Susannah Merry Hanson
Susannah Merry Hanson, age 27, passed away suddenly on November 13 in Los Angeles, California after a brief illness.
She was born in Selma, California on December 31, 1986. She is survived by her mother Cara Webb Hanson of Clovis and Santa Cruz; her father Victor Davis Hanson of Selma; her older sister Pauline Davis Hanson Steinback, brother-in-law Shane Steinback and their daughters Maeve and Lila Steinback of Santa Cruz; and her brother William Frank Hanson of Clovis.
She is also survived by her maternal grandparents Armond and Tawana Webb of Coarsegold, and uncles and aunts Alfred and Karen Hanson of Selma, Nels and Vicki Hanson of San Luis Obispo, Maren Nielsen and Rory Robertson of Fresno, Dan and Cheryl Webb of Woodbridge, and Brenda Morton of Madera.
Susannah was the sixth generation of the Davis family to have lived in the same house on the family’s small grape farm southwest of Selma, California, which had been homesteaded by Susannah’s great-great-great grandmother Lucy Anna Davis in the late 1870s, and was also the birthplace of her paternal grandmother, the late Justice Pauline Davis Hanson of Fresno. Susannah was the granddaughter of William F. Hanson, whose family was descended from the original group of 19th-century Swedish pioneer founders of Kingsburg, California. Shortly before her passing she was making plans to return to the Selma farm, and continue her career from the Selma area.
Susannah led a wonderful though often hectic life, graduating from University High School on the California State University, Fresno campus. She received a BA degree in European History and a minor in Classical Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, as well as a Masters in Public Policy from Pepperdine University. Susannah was employed as a research analyst and biographer in the Office of University Advancement at the University of Southern California, where she helped to develop strategies to support fund-raising for USC’s graduate operations, especially the School of Medicine.
Susannah was certified to teach English as a second language, and in 2008 taught at Duoc UC Vocational College in Santiago, Chile, where she became an accomplished Spanish speaker. In addition, each spring she worked as a travel coordinator and co-organizer with her father of historical tours of Europe. Despite her young age, Susannah traveled to Europe ahead of the group to confirm the logistics and to meet members of the tour when they arrived.
Susannah, known to her family and friends as “Suzy,” was beloved by anyone who encountered her infectious laugh and her zeal for life and adventure. But she was perhaps best known for the human kindness she extended to everyone she met. She was especially drawn to the sick and elderly, which reflected her sense of public service. On the European trips she ensured that no tour member was ever left alone or without companionship.
Her family and friends feel blessed that even for such a brief time that they were able to be with such a kind soul and accomplished talent. She grew up packing fruit and working in the fields of the family farm, a childhood that fostered a singular work ethic, gave her a sense of independence and fearlessness, and grounded her in reality and modesty wherever she worked and traveled. She loved the San Joaquin Valley, and despite her residence and visits abroad, she always managed to return to the farm, where she felt most at home with her family and childhood friends.
Susannah was the center of life for her parents and siblings, who were blessed with daily conversations with her, especially her upbeat advice to appreciate the small things unnoticed around us, not to fear the unknown, and to take one day at a time. She was the delight of her two nieces Maeve and Lila who adored her as much as she did them. Her brother Bill Hanson kept his lifetime constant watch over his beloved younger sister, which brought to Susannah solace and reassurance in challenging times.
Remembrances may be sent to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (340 W Fallbrook Ave Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711).
My heartfelt condolences to the Hanson family. It is my fervent hope that the years of good memories will get you through this difficult time. God bless.
How very, very sad. Victor, you and your family have my deepest sympathy.
Michael Warder
What a beautiful daughter. Words are not adequate. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Victor, I had no idea of your loss until I read this article. I am an elderly woman and it struck me when I read your daughter liked and helped the elderly. I wish I could have met Suzy. She sounds so beautiful. She is in heaven now on a lovely little farm waiting for her daddy. Take care my dear teacher and friend. Ginny
My condolences on your loss sir. Suzy is in a better place and her spirit will live on.
So sorry for your loss! She touched many lives in her short one. May God comfort you and your family!
Dear Mr. Hanson,
I am a great fan of your column and your books. I am so sorry to read about the death of your daughter.
Sincerely, Stephen Miller
VDH, I am extremely sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.
The Lord Jesus be with you at this time of your loss, as you look forward with all Christians to the day of Resurrection.
My sincere condolences, Mr. Hanson, on the loss of your beloved daughter. Your post beautifully captures the life of this special young woman. May God bless you and your family at this time of profound loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
I most sincere condolences. Juliet Voebel
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I hope you have the strength to carry on fighting the good fight. I don’t think I would if I lost mine, but you help so many of us make sense of the insanity of modern America that we all pray you find the strength to continue.
What a beautiful condolence, you speak for so many of us who treasure Prof. Hanson.
Dr. Hanson, so sorry for your loss. My stepfather was lost to granulocytic leukemia after a very short illness, Similar often with animals, IME. Not saying I have any specifics of course.
There is a classical graveyard in Athens, with a statue of a young beautiful girl holding a flower. The grieving, bewildered parents apparently had this inscription made, as the only way to make sense of the tragedy: “The Gods loved her so much, they took our daughter for their own.” Perhaps so, here as well. So sorry, Dr. Hanson.
Well, truly, & righteously said. May God grant you & your family the solace you deserve and comfort in the thought your daughter is safe with Him.
The Jackson and Ostrom Families of Kingsburg send our most sincere condolences. We ache with your family for your daughters passing. We pray for your comfort during your time of sorrow. Suzy’s obituary is so well written and gives us a small look at a beautiful person who lived life large. We so appreciate your entire family, your heritage and what you contribute to our world and politic. With Love, Robert David Jackson, the Hershel Jackson Families and the David Ostrom Families of Kingsburg.
I join with those messages above, and send my deep sympathy to you all. What a huge loss! May Heaven seem nearer, as you have one more family member there.
To Mr. Hanson and Family:
My deepest sympathy in the time of sorrow and loss. My hope is for a swift healing of grief and a life of dear remembrances.
SIncere condolences to your entire family, Dr. Hanson. Such a tragic loss. She was evidently a wonderful person who will be missed and grieved by all. Bless you and your family in these difficult times.
What an amazing and fruitful life in so little time. My condolences to you and to all that knew and loved her. God Bless.
My sincere condolences to the Hanson family. I am reminded of the Gibran quote, may it bring you some measure of solace…
When you part from a friend, grieve not.
For that which you miss most in her becomes
Clearer in her absence, as the mountain to the Climber
becomes clearer from the Plain.
(not a direct quote)….
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hanson,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. What a beautiful life. Made beautiful, I am sure, by the many gifts of love you gave her, and which she so evidently returned to so many others. You are all in my prayers.
Dear Mr. Hanson, as a nurse for many years, I am aware of the devastation death can have on a family particularly the death of a child. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
” Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.”
Dirge Without Music
By Edna St. Vincent Millay
My sincere condolences to you, and your family.
Victor–
Deeply saddened by the new of your Susannah. I’ll hug my own tighter tonight. God bless your family now and eternally.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Love and prayers to your family.
Sincere condolences to the Hanson family. May you find peace in the memory of the love lost.
My deepest sympathy on this very sad occasion to you and your family. The loss of a child is an inconsolable grief. Many including me, are with you in this dark time. Helen Parnagian
Such beauty must have charmed everyone. Susannah Merry Hanson filled her short life with love and many worthy endeavors, which brought happiness to those she met. May she have God’s eternal reward for her kindness to others. May you be consoled.
To the Hanson Family:
In this time of unfathomable grief and sorrow, may you draw comfort from your memories and peace from your faith.
Sincerest condolences to the Hanson family and to all who knew her.
“They say love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies.” ~ William Penn
Mr. Hanson,
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your daughter.
The Pierce Family
My sincere sympathy and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.
My condolences. I will pray for you and your family.
We love you suzy.
Heartfelt sympathy. May God sustain you through this tearing time of loss. Thank you for sharing this with your readers and fans.
Dr. Hanson, your daughter was a portrait of goodness. Her life of public service, work ethic, modesty and love of family and friends is a model for all to emulate. I am sure she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. We who read your column can easily recognize the fruits of you and your wife’s labors in her short life and, although deeply painful to see it end too soon, can rejoice in a life well spent. As you know, many live long lives, but that does not mean they are lives of virtue. Thank you again and again for offering your wisdom and guidance, your “other” children are still in need of your words – please march forward!
Dear Dr. Hanson,
Words, written or spoken, are so inadequate at a time like this. Please accept our condolences and prayers. Always remember the good times, and her wonderful smile.
It is always very disturbing to see a parent lose a child. So sorry for your loss.
Prayers and our condolences for you and your family during this very sad time. May god be with you and your family!!
Dear Mr. Hanson,
My family grieves with your family. The loss of your wonderful child diminishes all of us,
You are all in our thoughts.
Mr Hanson,
I offer my deepest condolences Professor. I pray that you and yours find the strength to whether this great tragedy. I hope that some kind words from a stranger on the far coast might, in some small way, lessen the impact of what you are feeling.
Warmest Regards and Your Most Humble Servant,
Dan Irving
My sincere condolences. There can be no greater loss than the loss of a child.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Dr. Hanson.
God Bless you in this very difficult time. Our hearts are with you.
One can only believe that God needed her for some purpose. Rest in the fact that God’s arms are better than any place on earth.
I can wish only peace to VDH and family.
May God comfort you.
I’m very sorry for your loss. Life can be so cruel. I’m happy to hear you got to work together with Suzy on the historical tours. Many parents don’t even get to bond like that with their children. I hope those memories help you get through the pain.
May God heal your grieving hearts during this difficult time. Christ gives us hope, and I pray that it will be especially real to you and your family.
Dear Mr. Hanson, May the memories of the good times together and your daughter’s accomplishments be a source of inspiration for you in the years to come. You and your family have our deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Arlene & Robert Subin
I was deeply saddened by your loss and moved by your tribute. My most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. It is but a blink of God’s eye before we are all back together again. I hope you will draw some comfort from your extended family of the many people you have guided, through your many teachings. May God help you through this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. The obituary portrays a beautiful young lady who made the most of her time.
May you and your family find comfort and peace in this time of sorrow and reflection. I nearly lost my son at a young age, so I can only barely begin to understand your grief and the questions you and your family will have going forward. May God bless you all, and may you find comfort in each other, and your continued love and memories of your loving daughter.
Dear Sir,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My daughter was born about 4 months after yours and we lost her at 14. The pain wont go away…but you will move on my friend and be left with the good memories. She rests in His mighty arms now.
Your Friend,
Bill
I am sick at heart with this news. My condolences to father and mother, siblings, nieces, grandparents and other relatives and friends who knew this remarkable young lady. May He who is resurrection and life uphold all of you at this time.
Dr. Hanson, I never knew your daughter, yet I am deeply touched as I read your beautiful tribute to Susannah’s life. She accomplished so much and touched so many lives during her all to brief time with you. May the God of all comfort surround you with His presence and grace as you grieve her passing. “The Lord bless you and keep you . . . and make His face to shine upon you . . . and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Sincere condolences,
Jeff Lynch
Mr. Hanson, I had this really strange feeling knowing that you never miss a week with out updating your column. Little did I know it was because of something of such great impact for you. From the story of her life that has been related here we all know that she had to occupy a cherished place in your life. Although we are a most of the continent apart, you views, rooted in the rural lifestyle you knew so well resonated with me, now fully engaged in technology and business but never forgetting my humble beginnings on a Hoosier farm.
You and your family have my deepest sympathy.
My condolences to the immediate and the extended Hanson family. Words can never suffice, at the loss of so bright a light of intellect and kindness. May she rest in peace.
I come to your page expecting the best in analysis, however this day stunned me. I am so sorry your wonderful child died. You have given us a glimpse and it touches all.
Dear Mr. Hanson, I am so sorry for the grievous loss you have suffered. My sincere condolences on the loss of your sweet and beloved daughter.
As a fellow native Selman (my grandfather farmed along Huntsman Ave for many years), I especially enjoyed reading VDH’s articles and books. My heartfelt condolences to all the family. I will pass the news on to my sister who still lives in Selma.
My heartfelt condolences to you and yours in this difficult time. Our children are the light of our lives and your Suzy will be sorely missed. Lifting you and your family in prayer.
My prayers are with you and your family at this time. I will also pray for the repose of your lovely daughter’s soul. RIP She must have been such a blessing for you and your wife.
My family and I were very blessed to know Suzy and considered her as a very close friend. We are broken. What a beautiful person she was, inside and out. This world has lost a precious gem. Without a doubt our Heavenly Father has gained. Our deepest condolences to her family. Our prayers are with you.
There is nothing more difficult it is than to lose a child, including an adult one. We will never forget them.
May God’s Peace be with you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a magnificent human being and I hope you find peace in the wake of this tragedy.
I am very sorry for your loss, and I’m praying for your family.
I am so sorry, can not imagine how acute the sense of loss must be. What a beautiful woman and there is such a brightness about her, unmistakable.
Thank you all for raising such a complete, graceful and compassionate human being.
Dr. Hanson, for many years I have been a great admirer of your political thought. I am very saddened to hear this news. Thank you for this writing. What a lovely young woman! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Having two daughters ages 24 and 30 makes this news that much more upsetting. The photos show a beautiful young woman with what would appear to be her whole life in front of her. Why she was taken at such a young age is known only to God. My condolences to the Hanson family and friends. May her countenance shine upon you as you navigate this difficult period.
Please accept our sincerest condolences in this difficult time.
my conolences on your loss.
My condolences sir, to you and your family.
My deep condolences for your awful loss.
Mr. & Mrs. Hanson and family,
We extend to you our heartfelt sympathy on the very tragic loss of your daughter. Your obituary describes an
an amazing young lady who enjoyed life to the fullest. Sussanah and your family will be in our prayers.
May God bless all of you.
What a beautiful tribute to the life of a daughter who mattered so much to so many people. May God grant mercy and grace to all of you and comfort your sorrows. Bless all of you.
May she rest up in peace. So young so sad.
Oh no. How tragic, words are not enough
My heart is so heavy for all of you. There are really no words to describe the loss of a child. You were blessed with such an amazing daughter. Praying for God’s grace surround you.
Please accept mine and my family’s sincerest condolences
A young life taken too soon is something we are too are familiar with
Our thoughts are with you
I wish I had the ability to express my deep condolences for your loss. Sometimes there are no words.
I have been a fan of yours for quite a few years now and although we have never met I wish to express my sincerest sympathies for the loss of your beautiful daughter.
Dr. Hanson, I am so sorry for your loss.
I have a daughter that age and cannot fathom the pain you are going through. words fall short. I am so sorry for your loss. my prayer is for your family to have strength and faith.
I extend my condolences to you and to your family in the loss of such a young, vibrant, and lively woman who held such promise. May God grant you his richest blessings and consolation as you grieve your great loss.
Dear Mr Hanson and family,
I am a fan of your collumns. I have a son and three daughters who are a great blessing. I am sure she brought you great joy in her short life. She looks like a very special person. I am sorry for your loss. May God keep you and your family in perfect peace. God bless
My deepest sympathies on your loss. She was a lovely young woman.
My deepest condolences on your loss. May faith friends and family sustain you through this dark period.
Dr. Hanson,
I am sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. May God be with her.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear of your heavy loss, and am keeping you in prayer that you might know the peace that passes all understanding.
Your writing has touched my family many times over the years, moving us to think, to reflect and to act. God bless you in your loss. We will keep you in our hearts.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
I am so sorry for your loss, Dr. Hanson.
My deepest condolences to you and your family, Mr. Hanson. I wish you and yours strength and peace during this time of what must be a truly unimaginable grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Dr. Hanson,
I am so sorry for your loss of Suzy. I cannot imagine losing a child and you have had a wonderful time with this daughter. May God give you His peace that passes our understanding.
Patricia Ridenour
I am very sorry to hear this, Mr. Hanson. It is small consolation to those who will be missing her here on earth, but she is now in a better place than we are.
God speed Sir.
VDH: I am saddened to learn of the premature loss of your daughter. I follow all of your columns and am a big fan of your writing, as well a being a long-time researcher of the lymphatic system and father of a 27-yr old daughter. I can’t imagine your grief and will be praying for your family’s strength and unity.
Mes plus sincères condoléances Monsieur Hanson.
What a tremendous blow to lose someone so young, so accomplished, and so promising. She, no doubt, carried that same deep common sense and wisdom of her Father. Know her spirit will always be with you and with all of those she touched.
I am dedicated reader of your articles and many of your books. My sincere condolences at the loss of your beautiful daughter. My the Lord bless and keep you during this difficult time.
My heart aches for you and your family at the loss of your daughter. I’ll keep you in my prayers. I don’t know you personally Mr. Hanson, but you have been speaking on my behalf for many years through your writing. May God give you and your family the strength to see you through this difficult passage.
We have fond remembrances of Susannah from our European trip a few years ago. As stated, she always provided superior service to her fellow travelers. We agree with how special she was and will keep her accommodating spirit in our presence as we go about our daily lives
Please accept my sincere condolences for your profound loss. Thank you for sharing the beautiful obituary you wrote for Susannah. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Mr. Hanson and family,
You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. You have written a beautiful tribute to your marvelous daughter. All who read it will know her love and talent. Thank you for sharing her with us/
I can’t imagine the pain that you and your family are feeling now, and I wish you all the very best. You have my deep and sincere condolences. Thank you for this post . . . it is a beautiful tribute to a remarkable young lady.
I am so sorry to learn of this tragedy. Our thoughts are with you.
May your memories of good times shared with her balm your sorrows.
Very sorry for the your loss. My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers.
Heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of your bright, beautiful and talented daughter. I have been reading your columns for many years now, you will be in all of our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Mr. Hanson and Family,
Our little family reads your columns and books with great interest. We were saddened today reading of your loss. I pray you go through this valley, feeling the presence of angels lifting and supporting you and your family.
Sincerely Eric A. Simmons DO
I only met Susannah for a short while on a National Review cruise in 2008, but I remember how much my daughter Sarah and I liked her. She was a lovely young woman; no wonder you are so proud of her.
We were so shocked to hear of her passing, but the deep shock and sorrow you must be feeling is beyond any words. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers,
Barbara Fisher
My deepest sympathy to you and yours. May God be with you at this most difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to the Hanson family in the sudden loss of their beloved Susannah. Susannah was a bright star, shining down on all that knew her. She had tremendous strength and was always ready to assist, no matter the request. I will miss her beautiful smile and gentle ways.
What a beautiful young woman, such a deep loss for you and your family. My deepest condolences, Dr. Hanson.
My sincerest sympathy for you and your family at this sad time.
So very sorry.
May her memory be a blessing
Kevin Buckley
I am such a fan of your writings and am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know you will treasure even the small time you had with your daughter. Some don’t have even that much.
My heart weeps for the your family….may God give you strength.
Dear professor Hanson,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss.
May her memory be for a blessing.
Dear Dr. Hanson,
It is with a profound sense of loss that I read the news of the passing of your beloved and wholly beautiful daughter Susannah.
There are no words to assuage the grief you and your family feel at this most difficult of times.
As a father of five I can think of nothing that would bring more pain than the loss of a child. Though I do not know this type of loss personally, please accept my empathy and prayers.
God be with you.
Over many years I’ve learned much and have enjoyed things you’ve written and said. In response, I have always hoped you were enjoying your life. I am so sorry you have experienced this tragedy.
A beautiful young woman. May she rest in peace.
Susannah brightened the hallways and classrooms for faculty and fellow students at Pepperdine and reminded us by her example that it is more blessed to give than to receive. She has given us all very much to live up to in our own brief opportunities to make meaning of our lives on this earth.
I’m so sorry to learn of your loss Mr. Hanson. May you and your family find the strength to get through this difficult time.
Mr Hanson, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your daughter. I cannot pretend to understand how this loss impacts you, but know that you have friends outside of the family that will mourn with and for you. You and your family are in our prayers
This is just sad, shattering news. I am comforted slightly by the belief that God has need of her beautiful gifts and outlook. Please accept my family’s condolences. Susannah is in my prayers
Victor,
Please accept my condolences on such a horrible loss. She was a beautiful and accomplished young woman. Your tribute is very moving. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Ron Radosh
God keep you and yours, Dr. Hanson.
no words can console, but many share your pain and pray that GOD comforts your family
The gems that are your experiences, knowledge, and wisdom shared in this blog are a weekly inspiration to me. I wish so badly I had words of equal power for you at this time. My condolences on your loss.
How blessed you all were to have her, although for too short a time. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
Dr. Hanson, I am so very sorry to read of your loss. It is inconceivable to me to lose a child. May you be comforted in your sorrow by the love of your God and the love of countless friends and family, and strangers whose lives you have touched by your writings. May her memory be a blessing.
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your daughter. May God grant you and your family comfort in this difficult time of loss, and may her memory be for a blessing to all those who loved her.
My deepest sympathies to the Hanson family. Your loss is felt by all of us.
a friend I would of liked to have. Someone I wish I had known. What a beautiful soul.
Victor, if i may be so personal, my sincerest condolences. I have followed your writings for several years and this piece is no less than your best. It remains an eternal truth that a man ought never have to bury his children.
I hope that you can come to peace with this loss.
John Steele
When there was no column, I knew something was very wrong. I am so sorry that you have suffered the loss of your beautiful daughter. I too am a parent who lost a bright and widely-loved son to cancer at age 36, and I know firsthand how that devastating impact can hollow out your heart. I know your Susannah is enfolded now in the light and love of God. My prayers are for you and your family, that you may find comfort together in the memories of those precious tiny moments with Susannah that will come as the first grief subsides.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I will pray that the Lord may accept her in paradise, and may your family know comfort the word cannot give
Dear Prof. Hanson… The Lord bless you and your family, may He make His face shine upon you and give you peace and strength in this difficult time. May the memory of Susannah Merry be a blessing to you as time goes on, a source of faith and inspiration as she was in life. ~ Dan Hennessy
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.
My simple and humble prayers before so great and mysterious an event as you have experienced. I enter this mystery on my knees hoping to elicit some measure of comfort for this remarkable family and the one precious life of Suzy.
My heartfelt condolences to the Hanson family. I am just an admirer of Dr. Hanson’s writings and I know it means very little in this difficult time, but I hope they find strength in knowing they have my thoughts and prayers.
The Garden of Love
Fully grown, but still your child,
A flower in full bloom, plucked
in her prime.
Press the precious blossom in
the book of your memories,
And there she’ll remain in
the garden of your love.
A favorite poem of mine which I hope helps in your time of need.
Very sorry to hear this. No parent should bury a child. I am so sorry for you.
Dear Mr. Hanson,
I met you at an event hosted by David Horowitz and have been a fan now for over 10 years. My sincerest condolences upon the loss of your beautiful daughter. God be with you!
My sincerest sympathies on your family’s loss. I can’t imagine the pain, and my family will be in prayer for yours.
VDH,
I am sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hanson family.
The Gigiotti Family
Santa Monica
I’m so, so sorry to read this. No words seem right. I’ll be thinking of Suzy with you tonight.
Sorry for the loss of your wonderful daughter. (My daughter is also named Susannah.) May God bless you with peace and comfort.
Victor, thank you for sharing your heartache with us. My heart goes out to you.
Heartfelt condolences to the Hanson family from a grateful reader. Hamakom yenachem etchem b’toch she’ar avelai Tziyon Vi’yerushalayim. G-d bless.
I’m so sorry for the loss of this marvelous daughter. Your family will be in my prayers. Your account of her life indicates that she lived every minute of it with grace and courage. What a fine child you raised. You can remember her with love and admiration; although it will hardly fill the enormous wound her loss must have made in your heart.
Our condolences to the Hanson family. May God bless you and give you comfort in this time of difficulty. Stay in peace.
Mr. Hanson, I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful and accomplished young woman. May God be with you and your family.
Too soon for such a lovely young lady, and daughter of a great man. Much too soon for us, who will be less for her absence. But if Susannah could speak with us, I’m confident she would say “Don’t weep for me. It’s beautiful here. More beautiful than you could imagine. For those who love God and are called according to His purpose, like my dear dad, I will see you soon! And we will be glad again. No more tears.”
May God give you and your family strength, Dr. Hanson.
I am so very sorry to hear the loss of your child -yes, child. My sons are close to 50 and I still cannot bear the thought of losing one. The thought is so painful to me that I cannot help but mourn your loss.
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up His Countenance and Give you Peace.
God Bless Suzy and the Hanson Family.
Dr. Hanson:
My sincere condolences on the untimely loss of your daughter. May she rest in peace and may the many memories you have shared, sustain you through this sorrowful time.
With Kindest Regards,
Jack Raia
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved daughter. My condolences and our thoughts here are with you in what must be a difficult time.
A bright and beautiful woman. A terrible loss. My condolences, Victor, to you and your family.
My heart breaks for your loss. There aren’t words: only prayers. May you feel the Lord’s presence in her absence.
My sincere condolences Dr. Hanson on the loss of your daughter. Though not knowing your family we have followed your writings for many years. Your daughter had a very special talent here but her spirit is now free. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time of your profound loss.
My most sincere condolences to you and your family.
May god give you comfort and peace. A beautiful tribute to your daughter.
Mr. Hanson, your pain at the loss of this shining light must be excruciating. May God grant you and your family the strength and grace to deal with this terrible event. Prayers for all.
my deepest sympathies
I am very sorry for your loss.
To The Hanson Family,
Our Hearts and Prayers go out to you at this time of your loss. May yourSusannah’s love and laughter live on in all of us.
My heart goes out to you, sir, and to your family.
My deepest condolences on this unimaginably painful loss.
Heartbreaking. I am so sorry.
Dear Dr. Hanson,
May God grant you comfort among all the mourners of your community, and may your daughter’s memory be for a blessing.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I am the father of two daughters and I can’t imagine losing either.
My heart goes out to you and your loved ones.
Sir,
You and your family have my deepest condolences. I will remember you in my prayers.
My condolences to you and to your family. May the joys of her life and your memories of her bright shining star help you through this darkest of times.
I’ve read untold thousands of VDH’s words and I’m at a loss for even one good one here. My thoughts are with you and your family, sir.
As a father who has also tragically lost a daughter, I offer condolences with the knowledge that there are no words equal to the moment. Although you do not know me, I feel as if, through your writings, I know you. So I wanted to let you know that, while the grief is unrelenting and the notion of a return to normal life unfathomable, after due time, it is possible to smile and laugh again. Godspeed.
My deepest condolences to the Hanson family.
I deeply regret the loss of this good person.
Prayers and condolences to the Hanson family. May God grant you and your wonderful daughter His peace, and may your fond memories of her help fill the hole in your hearts.
— Bill Macfadyen
Santa Barbara
My sincere condolences on your loss, Professor Hanson.
no words can console, but many share your pain. may GOD comfort your family
I am so sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family.
My family went through a similar tragedy when my sister, Sylvia Moyra Björnson, died from leukemia when she was a senior at Theodore Roosevelt High School. While her body is gone she lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
I lost my baby sister at 40 to breast cancer. She’s in a better place, but we are saddened.
https://versaday.com/Months/01/0109.aspx
God bless and carry on…
My heart goes out to you and all your family at this time of great loss. Thank you for sharing the qualities of this wonderful young woman. She was indeed a treasure! You are all in my prayers at this time.
Very sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my daughter 7 years ago at the age of 33. There are no words….
My most profound condolences on your loss. Take what joy you can in the good times you had together.
May each tear remind you of the infinite love she represents. Parents are not supposed to bury their children. It’s a hole in your heart. But she made your heart whole.
Thank you Mr. Hanson for your wise words about this perplexing world.
Donna
I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter.
Deepest condolences. Nothing is worse than losing a child. I hope you and your family can find solace in each other.
Leah Kabaker
Very sorry for your loss.
Sincere condolences to you and your family. You will all be in our prayers.
My sincerest condolences. May she ride on angel’s wings to our Lord’s house. God bless you and the entire Davis family.
Dear Victor,
What an absolutely beautiful daughter, inside and out. As the father of
a daughter myself, I can only imagine the crushing grief of your loss.
I pray that Ro 8:28 will somehow bring purpose out of tragedy.
May the Comforter be with you.
Sincerely,
Ed
Oh, Victor, I am so,so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Hanson,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you and your family in this time and always and forever. Our prayers are with you all.
VDH, I cannot imagine the grief you and your family must be experiencing. From your beautiful obituary, she sounded like an amazing young woman. You have my condolences and prayers for the repose of her soul.
I’m very saddened to hear of the loss of Susannah. My condolences to family and friends.
Mr. Hanson,
Even though I am in my mid-40s I am just getting started in life in my role as a parent and provider, with two young daughters (5 yrs old and a newborn who flew down from heaven 7 weeks ago). As a teen, having lost two brothers long before their time were tragedies that I felt might equip me to deal with the magnitude of what you are likely undergoing; but learning of your loss is heart-wrenching. My mother survived the loss of two children — and I long admired her strength and perseverance — but I would hardly refer to the “that which did not kill her made her stronger” axiom in her situation or yours. Honor your daughter’s memories; I never knew her, but I will too, as my two girls grow up.
Dear Mr. Hanson, my sympathy and prayers with you and your family. May the Lord hold your hearts in His hands at this time.
I’m so sorry.
I am praying for you and your family; it’s the only thing I can do.
Dear Dr. Hanson and Family,
So sorry to hear about your unexpected loss. Heartfelt and everlasting memories of your Suzy. RIP. You have my deepest sympathy. God bless.
So sad. My condolences to VDH and the entire Davis-Hanson family.
Mr. Hanson, I was saddened to hear of the death of your daughter. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Dear Mr. Hanson, I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
What a radiant smile. Dr. Hanson, may your family have peace.
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your cherished daughter. May her memory be a blessing.
Victor,
It’s a horrible thing to outlive a child, especially one so full of promise as Susannah. I know you and Cara are shellshocked at this, especially as you have struggled with both chronic and acute physical problems yourself. I remember her on the D. Horowitz trip to Tuscany and the great times we all had. It was so sad for us to hear of it on the NR cruise. Please know that thousands of people are thinking of you and your grief and wishing you and your familly well.
Norm Hapke
I am so very sorry to hear of your daughter’s untimely passing. My deepest condolences for you and your family in its loss of this earthly treasure. May the Lord provide you grace and love and all that you need during this time. Bless you.
VDH, so sorry to hear about this. Your family will be in our prayers.
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your beloved daughter.
Adding my family’s prayers and heartfelt sympathy and condolences to everyone else’s. I hope your family can find comfort in God’s presence and promise.
Professor, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my family’s sincerest condolences. An unfortunate lesson to have the opportunity to learn, how a father copes with such an unimaginable loss. As the father of three girls myself, 6, 4 and 1, it is a tragic lesson that I will nonetheless take to heart.
Mr. Hanson
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. My daughter Lindsey went to school with Susannah and always spoke highly of her.
so sorry for your loss. my thoughts are with you and your family.
Prof. Hanson, my deepest sympathies on your loss.
Dear VDH, it was with immediate sorrow that I read of the loss of your dear daugter. I know of no words that can truly comfort you and your family at this time. Yet, I send heartfelt condolences and the hope that in some way God may bless you even in this deep distress.
VDH – This sucks. I’m sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Words fail me. I am sick at heart for your loss. Your writings reflect a decency badly needed in this turbulent time. This news brought tears to my eyes. I cannot properly express my condolences to you and your family. G-d bless.
My sincere condolences at your immense loss.
There is nothing anyone can say at a time like this, yet for some reason we still try. As in combat, as in life, it’s the unexpected blow that hits you the hardest.
Beautiful tribute, VDH. I am sad you had to write it. God bless you and your family, they are in my prayers.
Dear Dr. Hanson,
I know you from Hugh Hewitt.
I am a Tribble.
Susannah was so beautiful.
And I am just so sorry.
I really have no words.
I just can’t imagine.
I have 3 beautiful daughters, myself.
Ages 29 – 34.
And a beautiful son, 22.
And I am a believer.
Which for me, somehow,
Makes it even more difficult to bear.
But we know how the story ends.
And we are blessed beyond measure
For the knowing.
But, still…
Prayers for you and your family.
I’m so very sorry.
Breck Nichols
Dallas, Texas
My deepest condolences to the Hanson family. I have no words adequate for this loss. May the Good Lord grant you comfort and solace in this time of grievous loss.
i am an avid reader of your writings on National Review online and was so saddened to hear of your grat loss. My prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
I am sure that Suzy lived with the exact same heart, intelligence, and integrity that her father lives by as evidenced by his amazing blog. So sorry for your loss Victor. You will always keep her within.
Sincere condolences, Mr. Hanson. I lost a lovely young secretary of the same age, back in 1998.
Would that I could lift some of your burden. My prayers for peace and solace for your family, and all who loved her.
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
me ke aloha to Professor for a father’s greatest loss, his daughter before him and before 30.
I hope “Suzy”‘s “zeal for life and adventure” nested among “six generations” of Hansons in the family home bring comfort and peace to him who through these Private Papers has given us understanding and direction in these fractured times.
My heartfelt condolences.
What a stunningly gorgeous girl! My heart goes out to Dr. Hansen and his family, the pain must be unbearable. Prayers for you all.
Sometimes children run ahead, out of sight, but not beyond the reach of their parents’ love.
May God comfort you and your family, Mr. Hanson.
May your daughter rest in peace.
My heart breaks for the Hanson family. May her spirit always guide you and her memories uplift you, so that you may each heal and continue on life’s journeys until you are reunited with her in heaven. My heartfelt condolensces. I wish you all strength and peace.
Mr. Hanson, I am so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter. May God bless and keep you and your family during this difficult time. My prayers are with you. Vicki Huston
My thoughts are with you and you family. Truly a loss for everybody.
Dear Dr. Hanson, though nothing can touch your anguish at this parting, think of her as on an extended vacation in Paradise. You will see her again.
Dr. Hanson, you have been with with so many of us as an invisible, but real companion since the fall of the Twin Towers. You could not change what is, but in abiding with us and sharing your thoughts and insights, you have been a comfort to many.
For some things, however, there is no explanation that matters. All we can do to return the favor is to offer our prayers, and abide now in spirit with you. We do. We shall. May God bring you and yours comfort.
Grief is the price we pay for love, and for having loved. Your family’s own love for your daughter is clearly manifest in your feelings, grief, and reckoning–what she had of life had love and loving attention in it in loving company and cherished surroundings. I hope your memories of your own kindness toward her, your cherishing of your precious time in her company, and your tenderness toward your precious child help soothe the pain settling down upon you all now.
So very sorry–may the pain fade, and the best of the memories remain forever fresh. Take Thucydides’s comfort from the suffering of others. Cicero’s thoughts upon losing Tullia–searingly real, and there is C.S. Lewis–A Grief Observed. In transmitted and transmitting wisdom there is some comfort.
May you all find it, and find the joy your daughter brought to you once more.
There are no words adequate to the task, but I offer my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Very sad to hear about this, Mr. Hanson. My sincere condolences. Praying for you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss, she sounds like a lovely young woman, God bless your grieving soul.
Such devastating news. Praying for you and your family, Mr. Hanson.
My condolences. I hope your memories sustain you and yours through this difficult time.
God bless the Hanson family. We pray for your loss.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Dr. Hanson. I was extremely saddened to hear about the passing of your daughter, and extend my condolences to you and your family. I lack sufficient words to truly express my sympathy. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
I’m so terribly sorry to read this. Best wishes to everyone in your family. Our thoughts are with you.
Dr. Hanson,
So sorry to hear of your loss. She must have been a lovely and very talented child.
My heart is aching for you and your family. Your daughter sounds like a wonderful woman. The world will be a lesser place with out her. God be with you and your family.
May God Bless and protect you and yours, and welcome this beautiful woman into his home.
I am so sorry for your tragic loss. I will pray for you in your time of grief.
Simply staggered by the news of your terrible loss. Reading about this extraordinary woman here makes it even more accute.
Dr. Hanson…my heart breaks for you and your family. What a profound and devastating loss. I will keep you close in my thoughts and prayers. May your precious, treasured memories give you strength through this impossibly difficult time.
Patricia
Condolences to you and your family, Mr. Hanson. Be assured of prayers for all of you during this terribly difficult time. God be with you!
May God’s eternal peace that is beyond all telling be completely yours. Congratulations on bringing up a young lady who’s clearly so accomplished, so grounded, and so joyful. Never an easy task at any time, but especially during the current times. You are to be commended.
Mr. Hanson, I thank you for sharing to me and others about your daughter’s beautiful life. I am deeply sorry and you have my prayers for you and your family in this difficult time.
What a terrible loss, I can see Suzy was a wonderful person. My deepest condolences, Dr. Hanson.
Very sad news, my deepest sympathies.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Prayers for the Hanson family.
Mr. Hanson and family you have my deepest sympathy in this time of your loss.
May her soul be bound up in the bonds of life and may her memory be a blessing.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
God bless her soul.
To the Hanson family, our deepest sympathies. Our prayers are with you.
Professor Hanson, please accept my deepest sympathies. What a terrible loss for you and your family. Your eulogy is beautiful and elegant. Your Suzy was a remarkable woman. God Bless you and your family.
So very sorry for your loss.
Dear Dr. Hanson, you and your family have my deepest condolences, and you have my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss
Dear Mr. Hanson,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your daughter. May God bless you and your family.
My deepest condolonces sir to you and your family.
Baruch dayan ha-emet (blessed is the true judge). Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. May you be comforted and may her memory be for a blessing.
Prayers.
Please accept my condolences. Losing a family member is a terrible thing. May she and your family find peace.
After reading Suzy’s obituary, I recall one of the many quotes I read after my son died – I do not know who wrote it, but it surely fits: “underneath this stone doth lie, as much beauty as could die.” Such a vibrant young lady will be sorely missed. God bless you all. CTS
So sorry to hear of your loss. God bless.
Victor,
Our deepest condolences. There are no words to express our sorrow over the loss of your beautiful daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Howard & Lynda Schultz
Mr. Hanson
Please accept my prayers and sympathy on the loss of your daughter. May you find comfort in the love of your family and friends.
Professor Hanson, my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beloved daughter.
So very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
I wish most sincerely that the day comes quickly that you can celebrate her memory with far less accompanying pain. No parent should lose a child. You are an inspirational thinker and writer to many of us. I am sure your daughter adored you. I wish for your entire family strength, love, and peace.
Dear Mr. Hanson ,
I am so sorry for the loss of your kind and beautiful daughter . Leukemia took my mother very quickly as well so I understand the depths of your grief . Know that she is with God .
Words fail me. My heart goes out to you and your family. God bless.
Very sorry for your loss, Mr. Hanson.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
My brother would be 61 today. Leukemia killed him. I am very sorry for your loss. Susannah was a beautiful young lady.
Mr. Hanson, My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Your obituary for your daughter Susannah is beautiful, but it is something that no parent should ever have to write. May God strengthen you all and give you comfort.
God bless your beloved young daughter. I am so sorry to hear of her death and your loss. I will keep her and your family in my prayers.
My deepest condolences. God rest Suzy’s soul & God bless you and your family.
After years of following your writings, I feel a certain kinship with you Victor, our rural backgrounds, and ways of common sense made me relish your writing, and share your pain of what was/is happening to your community, and way of life.
I cannot offer much, besides heartfelt grief for your loss. Thank you.
It is a terrible event to lose a child, our condolences to your Family.
May her memory be a blessing.
Mr. Hanson,
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.
Most sincerely,
Ryan
Peace to you and your family, the peace that comes from the knowledge that to depart is to be with the Lord, and that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Requiescat in pace, Susannah Merry, child of God. Amen.
You and your family are in our prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing more devastating. She was a beautiful soul, and a blessing to everyone who met her.
Mr Hanson,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Ever since meeting you when you guest lectured at my small ASAP group at the Army War College, I have admired your patriotism and intellectual drive. I am certain that Susannah was a close replica of her father and although her life was short, she had a profound impact on all those she met.
God Bless Susannah.
Andy Milani
Thank you for that lovely story of her life . I have lost an adored wife and daughter in the last few years. May they all be together in god’s loving arms. John Morrissey
My deepest condolences, Dr. Hanson. I have read your work for over a decade, and I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. May God bring you comfort.
I’m very sorry to hear of the loss of Sussanah. May God bless you and your family as you grieve the loss of this wonderful lady.
My sincere condolences on the loss of Susannah. She was a touchingly beautiful young lady. I pray that you will find consolation in her memory.
Our prayers and condolences to you and your family.
My heart felt condolences, Dr. Hanson. May she rest in peace.
My condolences on the untimely loss of your daughter.
Your writing made her alive again, to me. She was an outstanding individual.
I lost my brother when he was 22, and my little sister years later as she turned 23. I know the pain your family is going through, because I know what it did to us, and saw what it did to my parents. Please don’t let it destroy you and your family.
God Bless you all, and Suzy who is in God’s hands now.
I know I speak for the whole Roman reenactment fraternity when I express my deepest sympathy for this terrible event. I have three daughters myself and cannot imagine the grief losing one would cause. My heart goes out to you, frater meus.
Dear Mr. Hanson,
I am so sorry for your loss. As a father as well, I can only begin to imagine what you and your family is going through. I am sure she is at peace and will be with you always.
I offer my sincere condolences on your terrible loss. I hope that the whole Hansen family will be comforted by each other, friends and to whatever small extent is possible by all of us who admire your family’s traditions that were evident in Susannah’s life.
I offer my sincere condolences on your terrible loss. I hope that the whole Hanson family will be comforted by each other, friends and to whatever small extent is possible by all of us who admire your family’s traditions that were evident in Susannah’s life.
O dear G-d I am so sorry. May you and all who mourn be comforted, and may all be reunited in the world to come.
My deepest condolences to the Hanson family. You are in my prayers.
It was heart breaking to open my daily reading of your blog and learn of the loss of your daughter. I will be praying for you and your family as you mourn the loss of this inspirational woman, and celebrate her life together these next days, weeks, and months. “May God meet all of your needs according to His riches in glory.”
May the Lord comfort you,
Ted Rathman
Please accept my warmest sympathies on this unsupportable loss. My heart goes out to your family.
Dr Hanson, Please accept my sincere condolences. There is nothing neither sadder nor more devastating than the loss of one’s child. I’m a long time admirer of your many books and contributions. May God bless.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your daughter. May God’s grace and mercy guide you and your family through this difficult time.
My sincere condolences on the tragic loss.
May the Lord Jesus Christ comfort you and your family at this sorrowful time with His everlasting peace and mercy.
I am sorry for your loss. My family will pray for Suzy and your family.
“Each life that touches ours for good reflects thine own great mercy, Lord; Thou sendest blessings from above thru words and deeds of those who love.” (LDS hymn) As one of the most respected and honored names in the Conservative sphere, your loss is our loss. We’ve followed your historical, political, economic and cultural opinions for years, and now we know–and deeply feel–your stunning sorrow. Keep in your long view the eternities.
One of the main reasons I read National Review is for your columns. As a father of 3, I cannot begin to imagine the grief you must be experiencing. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Dear Dr. Hanson,
I am deeply sorry for your loss sir. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jay Scallan
Dear Mr. Hanson,
my sincere condolences on the death of your daughter, taken away far too young.
May her memory be a blessing
My deepest condolences to the Hanson family. This touching tribute leaves no doubt what Suzy will always mean to her family, and why the world will always need more like her. RIP.
So sad, so very, very sad. I don’t know what to say.
Sir,
My wife and I extent our sincerest condolences on your loss. You have been an inspiration to many through your shared thoughts, thank you. May peace be with you and your family.
Faulkner observed that true grief must weep on universal bones, and there can be no more universal sorrow than the death of a child. our hearts break with you Dr. Hanson. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family in this hour of anguish.
My most sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beloved daughter. I pray God will give you all peace and comfort in this time.
My deepest condolences to you and yours.
Dear Prof. Hanson: I am so very sorry to learn of your loss. I pray that God has blessed Susannah with a life of eternal peace and joy. -Brad Miner
Prayers for you and your family.
Prayers ascending. Just about the worst thing possible for a parent to lose a child, as I know from experience. Lovely name, lovely daughter, all-too-short life. But yet still….
“….heard, half-heard, in the stillness
Between two waves of the sea.
Quick now, here, now, always –
A condition of complete simplicity
(Costing not less than everything)
And all shall be well and
All manner of thing shall be well
When the tongues of flame are in-folded
Into the crown knot of fire
And the fire and the rose are one.”
(Eliot, Little Gidding)
My deepest condolences to the Hanson family.
What can I say? “I’m sorry” hardly covers it.
A wise man once told me that so long a someone remembers us, we truly do not die. Susy will be with you forever.
Dear Victor and family. There are no words that can soothe your pain but please know that my deepest sympathy is with you and your family. The world will miss such a lovely spirit. I only hope that you will continue your valuable work in remembrance of her. Best, Stephan Morrow
I am so sorry for your loss , I have children , I give you and your family all my love.
Deepest sympathy. Children can be our greatest joy or a knife in the heart, or both at the same time.
Dear Dr. Hanson,
My deepest sympathies and condolences on the passing of your daughter. I follow your columns in NRO religiously and have come do have deep respect for you and your family. It seems Susannah was carrying forward in the Hanson family traditions, and all Americans have lost her as well. Very sad.
What a lovely young woman. My heart aches for you. You have my deepest condolences for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers lifted for your family.
Mr. Hanson, Sadness is my only thought for your loss. You now belong to a unique club of unfortunate parents who have lost a child. It is such a terrible group to be a part of. There are many of us and as you go forward they will make themselves known. Remember the good things as they will allow you to cope with your loss. It will never leave but you will learn to accept.
JB.
Dr. Hanson,
That’s just crushing. So sorry for your loss. I have a 22 year-old daughter and I can’t even imagine what you are going through.
Dear Hanson Family,
Please accept our family’s sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved Suzy. No parent should ever have to bury their child; it is a pain like no other, and one that only someone who has been through themselves can truly understand.
It is obvious that Suzy was much loved and had a wonderful time here on Earth. I hope that you can take some small comfort in the knowledge that now those who reside in Heaven are the recipients of her grace and goodness.
I know that she will be watching over you from up above.
Dr. Hanson,
Words fail me. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
My deepest condolences. My prayers for your daughter, for you, and for your family.
My condolences on the loss of your daughter, Mr Hanson. My family lost a similarly vibrant and central sister a decade ago, when my parents were still both living and had to endure this unnatural death. It is a profound shock for everyone.
May her memory be eternal!
Dr. Hanson:
You are among the wisest and most eloquent voices on the web. My deep condolences to you and your family on the loss of your daughter.
Deep and sincere condolences from Canada. I will pray for your family
Dr. Hanson, I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter. She has given you so much to be proud of. May you find some solace in knowing that the thoughts of so many of us who know and love you through your work are with you now.
Dr Hanson, My deepest and most sincere condolences. Our prayers go out for you and yours in this time.
Dr. Hanson:
My deepest sympathies for your terrible loss. Suzannah obviously had a wonderful upbringing and a great but all too short life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
God bless.
Rest in peace. Best wishes from another father.
My heart goes out to the Hanson family.
May the angels escort you into paradise; at your coming, may the martyrs receive you and bring you into the holy city, Jerusalem. May the chorus of angels receive you, and with Lazarus, once a poor man, may you have eternal rest.
Dr. Hanson,
My most sincere condolences to you and your family. Words are inadequate, but they are all we have to convey to others far away what we would wish to share through a hug, our tears, or holding a hand. May your memories of Susannah never diminish while you wait to rejoin her in the afterlife.
May God Bless
Dr. Hanson,
I’m just one of the millions who enjoy your writing. I am so sorry for your loss. Susannah was an absolutely beautiful young woman.
God Bless,
Larry Lauranzano
Beverly MA
Do not judge a biography by it’s length,
Nor by the number of pages in it.
Judge it by the richness of it’s contents
Sometimes those unfinished are among the most poignant
Do not judge a song by it’s duration
Nor by the number of it’s notes
Judge it by the way it touches and lifts the soul
Sometimes those unfinished are among the most beautiful
And when something has enriched your life
And when it’s melody lingers on in your heart
Is it unfinished?
Or is it endless?
Dr. Hanson, though we’ve never met, I’ve long admired your writing. I’m deeply sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. I will pray for the repose of her soul and for comfort for you and your wife and family.
God bless you,
David Deavel
I am only an anonymous reader who has been strengthened and inspired by your works over the years. Yet my heart feels heavy and my eyes are filled with tears. My thoughts are with you and Suzy’s friends and family during this sad,sad time.
we are all truly saddened by this news. may the almighty find a way to increase his mercy upon us all –
I am saddened beyond tears – please accept my deepest sympathy and condolence. Words fail – please know how much I care in your time of immeasurable loss.
How very sad. May her memories live on. My deepest sympathies to you, Victor, and your family.
Sir,
Very sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories of Susannah.
Highest regards,
Mike Misczuk
I am very saddened by your loss.
You are in my thoughts.
Dear Dr. Hanson,
Words cannot properly comfort you and your family while you grieve, but I pray that God sends many to surround you with love and support as you mourn. My deepest condolences!
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Mr. Hanson.
Dear Professor Hanson:
Please know that I am deeply saddened to hear this. My own daughter is a light and joy in my life, and the thought of losing her is too terrible to contemplate.
Your writings have been my intellectual companions, inspiration, and support for 20 years now–ever since I first read “Western Way.” I can only imagine how proud your children were of their father; your own pride in them is evident in the tribute here. I’m very sorry this has happened to your family, and I am offering a prayer to God on all of your behalf.
–C.H. Zakian
Dear Hanson Family, We are terribly sorry to hear this news. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
very sorry for you loss…we will be praying for you and your family
Peace be with you and yours, Mr. Hanson.
Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends….
A beautiful life cut short by a horrible disease is so sad….
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers.
“For God hath marked each sorrowing day, And numbered every secret tear ; And Heaven`s long age of bliss shall pay, For all his children suffer here. W.C. Bryant
Dr. Hanson, many like myself consider you a national treasure, and it seems fitting that such a kind gentleman should be father to such a beautiful and talented young woman. The love you have for her shines through your tribute, and I know her loving memory will be with you forever. May God bless Susannah and all the Hansons.
Dear Dr. Hanson,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your daughter.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Sorry to learn of the dimming of your daughter’s bright light. May your family find peace in this time of sorrow. Rejoice in the the good she did and the wonders she woked. God bless you all.
Dear Hanson family, my sincere condolences to you all. How sad to lose this beautiful, wonderful young woman. May God bless you, and give you hope that you will joyfully reunite with Suzy in Heaven.
Dr. Hanson,
I will remember Susannah in my prayers. You and your family are much in my heart and prayers. Eternal Rest Grant unto her O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
Fr. Tom
Dear Dr. Hanson:
Those with children have some small idea of what you and your family are going through. There are really no words. My deepest condolences on the passing of your daughter. We will all pray for your family.
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Hanson,
My wife and I are greatly saddened over your loss. Your daughter had a wonderful life and career. Reading her obituary here, we’re sure she lifted the spirits of all who met her.
We met briefly in Philadelphia last year when you gave a talk on America’s future prospects. It was a thrill to see you speak. I read you 2x a week. When things seem insane and hopeless I turn to your site to find rationality.
Our deepest sympathy,
Kevin McLaughlin & Amy Kovach
Just so, so sorry to learn of this.
Thousands of people throughout the United States are praying for you and your family.
I am so sorry and saddened to hear of the loss of your daughter. May you find peace in cherished memories of her until you are reunited once again. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mr. Hanson,
I too lost a daughter, she was 15 years old, I am saddened that you must face this type of grief. Please accept my condolences and know that your family in my prayers.
Love to you and yours,
Mary
You have my deepest condolences, Mr. Hanson. I am very sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences on your loss. I will pray for your family in the days and weeks to come.
I am so sorry. I will pray for you and your family.
God bless.
Most heartfelt condolences to Professor Hanson and family on the loss of your beautiful Susannah. May her memory be forever a blessing.
Dr. Hanson,
I pray the Lord gives you and your family peace beyond understanding in the wake of your loss. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Dear Hanson family,
My most heartfelt condolences in your loss. Bless you and yours and may our Lord embrace your treasured daughter.
With greAtest respect and warmest regards,
Paul F. Parmenter
Auburn, WA
A wonderful person, born into a talented family. My condolences.
Thank you, Dr. Hanson, for the brief introduction to your beautiful daughter, Suzy. Her passing brings sadness because of the loss to the human race. Your words over the years have brought comfort, instruction, reflection to me and many of your readers. Now, in your time of need, our words are weak and frail. Be assured of our prayers for you and your extended family and all whom Suzy touched with her life. May her memory be eternal. And may the God of Peace, smother you in His peace and comfort. The Eternal Father knows of your loss – He experienced it with His Son. Lord have Mercy.
Victor: Our deepest condolences to you and your family on this horribly tragic loss. We will always remember our trips with you where we met Susannah, who was as lovely as you describe in your wonderful tribute.
Richard and Lijana
As we say in the Orthodox Church, “may her memory be eternal,” and may our Lord grant you grace to endure this sorrow, and may He grant her a place where there is no sighing or sorrow. Lord, have mercy on your handmaiden and grant peace and comfort to the entire Hanson family.
Your and your wife should be proud to have given such spiritual and personal beauty, however briefly, to this tangled world.
Dr. Hanson, just now learned of your daughter’s departure. Susannah, what a lovely name for a lovely person. May this ‘separation’ be but a few fleeting years, with reunion in everlasting life.
I pray that our God and Father of compassion, “Who comforts us in all our sorrows [2 Corinthians 1:3],” showers you and your family with His grace. We mourn together. I promise to raise your name and needs to our risen Lord Jesus. He saved your life in Libya; He cares for your soul now. Hope in Him.
You have provided such great wisdom for me over the years, through your books and NRO columns; now I want to serve you.
I am so sorry for your loss, Victor. I will never forget the fun times I had with your kind, friendly, beautiful daughter during the NR cruise of 2008. She was so easy to get along with and interesting to talk to. My heart breaks for you and your family, who are all in my prayers.
My sincerest condolances to you and your family! I can’t imagine the pain of a parent burying a child. My heart breaks for you.
Dick Bigelow
G-d Bless your daughter and her family.
Our condolences to everyone.
So tragic, so sorry. No words suffice. May God comfort you and your family.
Mr. Hanson, please accept my deep condolences for the loss of your daughter. I read your web posts regularly and watch and listen to your appearances on television and radio whenever I can. As the steward and caretaker of 280 acres in northern Missouri that belong to my family, I especially relate to your writings about your grape farm. It is evident to me from reading this post that your daughter was a wonderful person who was full of life and was precious to her family and friends. I have no doubt that, as with me, the thoughts and prayers of thousands of your followers are with you.
Dear Professor Hanson,
Please accept the condolences of a long time admirer for your heartbreaking loss. Many prayers for you.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Susannah from middle school which I attended with her at ALMS in Selma. She was such a nice and bright girl. So sad and shocking to hear of her passing. My daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2, so I will make sure to make a donation in Susannah’s memory.
To lose a child is a tragedy of the greatest magnitude. God Bless
Condolences,
I sounds like she had a very happy and productive life. Please, celebrate the time you had together and don’t regret the time you’ll miss.
Popular figures may fall victim to Shakespeare’s Caesar tragedy, but thankfully it’s different for the rest of us. The good lives after us and it can grow.
My deepest condolences.
What a wonderful outpouring of heartfelt support. Of this i am certain—- ” Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive of the glories of the heaven world— A world whose power of response to her aspirations is limited only by her capacity to aspire. And of the beauty of form and colour, and sound here no words can speak, for mortal language has no terms in which those radiant splendours may find expression” God bless the Hanson family……
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Susannah, you, and your family will be in my prayers.
Dear Mr. Hanson: You and your family have my deepest sympathy for the unimaginable loss of your daughter.
My condolences on your most grievous loss. May perpetual light shine upon her.
May God console you on your loss.
My heart goes out to you, your family and the friends for the loss of your daughter Susannah. Having followed your writings for so long, and having derived so much as a result, my sadness for you and your family is pronounced.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wint
Oh no. :'( Such a terrible tragedy when the good and beautiful die so young.
God bless her and keep her, and give her eternal life in His Kingdom. Her pain is gone, and she is living in glory now.
Such knowledge likely doesn’t decrease the pain of her passing and absence though, I’m sure. God give you His comfort then, in the face of such a hard loss.
My sincerest condolences for you and your family. She must have been a beautiful person and her loss darkens the world a bit.
I’m very sorry for your and your family loss. I’m long time follower of your publishing. And this was, and still is, a shock. That’s something you never expect.
My deepest condolences.
I lost my daughter to a drunk driver when she was 28. That was more than 11 years ago. Time helps, but it sure doesn’t mend the hole left in your heart. Words mean nothing to parent who has lost their child. Cherish the one’s that are here.
As beautiful as this elegy is, no father should ever have to write one. My condolences.
Victor,
I am so very sorry for your loss sir. Back in 2013 when I had the honor of speaking with you in Selma, on a visit, you told me she was completing her schooling at Pepperdine. Although I didn’t know her, I recalled seeing her at Fresno State when I graduated. Ten years younger than me I was so proud of her and Bill after we spoke. She like Bill your son was so gifted. I feel so very bad for you Bill and the rest of the family. I have also sent a remembrance card to Stanford and will make a donation in her memory. Cancer is a fight that we need to win. We have lost so many in our family to it. I lost my grandfather in October 2013 to it. My deepest condolences her memory will live on and God promises us that we will see her again.
Jared Carter
Caruthers California.
Dr. Hanson, thank you for bringing this young lady into the world. While alive, she lived!
I am very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences and I will keep Susannah and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
My very sincere condolences. God Bless.
Victor:
Our condolences on the loss of your daughter. With children of the same age, we can appreciate the sadness that your family is experiencing right now. God bless.
So sorry for your loss. There is no greater loss. God bless you and your family.
It’s such an empty phrase, but please accept my condolences for such a tragic event..
*Please delete my earlier post for which contained an unintended error*
.
Mr. Hanson,
I own several of your books and, for many years, I have been an admirer of your columns and the excruciating good sense on offer in them. Also, there are your podcast interviews, speeches and lectures – I have enjoyed and been enlightened by your divers contributions to our national debates, and by the love of your land expressed in so many ways, in so many columns.
I have found, down the years, that a fine mind (as yours) is more than often accompanied by a great and vulnerable heart. You, Great Heart, must be near to inconsolable at this time.
.
As neither friend nor family, I have little to offer in the way of comfort and, other than the short verse below, will not presume further.
.
I offer but haven’t the wit to explain why this small poem by Tennyson has been a comfort when I have suffered terrible, shocking loss that arrives so swiftly and leaves a smothering sadness. Perhaps the poet’s imagery organizes and focuses – intensifies – the grief. I do not know. I can only share that I am nearly overwhelmed by poem’s end, and that that release has helped me, in the past, to bear what must be borne.
Break, break, break,
On thy cold gray stones, O Sea!
And I would that my tongue could utter
The thoughts that arise in me.
O, well for the fisherman’s boy,
That he shouts with his sister at play!
O, well for the sailor lad,
That he sings in his boat on the bay!
And the stately ships go on
To their haven under the hill;
But O for the touch of a vanished hand,
And the sound of a voice that is still!
Break, break, break,
At the foot of thy crags, O Sea!
But the tender grace of a day that is dead
Will never come back to me.
–Alfred, Lord Tennyson
.
.
May God bless and receive Susannah Merry Hanson into his Kingdom and console the great heart so devastated by her leaving.
.
Requiescat in pace.
My condolences to you and yours. Her life seems to have been rich in everything except length of years. It is a loss for your family and our world – a world so needful of more people like her. I believe she is in a better place, and that her life as lived and her eternal soul can remain a source of blessings in the days and years ahead.
Rest in peace young woman and may your family find solace in God’s loving embrace.
Prof Hanson, You are one of my favorite historian/authors. My deepest condolences for such a heartbreaking loss. Include my prayers to the outpouring of such wonderful support. Please take care.
Dios Bendiga la familia Hanson, amen
I send my deepest sympathy, sir. With such a father as she had, she must have been an amazing young woman, indeed.
I am so sorry for your loss, Dr. Hanson. My daughter is also named Susannah and she is 28 years old, and somehow that makes it more personal. God be with you and your family.
Dr Hanson
My condolences to you and your family. I am a great admirer of yours and I will say a prayer for your family tonight.
Semper Fi
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’ve been such a fan of yours over the years. How terribly sad. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Wishing you and your family as much peace as is possible during this terrible time.
The world must indeed be a poorer place with Susy’s passing.
Our hearts go out to all of the family and friends.
Charles and Cathy
Time will heal as only life is for the living
So very sad to hear this. Heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you and your family.
God bless you and your family, Dr. Hanson. I am so sorry for the loss of such a precious child.
I am so sorry to see this and it saddens my heart. I always truly thought Susannah was one of the most beautiful girls I’d seen during my years at Pepperdine. Unfortunately, I spoke with her briefly only a few times. I know it would have been awesome to have been friends with her. You could tell by her warmth to everyone. I am so sorry this world has lost such a beautiful person inside and out. Truly gorgeous gal..
I’m so sorry for your loss. She has the eyes of an angel, those taken young usually do . I know she’ll be with you always on the farm. You’ll feel her and know that she’s just beyond that veil which separates us poor mortals from the immortals. God bless.
Mr. Hanson, Please accept our heartfelt sadness for the loss of your precious daughter Susannah. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful daughter.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
My young wife died last month of leukemia complications. We were both avid readers of Dr. Hanson’s books and columns.
Suzy sounds very much like her. Raised in farm country in central New York, my wife was an educator whose greatest goal was to get students using their hands again.
Suzy’s obit put it nicely, how blessed we were to have known them.
My condolences to you and your family, Victor.
– A longtime reader
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of this bright and lovely young woman. What a loss– not just to those who loved her, but also to the future – the good she might have accomplished will now be forever unrealized.
Sometimes the randomness and cruelty of the universe is just incomprehensible. May you find comfort in her memory.
Dr. Hanson, I don’t quite know what to say to a parent who’s lost a child. I believe she’s in a better place now and that you and your family will someday be reunited with her.
My deepest sympathies and condolences. Prayers to you and your family. G-d bless!
My deepest sympathies and condolences to your family and you, Sir. May God’s mercy be upon you all.
Such a beautiful child..and beautiful on the inside. Prayers for you and your family. God needed another Angel..She will await you.
Dear Dr. Hanson and family,
Thank you for sharing your memories of your lovely daughter. May you take strength from these memories and from the prayers of all connected to you and yours. Please accept my condolences at this difficult time.
Dear Dr. Hanson,
I wish to express my deepest condolences to you and your family at this most sad time. Please know that my family and myself will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Respectfully,
Anthony Canales
+ May her memory be eternal. My prayers and sympathies to the Hanson family. May God give you strength and courage at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your beautiful daughter. May your family feel God’s presence as you grieve, and may you find comfort in the wonderful memories of Susannah that you will always carry in your hearts. Praying for you.
What a beautiful girl from a wonderful family.
I wish I could take the burden of your pain and make it mine, but I cannot.
I am so sorry.
It is hard understand what God has for us, but all is resolved with our Christ.
Mr Hanson,
There are few words that can give much comfort in times of such great loss. Just know that there are many of us who read this and wept for you and your family.
Sincerest condolences to you and the entire family.
Please know you are held up by many. My sincerest condolences and most fervent prayers for you and your family.
Dr. Hanson. Over the years, your columns, books, podcasts, and other communications have been a steady keel in a tempestuous storm, slicing with truth through chaotic waters of the 21st century. Your work has forged deep bonds of gratitude and trust with many people. And now, upon the loss of your daughter, I hope that in some small measure the sympathies of this larger community helps you through these difficult days.
Our sincerest condolences to you and your family on such a great loss.
Susannah was a Facebook friend, and her father still is. While I didn’t get to know her well, I sent her a friend request, which she quickly accepted, after she had contacted me on VDH’s account. Here is what she wrote:
February 10, 2011
2/10, 6:49pm
Victor Davis Hanson
many thanks
I just like to say I appreciate very much the numerous times you have posted links and recent articles of my dad’s on his facebook website. Especially since I often forget to keep the page updated. Your efforts do not go unnoticed! Thank you very much!
Take care and warm regards,
Susannah Hanson
Until I received that note, I was unaware that VDH had a daughter, that she was his webmaster (or at least his Facebookmaster), and that he and I had chosen the same Biblical name for our daughters, although we selected different alliterations of the original Hebrew name Shoshannah. I wrote back to her:
February 10, 2011
2/10, 11:56pm
Morton A Goldberg
Thanks so much! And what a pleasant surprise to hear from you. Incidentally, my only child is a daughter who shares your name, but spells it “Suzanna”. Here’s a picture of us together:
Warm regards,
Mort Goldberg
I attached a picture of my daughter Suzanna Eads and me, then followed up with a friend request. Subsequently, our only contacts were on each others’ posts, but that was enough to convey her extraordinary warmth, intelligence, and sincerity.
What a loss. What a shame!
When I retire, It is my hope to go on one of your classical tours. You must be very proud of your daughter to follow in your footsteps in this endeavor. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. God keep her.
Your hearts must be broken beyond the endurance of man. I hope that you will eventually find God’s peace. My deepest sympathies.
I’m soooo sorry for this awful, awful tragedy, the loss of a young daughter on the threshold of her promising life. When a child predeceases a parent, it always makes the universe seem out of kilter with the natural order of things.
“The world has angels all too few, and heaven is overflowing.”
Deepest and heartfelt sympathy, for you and your entire family, Dr. Hanson
Shocking news. May God support and comfort you and your family as he takes Suzy into his embrace.
“The world has angels all too few, and heaven is overflowing”
.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your entire family, Dr Hanson
Sorry for your loss; peace be with you & yours…
Professor Hanson, I expect there are no words or amount of tears that can help you heal at this time. After each of my two children died, I thought I would, too. I can never forget the kind words and attempts to comfort me, sometimes from complete strangers, that gradually helped me connect with the world again. I am so impressed by the touching comments made by all the people who wrote here. They will not bring back your lovely and accomplished child, but will surely bring a tiny seed of comfort that will take root in your heart and will grow until you think you can live again. With heartfelt prayers for you and your family and friends.
What an extraordinary and generous thing for you, a preeminent public intellectual, to share this terrible loss.
Such a beautiful girl. As Shakespeare said in the Passionate Pilgrim:
” Sweet rose, fair flower, untimely pluck’’d, soon vaded,
Pluck’’d in the bud, and vaded in the spring!
Bright orient pearl, alack! too timely shaded;
Fair creature, kill’d too soon by death’s sharp sting!
Like a green plum that hangs upon a tree,
And falls, through wind, before the fall should be.”
My heartfelt and deepest sympathies for the Hanson family. May your grief pass in time and you go from strength to strength.
Moved to tears on hearing of your sad loss.Having been a reader of yours for some years I have enjoyed your writing immensely.Living in the new South Africa I can relate to your posts on the loss of infrastructure,the lawlessness and deteriorating condition of our civilization.
We Lost an ex Miss Port Elizabeth winner last week in a tragic road accident.Bianca was the same age as your daughter,a pharmacist studying for her doctorate and only 8 months married with a bright future.A person in a large luxury car tried passing on a blind rise resulted in a head on collision with Bianca’s car.Her loss is very deeply felt and then to read of your loss breaks my heart. As the father of beautiful daughter born in September ’86 who now lives in Melbourne I cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling.
I can only extend my sincere condolences to you and yours.
God bless
BPS Trehaeven
Port Elizabeth
South Africa
May perpetual light shine upon thee.
I’m so very, very sorry for your loss. May God hold you close at this trying time.
Our deepest condolences to the Hanson family. A special lady who loved and was loved and whose memory will be eternal. Αιώνια η μνήμη της.
Please accept my condolences and those of Legal Insurrection’s other authors and readers.
VDH-
So very sad to read this. Sincerest condolences to you and your wife and family. Wish I could be there
with you to just sit for a time. With you in spirit.
Lee
I’m only comforted by the number of good people who have posted here. We are all fans. And heartsick about this news. I pray that the Lord gives you and your family strength now.
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled
you have faith in God, have faith also in Me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not would I have told you
that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to Myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going, you know the way.’
Eternal rest grant unto Susannah, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Dear Mr. Hanson,
I am a great fan of your columns, years ago I stumbled upon your writing its clarity and insight so refreshing that I would quote and forward your work to many. We have never met but you have become close to me as you became someone to whom I could search out for the clear thinking on many subjects that interest me. So the tragic news of your loss hit me personally how one would feel of an old friend. My prayers and condolences to you and your family.
God Bless,
Paul Hargraves
Dr. Hanson,
I post as jfk1967 on NRO.
I grew up in Fresno, attended CSUF, ’94 Alumnus. Your columns, both on NRO and on PJMedia always give me hope.
When Mr. Goldberg posted the news of your daughters death on the Corner….
I can offer no consolance, Sir. Only gratitude.
Please keep doing what you do.
I am so very sorry.
John F. Kirby
I’m a longtime reader of your articles, Dr. Hanson, first time ever posting a message. I wish you and your family God’s peace, comfort and purpose over the passing of your beautiful daughter.
My heart grieves for you Mr and Mrs Hanson. May the joy your writing, Mr Hanson, provides me be returned to comfort you in these terrible moments. May you be comforted.
Prayers and Blessings,
Rob and Joanna
How heartbreaking – May your daughter rest in peace and I hope your family can find some comfort in your memories. God bless you.
Dear Victor,
What a beautiful daughter! She looks so much like Cara. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you . Marcia
In a short time from now, when the funeral is long over and your friends are wondering about your sanity, find a local chapter of The Compassionate Friends. Every member has lost a child and it saved my sanity and helped me preserve the rest of my family.
The sadness envelops one and the heart aches. May the Lord comfort you and your family all the days of your lives.
There is no pain like losing a child. It seems that Susannah was a sweet fragrance wherever she went. May God’s grace surround you and your family. My sincerest sympathy to you.
What a beautiful, caring, accomplished young woman! I can’t imagine your grief in losing her. I pray that God comforts you and your family.
I am a longtime fan of VDH’s articles and books. And I am deeply saddened to learn of this untimely loss.
Randall
Chamberlain
Dr. Hanson,
My heartfelt condolences to you and to your family. You will be in my prayers.
Hugh
Nullus dolor est, quem non longinquitas temporis minuat ac molliat.
Victor Davis Hanson is perhaps my favorite commentator because through his writings his humanity and caring shines through. His very big heart had to be a trait that this daughter shared with him. I’m saddened that it’s obviously broken now, I’m glad for the years that he had with her and the pride and love he had for her…Take care, God bless
Dear Dr. Hanson,
Deepest sympathy on the loss of your daughter. May God’s grace strengthen you and yours in your time of trial.
Very saddened at the loss of such a beautiful young lady the Hanson family must be enduring at this time.
RIP: Susannah Hanson
Mr, Hanson,
With thoughts of peace and courage to you and yours.
With the Saints, Give rest, O Lord, to the Soul of your Servant, Susannah, to a place where there is no suffering, nor sorrow, but life eternal. May her memory be eternal.
In times such as these I have often found consolation in the lesson that no suffering, however terrible, is without purpose, and that the day is coming when every tear will be wiped away.
Sincere condolences for your loss, Dr. Hanson. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Alas the ancient reminders you taught us were right. Praying for you and your family to go through this tragedy. God bless the Hansons.
My sincerest condolences on your loss.
Please accept my condolences for your loss.
I am so, so sorry. She was and is very beautiful.
I have a daughter. I cannot imagine what you are going through. But I hope, I pray, and I very much want to believe that you will be with her again one day.
Mr. Hanson, Heartfelt condolences to you and your family. God has great plans for this special angel. I pray you find peace.
I too am sorry for your loss sir. She sounds like a wonderfully bright and loving person. Through your pain please take heart in the blessing of time you had with her. I know that does not help much at this time, but you are a blessed man.
I am truly sorry for your family’s loss. May time ease the pain, and may your memories comfort you.
My sincere condolences for you and all your family, Professor Hanson.
Be strong.
God Bless Suzy and the Hanson Family in their time of sorrow.
My sincerest condolences on your untimely loss. May your hearts heal surrounded in her memory.
Your daughter is so beautiful! She accomplished so much in her life. May you feel the love of Almighty God as you learn to live without your daughter. You are loved and appreciated by so many that read your wise words each day. You are in my prayers.
Dear Dr. Hanson,
Sometimes when we lose the most beautiful shining person in our lives,
a part–or all–of ourselves dies with them.
I pray you will not let this happen to you.
You are Suzy’s beloved Daddy, and always will be.
She would want you to continue to live with joy
just as she did.
You honor her best by shining even brighter now,
her light combined with yours.
Such is her immortality
and such is your victory, Victor Davis.
“And death shall have no dominion.”
And there at Venice gave
His body to that pleasant country’s earth,
And his pure soul unto his captain Christ,
Under whose colours he had fought so long.
My deepest sympathies go out to the Hanson family for the loss of Susannah. I hope you all can find comfort in each other and in her memory, and in the knowledge that she is with the Lord now, surrounded by his Love, smiling down upon you and always by your sides.
Mr. Hanson,
I am so sad for your loss. Words fail, but that was a wonderful tribute to a lovely young lady who lived a more meaningful life in her short time than many people manage in a long span. God bless and keep your family close, and bring you peace in time.
Dr. Hanson,
I am heartbroken to hear of your daughters passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Heavy and heartfelt condolences to Mr. Hanson and his family. Wishing you peace and strength.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
But,Lancelot stood back apace
“She has,” he thought,”a lovely face.’
“God in his Mercy grant her Grace.”
The Lady of Shallot
I am truly heartbroken for you. Prayers for you and your family.
No parent should have to endure such a loss. You and your family are truly inspirational people and we are all the poorer for your loss. You have my and my family’s sincerest condolences.
Dr, Hanson,
Grace to you and peace in your difficult time.
Gud, som haver baren kar. May God hold her dear.
I am so sorry about your daughter. Please know that you and your family are in our payers.
Phillip Christman
Dr. Hanson,
I can not imagine the sense of loss that you and your family are feeling at this time. I exchanged some brief correspondence with Susannah through Facebook awhile ago. It was easy to tell that she had great respect and admiration for you. She was truly a beautiful soul.
May God Bless and Keep you in this time of mourning.
Dr Hanson,
May God hold her soul in the palm of his hand. Prayers for you and your family.
Dr. Hanson, I know you, your family, the farm, your valley, your ancestors and now your daughter only through your blog, articles and books over the past thirteen years. I have developed a kinship and near familial affection for you and yours, one sided of course, through the bits of history and intellect you have shared. I can only imagine the sorrow you must feel. Please accept our family’s condolences for your loss and know that your beloved daughter is in God’s hands now.
Deep condolences and prayers for the Hanson family.
We are diminished.
Dr. Hanson,
Your family is in our prayers. With deepest sadness for the loss of Susannah.
Very sorry to hear of your loss…
I’ll probably remember this more than anything I have read that you have written, and that has been a lot. I hope it helps fill the holes in your hearts. Quite a girl you have there. Charlotte, NC
I pray for your love of Our Tragic Human Condition, which knows no prejudice and touches one as it touches all, I pray your love of This Condition, Howsoever Tragic… to continue to grow, even through inexplicable events such as the loss of your beautiful and wise and charitable daughter. May your family and friends find strength to continue to be strong, and continue to be a source of strength to us, your thankful readers.
Terribly saddened to read this. Condolences to the Hanson family.
Dr. Hanson,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful, kind & wonderful Susannah. I remember her fondly from her time here at Pepperdine. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
My deepest sympathy, Victor. I pray for you and your family to be comforted. Thank you for all you do, and for presenting the world such a fine daughter.
Dr. Hanson,
While it is impossible to truly empathize with what you and your family are experiencing, please know your many devoted readers are mourning with you all at this most tragic time. May God provide you and your family with as much solace and comfort as could be possible. You are in our prayers!
With Deepest Sympathy,
John Mendez & Family
Dr Hanson,
I am so sorry to read of your daughters passing. I hope you and your family will find comfort in each other and the memories of your child. And receive some small solace from all of us who have admired and respected you these many years.
Dear Prof. Hanson:
We have never met, but I have several of your books, and consider myself someone who appreciates your intellect, perspective, and work, even though we might not agree on everything.
More importantly, I have two young daughters. Even so, I cannot imagine how hard it must be. She led an imporessive life, and you have my deepest sympathies.
Harry Johnson
Dear Prof. Hanson:
We have never met, but I have several of your books, and consider myself someone who appreciates your intellect, perspective, and work, even though we might not agree on everything.
More importantly, I have two young daughters. Even so, I cannot imagine how hard it must be. She led an impressive life, and you have my deepest sympathies.
Harry Johnson
Sir:
My condolences on the loss of your daughter.
Sincerely,
Bob Wakefield
For a parent to loose a child is the deepest sadness I can think of .
I sincerely hope you can survive the sadness you must be going through .
And you have my deepest sympathies and thoughts go out to you, a
valued man in troubled times .
I have been fan of your work for many years and am heart broken to learn of your loss.
Prayers and thoughts! Such a beautiful woman in her prime.
Dr. Hanson,
My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. I have a daughter of my own who is the apple of my eye and the smile that warms my soul. I can only imagine the pain that you must be going through. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord of tender mercies hold you and yours in the palm of his hand.
Sincerely,
Danny King
I am so sorry about your loss of your daughter. Praying for you and your family.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your lovely daughter. I simply cannot imagine the pain you and your family are dealing with, and am weeping for you and for them and most of all, for that lovely girl.
Hope
So very sorry for your loss. In our prayers.
Dr. Hanson,
So very sorry for your family’s loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.
I pray that you all are showered by the love of God, as well as the love of friends and family. May the peace that passeth understanding be yours
Deepest sympathy, VDH. She sounds and looks like a wonderful girl, a credit to her upbringing.
We offer our condolences for your loss. May your memories of Suzy bring you comfort and peace.
Sir, I wanted to express my heartfelt sympathy for your family’s loss. Your writings have inspired me, as well as the life of example that you have led. I’ve no doubt your daughter was in many ways a reflection of her father, and I know that there is another world where she awaits you. May G-d’s blessing be with you and your family during this most difficult time, and please know that your family has touched so many in its own way, from your writings to your daughter’s teaching
My family’s thoughts and prayers are with your family’s and with Savannah.
We know not the time, nor the manner. Clearly, though, this young lass helped those around her to become better people. Requiescat in pace.
We are all God’s children. That shared parentage should make anyone grieve to witness a brother or sister publicly drinking a cup of gall and bitterness. I know that because I am personally and deeply acquainted with many of the depths of grief, of loss, and the fiery furnace of ongoing tribulation into which the human experience flings so many of us. Unless one has walked down that road, one can’t understand another’s sorrow. Were it my gift to give, I would lend you and your family comfort sufficient for your current need. Life has also taught me that when each one of us drinks from our own poisoned cup, we have within ourselves the antidote. That cure often comes only with acceptance of that which we cannot change and profoundly deep and abiding trust in Him who gave us life and His purposes for His beloved and sometimes wayward children. As with the other writer, may the peace which passeth understanding, silently steal into the hearts of your and yours.
I’m very sorry for your loss. G-d bless you and you family.
My sincerest condolences to you and all your family, as well as Suzy’s friends and colleagues. It is so hard to find the words to say at a time like this, when a person so young and full of the joy of experiencing life is taken. My husband and I lost our only daughter to a rare and rampant leukemia 15 years ago (she was 26), and have seen the world with new eyes since she passed away. We still find ourselves viewing things from Mandy’s perspective on life, and we continually draw strength from her courage. God bless you and all who were touched by your daughter.
Have read the beautiful words written about your daughter’s life.
It is a terrible loss.
My deepest sympathy at this saddest of times.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Why are the best and brightest taken from us so young? May you be comforted to know that you produced and raised such an accomplished and beautiful and good daughter. May God grant you and all who loved her His peace.
Thank you for the wisdom you have shared with fellow citizens.
Dr. Hanson,
You and your family have our deepest sympathies. I will say some Rosaries for your daughter and for the family. No parent should ever have to watch their child depart this world before them. The thought is just heartbreaking. May God grant you and the entire family the grace of some solace in your hours of grief.
Words fail while the tears do not. I only offer an empathy which I wish I did not have.
Dr. Hanson,
My condolences to you and your family.
Dr. and Mrs. Hansen,
Thousands of your readers mourn the tragic loss of tour beautiful daughter. So many kind thoughts and prayers are offered, and I to will prayer for you and your family. Please carry on your good work and know we love you. For what you do and thank you for sharing Suzy’s brief life with.us.
Roland Sharer
Your family have suffered a huge & tragic loss. I wish you sincere condolences, and although your family will never fully recover from this tragedy, I hope that the Almighty will give you the strength to rebuild your lives soon.
Heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Hanson family. May the love of your family and the power of God’s promise sustain you during this difficult time.
Dear Sir,
I am so sorry to hear of your daughters death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
She looked like a wonderful young lady.
John
I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the depth of your sadness. God bless you and your family.
Mr. Hanson,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I almost lost my Son after a horrific brutal attack in Stockton 5 years ago. Not to say I understand your pain, but know it’s a parents worst nightmare. May your daughter find peace and joy with God.
From me and all my family who I have encouraged and read your work – and do, I send you love and hope for peace in your heart.
Susanna, I meant to say in my earlier note. My apologies. Please edit my post if you can. God’s blessings to you all.
Am sorry for your loss.
I’m so very sorry for your unimaginable loss. My family will keep yours in our prayers.
As a father of three daughters I can only imagine your loss and sadness. As one of your many readers, I feel I know you like a neighbor. Your shared thoughts and beliefs have allowed us a little glimpse of who you are and what you consider important. Many of us are now praying for you and your family to find joy in the memory of your daughter’s smiles and laughter. We are at your side, patting your shoulder and sighing deeply as we share the loss of a young soul. God Bless you and your family.
I send my heartfelt and sincere condolences to the Hanson family. It sounds like Suzy was a wonderful young woman who made a big impact on many others and will surely be missed. May the Lord provide you with His Peace at this difficult time.
Dr. Hanson, please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
My heart is broken over your loss. May God wrap His arms around you and your family and give you comfort and peace. My deepest condolences.
Dr. Hanson, I wish to express my sincerest condolences on the recent passing of your daughter. May God bless and watch over you and your family during this most difficult time.
Christopher Lopez
Tampa, FL
Dr. Hanson,
My heartfelt condolence for your loss. You and yours are in my prayers.
Dr. Hanson:
I read today of the death of your daughter Susannah. It just took the breath right out of me. How, in the name of any comprehensible notion of justice, can we lose her, with all the joy, promise, and value with which she brightened this world, and retain so many we’d be so much better off without?
I am a retired judge from Monterey, and a graduate of UC Davis. My grandfather ( who lived through the civil war) came to California in 1884. My Dad graduated from Stanford in 1923. I have spent many a day in the orchards of a college pal in Lindsay, and my only daughter, Nina, is 26, a wrangler at the Alisal Guest Ranch.
I read everything you write, and feel a real kinship as we see the world so much the same, me learning so very much from you. I honestly cannot find words to express the sorrow I feel for you and yours at this hour, but please accept this effort. I hope wth all my heart you will find your way through this, and back one day to your life of learning and the enlightenment of others. We will all find our measure of Susannah there.
Robert F. Moody
We offer deepest condolences to you and your family for the tragic loss of Susannah Merry Hanson.
Dear VDH,
My deepest condolences for your loss. My family and I were saddened when we heard the news, and we send our thoughts and prayers to you in this time of trouble. God bless.
Oh, dear Mr. Hanson,
One can feel the tears in the words of the eulogy.
What a remarkably beautiful young woman. The many heartwarming tributes of respect and admiration speak so beautifully to the loveliness of her.
May you, your entire family, all of those who loved her, and all of those whom she loved, receive all of the comfort and blessings that your hearts and souls can hold.
So sorry for your loss Mr. Hanson. May God bless you and help you through this most difficult time.
Dr. Hanson: Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your daughter.
I’m am so sorry for your loss.
Mr. Hanson,
What a beautiful and kind young woman! You and your wife clearly did a wonderful job of raising her to be a strong, productive and moral person. Please know that you and yours have my deepest sympathy in your loss. However, at this most difficult of times, may you and your family take comfort in the knowledge that there IS a God and you WILL see her again.
Grief, separation, sadness, and despair, will subside with time and the Lord’s soft and persistent presence. I have looked to Him for the anticipated joy of seeing my loved ones again, while awaiting His judgement on when I can share in their presence. Seek Him, listen to His guidance. He has promised you a room in His mansion.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Michael and Michelle Buford
Lafayette Louisiana
Victor,
Such sad news. May our Lord hold her close and care for her forever.
Gary Smith
Victor and Family,
My most sincere condolences to you and your family. A beautiful eulogy of a lovely young woman. The loss of a child is unfathomable. I hope that you may find the needed strength to sustain yourselves.
I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Susannah Merry Hanson. I too lost a family member suddenly at that age so I understand how painful it can be to the survivors. I hope the Hanson family is able to grieve in peace and remember her warmly in their hearts. May God bless Susannah and the entire Hanson family during this difficult period.
My condolences to you Prof. Hanson.
May Susannah’s memory be for a blessing.
Deepest condolences to you and your family. The unexpectedness of your loss must surely add to your grief. Much sympathy to you.
My condolences for your family’s loss Dr. Hanson. I am not sure why, but sometimes our best and brightest burn out like a shooting star way before they should.
Dear Dr Hanson,
I am so sorry for your loss. Condolences and best wishes to you and your family in this difficult time.
from an avid Canadian reader of your work,
Steve Petersson
Thank you for all you have done for this country. I can only morn with you for this loss.
Just learned of this. Greek history was one of my favorite classes at Stanford circa 1990. So sorry for this unimaginable loss.
Dr Hanson:
Please accept our heartfelt condolences and sympathies on your family’s loss. Words cannot convey the pleasure and guidance I have received from reading your work, and I feel terrible that I could not contribute more toward a sense of easing your pain. All my best,
Daylin Louderback & family
I’m heartbroken over your loss. My deepest condolences Mr Hanson.
Mr. Hanson, I have been reading your articles for so many years that I feel like I know you, so please believe me when I say that I am truly sorry for your loss.
“I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost…” Lincoln
Dear Dr Hanson,
I am very sorry for your loss. Condolances to you and to your family. I just hope that in time you will find strenght to cherish the memory of loved and lost by doing what you do best and that is trying to make this world a better place, inhabited by more human beings like Susannah. There is a million things I would like to say, but they all probably already crossed your mind. I’ll just try to ensure you in face of this tragedy how important your work is, not just for people in California and US, but around the globe. My toughts are with you and your family in these difficult times.
Suzy sounds like an amazing person and was quite the go-getter. As I’m looking at my baby son right now and I can only imagine what you’re going through, Mr Hanson. My condolences to you and your family.
Victor, I type this with tears rolling down my cheeks. Our heart goes out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jane Ann and Walter
Dear Victor and family of Susannah,
I was privileged to teach Latin 1 and 2 to Susannah in the fall of 2005 and winter of 2006. She was an A student. I remember her sitting three times a week in the second or third seat to the right of the class in Cowell 111. Always on time, homework done, quiet and occasionally smiling. Serious and reserved. It was a great shock to learn of her death from JPL, last Thursday and instantly remember her radiant face. Please accept my deepest sympathy. –Gildas
Dear Dr. Hanson and family,
I am sad to learn of the loss of your beautiful daughter, and I pray that all of you will know peace, and remember that she is not ‘gone’, but “gone on ahead”, in the arms of our Lord.
May God bless you all.
Sincerely,
GA Peel
Devastating to say the least… may her memory be eternal… God be with you all.
There are no adequate words. Only these tears that join others in an outpouring of love and support for your dear family on the loss of this precious young woman.
Dear Mr Hanson,
I want to send my deep regrets to you, your family, her friends and all who knew her. I will say a prayer for her and my condolences are with you in this unimaginably difficult time.
A light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it.
ar dheis de go raibh a h-anam,
Patrick Sheehan
I read nearly all of Victor’s columns and I am a big fan. I am saddened by this terrible news. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hanson family.
Truly heartbreaking. God bless you.
May you have a windfall of whatever helps make the pain go away.
Dear Dr. Hanson,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I pray for your comfort during this sad time.
Sincerely yours,
Jeff Silveira
Mr. Hanson and Family,
My condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you, and even now you continue to inspire us, as your beloved Suzy so obviously inspired you.
Robert Fine
My deepest condolences to the Hanson family. God bless during this sad and difficult time.
I am so very, very sorry. May God hold you in his hand and comfort you in your time of loss.
Dear Dr. Hanson,
We send our condolences and our prayers to you and your family from Texas.
Dear Mr. Hanson,
From one old Swedish warhorse to another, thoughts are with you and your family, you look at the mirror and ,why her not here , instead of this one. – Nelson
Susannah was a beautiful woman – beautiful in every way. Her “translation” is a loss for humanity. But our loss is Heaven’s gain.
John Donne
1624 Meditation 17
Devotions upon Emergent Occasions
…. all mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated; God employs several translators; some pieces are translated by age, some by sickness, some by war, some by justice; but God’s hand is in every translation, and his hand shall bind up all our scattered leaves again, for that library where every book shall lie open to one another;….
No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were; any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
You can take great Joy, pride and comfort in knowing, that a small piece of her spirit will live on in all who knew and loved her and all who learned of her life and passing through this beautifully written obituary.
Me and my family pray that you find peace and comfort in her memories.
God Bless!
The Casey Family
Hey Victor,
Very sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for all that you do.
Chris
Condolences to the family of one of the great thinkers of our time.
She seems like a really nice daughter, sister, granddaughter…..
The hurt and pain will be immense, and we wish you the best in support and family togetherness in this worse of ever time.
I’m terribly sorry for you loss. You have my sincere condolences.
Dear Mr. Hanson and Family,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Being myself only 27 and an avid reader of your work for years, I cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Frederic Goehringer,
Nuremberg, Germany
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
May God comfort you in this time of terrible loss.
Thank you Mr. Hanson for all you do in the name of Liberty.
With great sadness I pray you have the strength to guide your family through this difficult time and to continue your important endeavors.
I’m sad to hear about your loss Mr. Hanson…. You raised a great young lady… please pass on our condolences to your wife and family… I can’t imagine losing one of my kids… we always think we’ll out live them don’t we…? it’s sad to say sometimes it doesn’t work out that way…
RIP…
Dear Dr. Hanson,
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Having read your moving account of her life, I will never forget Suzy. You and your family are in my prayers every day.
Sincerely,
John Dickinson
Sir, my sincerest condolences for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I came late this week to your website, and just learned of your loss. I can’t imagine the heartbreak of losing one’s child. Her eloquent obituary made it clear how special a person she was. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Victor –
We met briefly at the Milton Friedman Foundation event on November 5th in San Francisco through my friend Russ Johnson who I serve with on the Board of the Lincoln Club of Northern CA.
My heart breaks for the loss of such a vibrant, young woman. These losses are especially difficult over the holidays. My father also passed from a rare form of leukemia / lymphoma. I have been an advocate for more clinical trials and research funding for this disease and pancreatic cancer as a result.
Our family will be thinking of you and praying for you at this difficult time.
My sincere and heartfelt condolences at your time of unthinkable grief. Your Suzy, you and your family will be in my prayers.
I am truly sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your daughter at such a young age. Perhaps now in this period of grief you and your family may find solace, if small, in the ever relevant advice of the ancients, in which you yourself as well as your stolen child were both well-versed, that, since man`s fortune as long as he lives is ever changing, so he must face this world with courage and strength, and accept the fleeting happiness of mortals. My heart goes out to you and yours, though you are only known to me through your written works.
With sympathy from Norway,
Rino Andre Eriksen
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Hanson and his family.
You are my favorite commentator, always brilliant and measured . You have my deepest sympathies for your immense loss. Thank you and God bless you and your family.
I am heartbrokenly saddened by your loss of one of the lights of your life.
I am certain that you have raised your heart, hands and joyful voice countless times to our Lord, thanking Him for the gift that is your daughter… and that she is in your lives and the hearts of you, your family and all those whom she touched.
I have no words that can possibly soften the pain or the loss, save for the empathy from a father of my own light, for whom I, too have given countless blessings and thanks to our Lord for bringing into my life my own treasure whom I am completely devoted to, as you are to your Suzy. My heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family in this hour of mourning
Finally, I humbly offer that – in the next life – you shall hold your treasure again, bathe in the love of her light. Please don’t let that hope go; God entrusted this treasure to you, has called her home as one day all we who believe will one day be called.
And on that glorious day, when you are reunited – there will be such a eternal joy to behold!
Estimado Maestro, que Dios los Bendiga y los mantenga en la Palma de su Mano Derecha.
Juan Rosario
Oh Professor Hanson… you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing the life of your beautiful daughter, Susannah, with all of us. She was clearly an exceptional young lady who accomplished so much and brightened the lives of all she encountered. I am sincerely sorry her time to join the angels came all too soon. God bless and comfort you all.
Grant unto her eternal rest, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon her.
I was touched to read that Susannah followed in her father’s footsteps by studying European history, Classics, and public policy. She must have admired you very much, and the two of you must have cherished time spent in conversations on these subjects.
Mr. Hanson,
You daughter was a wonderful gift from the Lord; You will meet again.
Apollyon has won nothing.
And for now, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Our condolences,
Barry and Rachel Murray
My wife Phyllis and I are very, very sorry for your loss.
Steve Weinberg
Dr Hanson,
I write this looking at my computer through tearful eyes. As a father of a beautiful daughter I know your pain. I pray for you and your family. Lately I’ve been searching for TRUTH and I truly believe Suzy is with Jesus in paradise. None of that will ease your pain right now but knowing and believing gives a reason to look forward to seeing her again in a place with no pain and suffering. Bless you and your family.
Dave Sigman
Loyal Reader
Mr Hanson,
My simple and sincere condolences to you and your family. As a father and kindred soul, I can only imagine your pain. God Bless you, and thank you.
The loss of that beautiful and talented girl will be a deep void that only time and work and memories can partially fill. My deepest sympathy to all of your family. Know that your writings are a gift to all of us in these troubled times as we try to make sense of events.
Dear Mr. Hanson:
My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved daughter. You and your family will be in my family’s prayers.
God Bless You,
Robert(Carlsbad)
Thank you to your wonderful daughter who was loved and made our world a much better place because she was here and loved us back. Thank you for providing her a loving atmosphere in which to grow and develop. Life isn’t fair, but it seems to me that didn’t conquer her and it won’t conquer you or your family.
I believe that you all will be united again never more to die. We can look forward to that…..blessings.
Bernadette Clark
Simi Valley
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Mr. Hanson and Family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family for your recent loss.
My sincerest condolences on your loss.
Dear Dr. Hanson and Family,
I’ve been an avid reader of your columns for many years, and have always appreciated your insight and wisdom.
Your thoughts have been – and continue to be – a heartening beacon of knowledge and intellectual honesty.
May Susannah Merry’s memory be a blessing for your family, and may you find comfort and peace in times ahead.
Sincerely,
Michael G. Moskow
Dr. Hanson & Family
As a huge fan of your books,blog, twitter feed ect., I clicked on the icon of your website last night to read your latest article. At first I was confused, then read on, it can’t be. My heart aches for you, your wife and family at the loss of your beloved daughter Susannah. I am so sorry…the pain of grief I cannot imagine. My prayers is that God may comfort and stay close during this most difficult of times.
Your Friend In Christ,
Maureen S.
Mr. Hanson, and to your family, as one who has lost a dear daughter, before even the last traces of her Spring, I know there are absolutely no words that console. Please, instead, let me offer you these three wishes:
The wish that your child’s laughter ever swells in your hearts.
The wish that your years are made more whole through the gifts her life has graced you with.
The wish that one day, after the last of the soil has been tilled, and the embers of the evening sun have cast the Empyrean crimson, the unfathomable Love that is God will enfold you all.
Professor Hanson,
I am sorry for your family’s loss. You have my deepest condolences.
Thad Stocker
My sincerest condolences to you and your family for your loss, Dr. Hanson. I thoroughly enjoy your writings, and hope that these trying times do not diminish your spirit and keen insight.
I am so sorry, Dr. Hanson, for your horrible loss. We lost our son in an ocean drowning 4 years ago at age 22. I know what that terrible shock feels like. I pray that God will grant your beautiful daughter a place of refreshment, light, and peace. May God bless you and your family at this painful time.
Sincerely,
Karen Blanco
May God ease your hearts and rest her soul.
Dear Dr. Hanson:
Please accept our deepest condolences on the incomprehensible loss of an undoubtedly amazing person – the world would be an infinitely more interesting, kind and compassionate place with more people like Suzy in it.
And thank you very much for your remarkably eloquent, reasoned and deeply thoughtful pieces on the world we live in today. Your writings are brave and brutally honest – we need more people in America who view the world from a more scientific perspective, tempered by the critical component of profound, real-world life experience. Am sure Suzy would have also become such a person.
Best
For the few passing moments I met Suzy. She was a beautiful and kind person. May her beautiful spirit lift you in these hard times. Descansa en Paz Suzy~
I am very sorry to read about your loss.
I am truly sorry for the loss of your daughter. She truly was a remarkable young woman. I am sure you have always been proud of her. I have a son about the same age as Susannah and can only imagine what you are feeling. I have been reading your articles for years and cannot thank you enough.
Thank you so much, Mr. Hanson, for all you do. You are a light in the world.
I am so sorry for your terrible loss. May God bless you and your family and bring you peace.
In sympathy,
Elizabeth Meloney
Victor, words are inadequate in expressing the shock and sadness of learning of Susannah’s passing. I remember here from kindergarten at Terry School, where she was “The Riddle Red Hen” and Andy was the “Wise Old Owl”. Cara made the costumes and I played the piano, and we enjoyed watching our two little stars lead the way.
A couple of years later, she and Andy sang “My Dog’s Bigger Than Your Dog” for the talent show; fast forward to 8th grade and “Cooking class” (I subbed the semester Susannah took the class as her elective). We made chocolate chip cookies one day, and hers just weren’t turning out. If memory serves me, she had misread one of the liquid ingredient amounts (to the excess) and added the chips before blending. There was some concern about following directions that day.
I was so proud of her going to University High, and wish I could have read about her amazing life and accomplishments, her compassion, intelligence, and what an all-around genuine and beautiful woman she grew to be in anything other than her obituary. My heart is broken for you, Cara, and both of your families. I can not imagine the devastation of losing your child.
She holds a special place in my heart. My very sincere sympathy and friendship are yours. Phyllis
Dear Professor Hanson,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Daughter.
Preston Bottger
Dear Victor Davis Hanson, I’ve been reading your articles for nearly a decade now. And although we’ve never met, I feel as I know you intimately through your work. We share, in most cases, values and a similar worldview. So, when I read about the passing of Susannah, I did something which I haven’t done for such a long time… I wept. My heart will continue to ache for you and your family for a little while longer… And for those of us who never had the opportunity to meet and know Susannah. In May you all be free from suffering and have lives of loving kindness and laughter.
So very sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your family.
Words are inadequate. My sincerest condolences on this terrible loss. May God grant you solace.
We are terribly sad to learn of your profound loss. God bless you and your family with strength, love and peace.
Victor, my heart quite literaly cries out for you; after all you have done, and do, to keep the guttering flame of truth alive, this is the bitterest of harvests and most undeserved. God bless you and your family.
Our family’s prayers are with the Hanson family.
Bill Clarkson
I have no words. I have nine children, the youngest of whom is just 29; I can scarce imagine what you and your family are going through. You are all in my prayers.
I mourn for the loss of your daughter. I’m praying that you, her family and friends can find some kind of light in this dark time. You are all in my prayers.
Although I had never met her, I have become diminished at the passing of so fine an individual.
Dear Mr. Hanson, You have my deepest sympathies. A parent shouldn’t have to outlive their kids. Your daughter looked to be a beautiful girl. May God comfort you and your family.
I am saddened at the lost of your daughter. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Dear Mr Hanson,
I was so saddened to read of your loss.
My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.
David
Dear Dr. Hanson,
Though we do not know each other, after following your work closely for ten year, I feel I know you. My deepest sympathy for you and your family during this time. You are in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mike
I was greatly saddened by the news of the passing away of your lovely daughter. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you & your family. As a high school history teacher, I have admired your writings above all else’s and consider you as a Churchillian figure. May God’s peace strengthen you during this season of life and the the love of your family and the fond memories of your daughter sustain you in the future.
Sincerely, Doug Norlander
Mr. Hanson, I hope it is a good morning!
I have discovered you this very morning. As a recently mostly retired emergency physician, I reflect more and wander read through my wonderfilled “phone” . Beginning with one energizing article, moving through, “Who IS this guy?” …I came upon the fresh loss of your Suzy Merry. I am Suzie Grace. It feels personal to me and I am so sorry for the empty spot in your heart.
May you lose yourself in your writing and your raisins until memories of Suzy’s smile bring a smile to your eyes.
Most grateful for your historically based insights,
Very sincerely sorry for your loss,
Suzie Avila
Mr. Hanson,
My deepest condolences and sympathy. Though you don’t know me, I’ve been reading you for years. I always check in with Dr. Hanson to see what he’s thinking about our world. Reading about your daughter made me so sad months ago, and I always think of her when I read your articles. Such a beautiful and accomplished a young lady she was. I cannot imagine your pain. Yet I admire you and thank you so much for continuing your work.
– Robert
Hi. I’m sorry for suzys passing. I went to Terry school with Leif hanson and went. I’m sorry about your cousin Leif. Billy Hanson my brother Valentin Zamora remembered her as well and is sorry for her passing your sister grew up to be a beautiful, smart young lady.
Veronica zamora
Hopefully if you bring in information to your Dr from what has been proven in others they will take a closer look to your particular situation. Hopefully you will get answers!
What a great loss! What wonderful memories! A life well lived. You have our sympathy.
fantastic points altogether, you simply gained a new reader. What could you recommend in regards to your submit that you simply made a few days in the past? Any sure?
Dear Victor and Family- I was listening to one of your interviews and ran across this remembrance page. I want to express my deepest sympathy and I am sorry you have to feel this pain, as I lost my 10 year old son to a brain tumor. Thank you for continuing to reach out to all of us in your wise teaching, I know your daughter is proud of you.
God bless,
Mark
This is a big wake-up call to all of us…
We like to think we have all our ducks in a row, as we plan for our retirement and later years of life.
To be taken away at such a young age, with most of your life ahead of you, is very sad and shocking.
Prof Hanson…I wish you and your whole family my most heartfelt sympathy during this very sad time.
I can somewhat empathize with your deep sense of loss, as our family lost Samya Rose Stumo in the tragic and unnecessary loss of Samya’s life due to the crash of the Boeing 737 Max jet in Ethiopia several years ago… Samya was the only grand niece of the famed crusader for transportation safety, Ralph Nader. I am SO Incredibly sorry for the tragic loss of your amazing daughter, Savannah, VDH!!
How sad, but rewarding to read the accolades to ‘Suzy’. As a viewer of Fox News I have had the occasion to wonder about the beautiful young woman whose picture would invariably adorn the background as VDH would explain complex historical and political issues in terms the average American citizen could easily understand.
God rest her soul and continue to bring solice to her family….
I was very surprised and saddened to learn of your daughter’s death. I have learned that she was a wonderful and thoughtful person.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Dear Victor and all,
I’m shocked! Thankyou for bringing such a beautiful and talented woman into
this world. .I value your thought and commentaries. You make me proud to be
part of the Davis lineage—Charles -Davis- Stanley!
Dr. Hansen, you blessed the world with a treasure. No heart can comprehend the grief of your loss, but I believe none will exceed your joy when you and your angel meet again in God’s presence.