Hans Poulsen 1974 photo by Kathy Thormod
We have just heard that Hans Poulsen has died in February 2023. Loving tributes on the One Incredible Family Facebook group honour him for the way he has touched so many in our Community. As those comments vanish so quickly on that platform we had the inspiration to offer this post as a way to co-create a collective Eulogy for Hans.
Please leave your comments below and we will compile this Eulogy here.
We are grateful to Graeme Brown for his permission to use his article Hans Poulsen – Troubadour on our website.
About the above interview: “A chance photo on facebook led us to the extraordinary singer/songwriter Hans Poulsen. I had been quietly searching for him since the beginning of Wrokdown over 8 years ago, and only a very small handful of people knew of his whereabouts. Wendy and I went to his lovely home in the leafy suburbs of Melbourne, and heard his amazing tale of illnesses and recoveries that plagued him around the world in his quest for enlightenment, love and songs. For those who don’t know, Hans suffered a stroke in the 90’s which put paid to his travels, but didn’t totally stop him writing and producing CD’s, all which are available through an internet site. Hans is the epitome of what Wrokdown is about, and I’m so proud that we are able to bring you his story, and also to let him know that we don’t forget…”
Hamish McKay, Kathy Tormod, Hans Poulsen, Karen Hogg 1974
In Iceland 1975 from Inga Eyfells
with Michael Lindfield and Binka Popov
In Iceland 1975
Inspired by CommUnity, a group of NFA volunteers, manages this website. Hearing each others stories, and learning about the history of this community can help us all to find more cohesion and a sense of belonging. Read more.<
I’ve never met Hans, yet he has a special place in my life through his song One Incredible Family. He captured perfectly what it means to me to be part of this global family. Hearing/singing this song nourishes my sense of belonging on a visceral level. THANK YOU!
Dear Hans, he made sharings in the Community Centre last for hours as we sang along with him – such an amazing gift to us all, and to the Findhorn Community. A gentle, kind, loving soul. Our blessings and love go with you on your next journey.
We tell our stories ; show our pictures of what the magic of Findhorn was really like
then and only then if we’re lucky we see the spontaneity
of “one in credible family “
sung by Hans and Lynn White and suddenly we are transported on a wave of love to that precious time …. Thank you Hans and Lynn you touched us all
Walking down from Pineridge, I leave my candle studio for lunch in the CC. A playful breeze curves across from Johny Bickens’ farm filling the air with coconut smells of gorse blossom. Before me a wee chap, with a skip and a jump from his caravan Teapot, joins the path. Hans. Bubbling with amusement, with a nod and a wink springs in the air clicking his heels like a true Leprechaun.
Bubbling over in amusement we are joined by Aiden Joy, Lyn Zedanik and Tom Earle gallivanting and jostling past the heady brew of seaweed compost by the new print shop. Hans leads this merry bunch to brunch into a newly expanded dining room. The air filled with raucous voices, sparkly twinkling expectant, that something extraordinary would happen. Because it did. One such event was this rock star from O.Z turning up. The sweetest rock star, a musician extraordinaire, taking your heart away to swoon with loving lyrics. Notes and words for each other.Love is work in action. We were One Incredible Community.
I last saw Hans on Iona. A happenstance meeting on the top of Dun I. We filled our water bottles from the Holy Spring. I taking some back home and Hans back to Aussie. We embraced. His music alive, singing inside me.
Farewell kindred spirit.
Jon Drake
Hans came to Findhorn in 1972 bringing his delightful music and magic with him. He looked a little like an elf to some, with a twinkle and laughter that enchanted everyone. My memory is filled with wonderful and fun music, singalongs, storytelling and soulful friendship. Your heart embraced us all dear Hans. Old friend and muse, you are a bright star in our sky, may your beautiful spirit gently soar.
In the eighties I took part in a Child Within workshop focalised by Hans. He helped me to unearth deep set hurt in connection with my relationship to my mother which I was not consciously aware of. I wrote a poem to her which he set to music and then he channelled a message from her which helped to heal the hurts. I am so grateful to him for the loving way he achieved this creating an atmosphere of total warmth and safety.