Harold Gaynor Hanson

H. Gaynor Hanson passed away surrounded by the love of family and the many cherished memories he created throughout a rich and meaningful life. He was a man known for his warm spirit, deep appreciation for beauty, and the many friendships he nurtured over the years. Gaynor had a remarkable gift for creating beautiful places and spaces, bringing comfort, elegance, and joy to everyone who entered them.

From an early age, Gaynor was drawn to people, culture, and service. He attended SWTSC, where he began building the foundation for a life marked by curiosity and connection. He later devoted time as a volunteer in the ESL program in DVISD, generously helping others find their voice and place in the community.

Gaynor’s professional life reflected his vibrant personality and love for hospitality and celebration. He served as Night Manager at the historic Stephen F. Austin Hotel, where his gracious nature and attention to detail made a lasting impression. He also worked with the City of Austin’s Aqua Fest, serving on the Welcome Committee for visiting dignitaries and proudly assisting with the transportation and driving of parade floats, helping bring joy and excitement to one of Austin’s treasured traditions.

A devoted son and hardworking businessman, Gaynor partnered with his father in the family building business, where he helped create lasting structures and strong foundations. Together, they also established Hanson’s Homestead BBQ, a venture that reflected both family pride, great food and the community. His creative talents later flourished further through the addition of Homestead Flowers and his work with Austin Flower Company, where his eye for beauty and design found natural expression.

Gaynor held a profound love for history, music, and the arts. He especially treasured family history and spent years collecting the pictorial story of generations past, preserving memories that might otherwise have been lost. He lived in the family home built by his maternal grandparents in 1916, a place that embodied his deep connection to heritage, tradition, and the people who came before him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Harold and Ella Hanson.

He is lovingly survived by his son, Aaron Hanson and wife Michelle, and his daughter, Mandy Huckaby and husband Brian; his treasured grandchildren, Brooklyn and Kailyn Huckaby, Addison Hanson, and Mason and Alex Cantrell.

He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Mellenbruch and husband Larry; nephews David Mellenbruch and wife Kitty, Chris Mellenbruch and wife Leslie, and great nephew Justin Mellenbruch; great nieces Meagan Mellenbruch and fiancé Cole Goodlett, and Lorelei Webb and husband Tristan.

The family would also like to express much love and heartfelt appreciation to Diane Gleason, who took such wonderful and compassionate care of Gaynor in his final days.

Gaynor will be remembered for his kindness, his creativity, his love of history and the arts, and the beautiful life he built around family, friends, and community. His legacy lives on in the places he touched, the stories he preserved, and the love he gave so freely.

Memorial/Funeral arrangements are pending.