"I am going to miss our afternoon conversations around the museum, Henry. About the time when we founded the museum in Marble Falls and opened the doors in 2004, I visited the South Pop and met Henry. dI would make it a point to stop by when I was in Austin, to discovered what he had newly created, to see the progress the museum was making and pay my respect to the mortuaria. I'm sure we had crossed trails in Austin; we were at many of the same places at the same time. He was always a pleasure to talk to and was a continuous bundle of energy renewing the world with every glance, every brushstroke, every word. It was my favorite way to end a visit to Austin. Thanks for your time. Your contributions made this universe a great delight and will continue to do so. Billy Becker"
In loving memory of
Henry B. Gonzalez
August 6, 1950 - February 29, 2016
Henry Gonzalez was born August 6, 1950, in Brownsville, Texas to a large and loving Latino family who have been residents of Tejas since before the US stole the territory from Mexico. He died on February 29, 2016 after an intense 16 month battle against cancer.
Growing up in Brownsville and Corpus Christi, Henry got to Austin as quick as he could in 1972. Although he attended several of Texas finest state schools he left academia to become an integral part of the Austin music scene, working at The Armadillo World Headquarters, the Austin Opera House and later touring and working for several national and local bands. He was an artist, stage hand, stage manager and mentor to the next generation. He recognized early on the importance of Austins music culture and in 2004 Henry was part of the founding group of the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture, where that unique culture is celebrated, and spent the rest of his life as the driving force of that organization.
He leaves behind an enormous number of friends and family, including his wife, Leea Mechling; son, Ben Gonzalez (wife, Margaret); daughter, Coree Alvarez (husband, Michael) and grandchildren Beck Ava Gonzalez and Royal Bennet Gonzalez.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 20th at 1pm at the Zilker Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Austin.
Tributes
"Henry. The biggest smile ever. Can't think of him without a reciprocal smile."
"Henry, I'm going to miss you brother. All those great days at the Armadillo when you would HAND PAINT the billboard on the roof. That tragic night when Ken was killed. The golfing in the rain with Deadeye. Stevie's last days...all those gigs at The Opera House...you're simpatico personality...and you always helped me load my drums. I imagine you and Ken be working the door in Heaven now. much love from my family to yours Paul Pearcy"
"I knew Henry at Del Mar College in Corpus back in 1969. Within a couple of years, we had each moved to Austin. But our paths didn't cross again until I ran into him with my kids in 1997 while he was painting a mural on the side of the Hernandez Caf in East Austin. We had a fun conversation for a half-hour or so catching up on a lot of personal and cultural history. His was an unforgettable personality. After losing a son a year ago to cancer, my heart goes out to his family for all they must have gone through in the last several months. It was my privilege to know him just a little over all these years."
"I remember Ken telling me about their(his & Henry's) excitement & ultimate celebration upon discovering how amazing airbrushing with a different adjustment created the cloud like affect they were seeking on the walls at the Armadillo WHQ. I will miss Henry's quick boyish smile. Mikiel Featherston Could I feel as I have felt, or be what I have been, Or weep as I could have once wept, over many a vanished scene; As spring in deserts found seem sweet, all brackish though they be So midst the withered waste of life, those tears would flow through me. Byron"
"Henry had the most beautiful smile. He lit up where ever he was. He was kind and made me feel special. He loved to have fun and his enthusiasm was catching. Thank you, Henry, for being my friend. I'm missing that delightful sparkle in your eye. I know there's quite a party in heaven since you got there. Save a dance for me. Love you. Jan Zink"
"I am at a loss for words. Please know I am holding ya'll in my heart. The years have flown by. There has been a lot of good living going on! Gone too soon."
"I never saw Henery when he wasn't smiling! His smile radiated friendship. He always made you feel welcomed at at home, we lost a kind soul but his spirit stays with us"
"Henry was a truly amazing person in every way. He was a source of joy to all around him, always with an open heart and a big smile. His spirit lives on all over Austin through his works. Our love to Leea, Ben & Coree and all who loved him. Bruce Willenzik & Annie Harding"
"Henry never "met a stranger" he was friendly & a very talented , lovely person. He will be missed by all. Shirley Beeman"
"I am so proud to call him my primo. He was a friend, confidant, cousin, and mentor. He was like the older brother I never had. Last time I saw him was at my mothers funeral and he was still the same as I remember him as a little boy growing up in Brownsville. I will forever love and miss him. My deepest condolences to his beautiful family, Leah, Ben, and Coree. RIP my brother."
"Leea, Ben, Coree and your families. It was sad to hear of your father's passing.He was a very committed man and always gave of his time and talents to the fullest. Our paths crossed as band parents at Crockett High School. He was part of the group that founded the Capitol City Marching Festival. Our deepest sympathies go out to you. Our prayers are with you. We will always remember him as a remarkable human being, husband, father, and mentor to so many. Zeke and Eva Salinas Austin, Texas"
"I met Henry when our kids were at Crockett high School Band, he was very active with high school kids, we became good friend and still kept up with each other. I will miss Henry but know some day I will join him in Heven, rest in peace Brother. Xevior Mota"