Harold (Hal) Rawson Gaisford, Jr

Harold (Hal) Rawson Gaisford, Jr., a resident of Gilbert, Arizona, for 30 years, passed away on February 26, 2026.

After a-month-long illness, which began with a twisted colon (volvulus), Hal developed respiratory and cardiac complications which ultimately led to heart failure. During his month in an ICU hospital in Phoenix, Hal was bolstered by the presence of his devoted wife, Kay, their four children and many friends who visited him. Hal was a man of infectious enthusiasm whose life was defined by a profound desire to share his passions with everyone he met. A mentor to many, he shared his love for lifelong learning, cultural exchange, classical music, architecture, and optimistic faith to all who knew him.

Early Life and Education

Born in San Francisco on November 8, 1944, to Harold Sr. and Geraldine Lambert Gaisford, Hal’s youth took him from El Cerrito, California, to Salt Lake City, Dallas, and finally Phoenix. A gifted student with a penchant for mechanics, including a teenage foray into amateur rocketry in the nearby desert, Hal sought academic challenges early, including enrolling in summer math coursework at Rice University during high school. After graduating from Central High School, he attended Stanford University, where he earned a B.A. (1968) in Psychology and an MBA (1970).

A Life of Service and Partnership

While serving a two-and-a-half-year LDS mission in France, Hal fell in love with the French language, culture, and cuisine. In the Paris mission office, he forged a collaborative friendship with Kathleen (Kay) Hellstrom. Upon their return to Stanford, the two began dating and were soon married, beginning a 58-year partnership grounded in family and shared education and adventures.

Career and International Living

Hal’s legendary work ethic began at age 12 bagging groceries in Dallas. Following his MBA, he was recruited by American Standard to move to Brussels, Belgium, to audit European operations. In three years their first two children, Karin (1970) and Claire (1973), were born. The family relocated to New Jersey, where they welcomed Geoffrey (1975) and Michael (1977). Hal worked in New York City, and Kay often drove from their suburban town to meet Hal in New York City for theatre, concerts, dinners.

Their shared time in Europe left a lasting mark: the tapestry, furniture, and art they collected (and mosaics Hal created), graced their five homes over the next five decades, creating continuity in their family environment.

Resilience and Entrepreneurship

As Hal’s career flourished, the family moved multiple times. Hal was President of Stafford-Lowden in Fort Worth and American Bank Stationary (ABS) in Baltimore. Hal led a successful management buyout of ABS and after retiring briefly, he took a new leadership role in Philadelphia, again moving his family. He purchased a Baskin-Robbins franchise, viewing it as a vehicle to teach his children the value of management and hard work. In his later years, he built a successful business with Genworth Long Term Care Insurance with Kay as his Vice President of Operations. His work ethic and perseverance allowed him and Kay to retire comfortably and continue their quest to see the world, eventually surpassing 100 countries visited.

Faith and Community

Hal built deep community roots through his active church life. He was especially passionate about the youth, often introducing exotic foods or his signature move: bringing donuts to events. In their Baltimore ward he enjoyed organizing and participating in service trips to the Appalachian Mountains, where he drove the van and swung the hammer alongside his teenage daughters and other church youth, repairing homes.

“Papa’s” Legacy

To his family, Hal was the ultimate advisor. Whether seeking career guidance or help with Advanced Placement World History, his children and grandchildren reached out to Papa for knowledge and mentoring. He maintained unique, personalized relationships with each family member, frequently sending curated recommendations for music, podcasts, or museums. One of his proudest moments was walking over 100 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago in Spain with two of his children and two grandchildren, communing with pilgrims from around the world in the way only Hal could. At 81, Hal remained a man of immense vitality and curiosity, leaving behind a legacy of optimism that will continue to inspire those he loved.

Hal is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Hellstrom Gaisford; their four children, Karin (Jonathan) Kissane, Claire (Rob) Stowell, Geoffrey (Mette) Gaisford, and Michael (Victoria) Gaisford; and his fifteen grandchildren: Cyris, Cannon, Claire, and Anna Kissane; Avery, Elyse, Clara, and Lucy Stowell; Maya, Jens, and Lise Brynaa-Gaisford; Soren, Julius, Savannah, and Viviana Gaisford.

To honor Hal’s lifelong orientation towards service and cultural connection, the family suggests donations in lieu of flowers to Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) International Support For Refugees, https://www1.hhrd.org/ where Hal volunteered weekly helping to sort donated clothing into containers for refugees in countries around the world.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Hal’s life on July 6, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints 1005 N Voyager Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85234.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.