Mark Robert Hanson

Mark (Marc) Robert Hanson beloved father, brother, friend, healer, teacher, partner, and adventurer passed away unexpectedly on July 7, 2025, at the age of 74. Marc’s final days—like his entire life—were lived with zest, curiosity, and a sense of boundless adventure. He filled every space he entered with joy, love, and unforgettable memories.

Born on August 6, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert and Joann (Love) Hanson, Marc was a born explorer and a passionate learner. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Colorado State University and later pursued a license in Acupuncture from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1998. Over the past 25 years, he dedicated himself to healing others through acupuncture and biomechanical movement therapy, helping countless clients improve their longevity and quality of life.

A Sensei and lifelong martial artist in Ninpo Taijutsu, Marc owned and operated a Denver dojo for nearly three decades. Having spent over 40 years of his life understanding and pursuing his art, he achieved the highest rank in Ninpo Taijutsu, Menkio Keiden, master level instructor. His impact on the martial arts community was profound, inspiring hundreds of students through discipline, wisdom, compassion, patience and perseverance. Marc’s lifelong fascination with martial arts was sparked by stories of WWII and Korean War veterans. That curiosity turned into a calling. Beginning formal training in the early 1980s in Denver, he later studied under his dearest friend and brother at heart Kancho Chadwick Minge. Kancho Minge describes Marc as someone who had so much gusto, intrigue and wonder; as someone who was fully committed and someone who went “all out” and did nothing halfway.

Movement and Marc’s love for it extended beyond the dojo. His clinic business helped transform countless patient’s lives by helping to improve and restore mobility and allow others to live more fully. Through this profession he was giving back to others the very essence of what he loved so much about life - movement! Marc was always enjoying hobbies that stimulated his mind, body and spirit: surfing, sailing, climbing, tennis, pilates, snowboarding, kayaking, rollerblading, reading, brain puzzles, playing Ukulele and so much more.

Marc was also a musician and was a bass player in a band called the Conspirators at the age of 15. Music continued to play a role in his life and he shared that joy with his children and grandchildren. Marc was also an entrepreneur, starting various businesses throughout his life including wholesale exotic birds and reptiles at a young age. He lived with insatiable curiosity and left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Marc lived many adventurous years in Hawaii and remained deeply connected to the ocean throughout his life. Owning a sailboat and one day sailing around the world had long been part of his life’s vision—and recently, he proudly brought that dream to life. His boat was more than a vessel; it was the symbol of a lifelong dream realized.

In his final weeks, Marc was on an epic road trip, visiting family and friends, spending time at his boat, making plans for the future and enjoying quality moments with his daughter Riley and his grandchildren. He was beginning the journey back home to Colorado, with his beloved partner Laura “Elle” Ferreras by his side, planning their next chapter—sailing into the sunset together.

Marc’s legacy lives on in his three children—Riley (Hanson) Stolze, Mally (Hanson) Mancilla, and Kestrel Hanson; their mothers, Karna Hanson and Jeri Shoop; his children’s spouses—Buddy, Oscar, and Jacob; and his beloved grandchildren—Rylan and Kyler Mancilla, and Seven and Rhodes Stolze. He is also survived by his sister, Catherine Hanson; her spouse, Paul; and their children, Gabrielle and Addison Targosz. A special mention goes to Elle, his loving partner and fellow dreamer, who shared his heart and plans for the future.

To know Marc was to be inspired—by his strength, his spirit, and his unwavering commitment to living fully. Whether guiding a student or helping a patient, Marc’s mission was always clear: to help you discover the Point.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, students, patients, and all who were fortunate to walk part of his journey with him. He was full of wonder and wanted to experience it all. His story will continue in the lives of all those who loved and cared for him.