Roping competition remembers Eric Hanson

Eric Hanson was a big part of the Pueblo County Fair and a friend to almost everyone involved.

“He was truly the best kind of person, you can probably talk to anyone around here, he was truly just a goodhearted guy,” said his daughter, Diane.

He died of skin cancer last October and to help remember him, his daughter helped put together a roping competition.

“It’s really special because I know everybody that’s here is coming for kind of their own personal, like faith,” Diane said.

Ropers from across the state and region came to Pueblo to help remember him.

“Eric was my best friend. He’d never count you out, you know. He was always there when you needed him,” said Mike Ortiz.

The competition isn’t only to help remember Eric, but to continue his legacy by setting up and education scholarship.

“Education was super important to my dad for both my brother and I as well as all of the kids he helped out,” Diane said.

Eric was always helping kids in 4H succeed.

“He was all about the kids, whatever it was with the kids Eric was involved,” said Paul Bottini, a friend of Eric’s.

Friends and family say they are looking forward to continuing to spread his legacy.

“Eric was a part of everybody’s life and this just means a lot to everybody,” Ortiz said.