you took them to Harbor Springs to play in the member guest were times Dougger talked about many times. I still have the picture with the Hanson’s, Landis’s and the captain of the boat along with his wife.
Merlin was one in a million. I will not forget the last conversation I had with him after my parents passing. I wish I had taken the time to contact him again.
You have an extensive support network, but if I can ever do anything for you, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

All the best to you and your family.

With Love,

David and Shelly Landis

David Landis

June 25th, 2022 at 5:16pm

Dear Gail and Tom,
We were very sorry to hear of Merlin's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Julie & Alan Smiy

Julie & Alan Smiy

June 24th, 2022 at 3:07pm

Our sincerest condolenses to Carolyn and family. Sally and I are so sorry to learn of Merlins' passing. So pleased to have been a neighbor of this caring man. We spoke often, mostly as we mowed our property or the road shoulder on our one mile rural road. Merlin spoke to me of his youth, parents, and shared his thoughts on life, charity, and philanthropy. I quickly learned to respect this man as a once in a lifetime, special acquaintenance. Our God in heaven has called in one of the finest men I have known. Rest in peace my friend. Stan and Sally Bennett, Lake Placid, Fl.