"Some random hippie"

Hank never knew a stranger—he knew many strangers, but they were not strangers for long. Hank was known throughout his life for his compassion, humor, and deep love for his family. How does one describe the life events of a person so dedicated to helping increase civil rights, taking care of this family, and developing an innovative business career? Well, here are some details:

Harry "Hank" Fred Harmon was born on April 24, 1948 to Claire and Harry Harmon under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California.  He passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on September 17, 2023.

When he was six months old, his family was relocated to Japan - where his father served in Army Intelligence. After several years in Japan, they moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas.  It was there he started his first business - selling worms to local fishermen!  Hank had a talent for selling just about anything - worms, cars, siding and more.

After leaving Hot Springs, his family settled in the Houston, Texas area.  It was there he became a cheerleader, a surfer and an award winning debater.   Hank worked for the young Democrats in Houston to help elect JKF president. After High School, he had lots of adventures.

A true 60's hippie, he  protested for farm workers' rights and other civil rights issues. He spent summer of '67 in San Francisco for the "summer of love" where he worked driving trucks over the hills of the city while also participating in that unique time in history in San Francisco. He later made his way to New York to live temporarily in a Buddhist monastery.  Then, he settled in Austin, Texas.

One night in his young twenties in Austin, Hank met Sharon, and he called Sharon his sweetheart for over 50 years. He invited her to his birthday party, and after that, they became inseparable. Six months later, he proposed at a rock concert. They were married in the park—where Hank's hair was longer than Sharon's hair. Even in his seventies, Hank would look at Sharon and whisper to himself "how did I get so lucky to marry a woman so beautiful?"

Hank adored telling "dad jokes" that often tended to be puns he told on repeat. His favorite books were Moby Dick, The Prophet, and The Hobbit. He was a fan of classic country music such as Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash; he additionally adored 50's and 60's Rock and Roll such as Chuck Berry, the Beatles, and Janis Joplin. He even traveled to San Antonio on a motorcycle wearing a pink helmet so he could see Jimi Hendrix live in concert.

Hank became a car salesman in 1975, selling his first car so that he could pay the hospital bills for the birth of his first daughter. He excelled in his career in the car business until his retirement as General Manager of Don Hewlett Volkswagen.

Hank spent his limited free time with his daughters and wife. The family frequented Zilker Park, Peter Pan Mini-Golf, the Broken Spoke and countless Austin Festivals.  He and Sharon traveled to numerous destinations, having such adventures as boating in the South Pacific and driving on the German Autobahn. Hank had a particular love for Arizona and Colorado. Hank took his family on many vacations, including trips to Estes Park, Disneyland and on a Caribbean cruise. A die-hard UT Longhorns fan, he seldom missed a UT football game. From BBQ's to Thanksgiving dinners, Hank enjoyed making special meals for his loved ones. His many dogs could be counted as some of his best friends.

Hank taught his children (and grandchildren) how to fish, hunt for good deals, love others, to always care for others, be compassionate, and most of all how to laugh.

Hank is preceded in death by his dad, Harry Harmon; his mom, Claire Harmon; his in-laws Jim and Ruth Straw.

Hank is survived by his wife, Sharon Harmon; daughters Adrienne, Emily, Heather and Carrie; son - in laws: Sam, Scott and Duane; grandchildren, Christina and her husband Andy, Anna, Brooke, Clara, Cade, Stella, and Maddox; and one great grandson Sebastain; his sisters, Susan and Billie; his brother in law Steve Straw and his wife, Bambi.  Other family members include:  Wade, Patrick, Miklos, Hillary, Collin, and Alex.  Hank also leaves behind countless friends.

A memorial service will be held at Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown (https://www.ramseyfuneral.com) at 10:00 am on October 6th.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to https://www.flatwaterfoundation.org or Blue Moon Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc. of Georgetown.