Hanani Stanford Aiono

Hanani Stanford Aiono, 26, of Midway/Salt Lake City, UT passed away on April 18, 2023.

He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends, who were always drawn to his calm demeanor and hilarious sense of humor. He had the best laugh and dance moves that could not be matched. Han always had music in his head or blaring in a speaker. Both children and animals were also drawn to this gentle 6’6” giant that easily made you laugh until you cried and gave phenomenal hugs.

Hanani (Han to some) was born on May 29, 1996, to Nephi Boyd Aiono and Barbara “Heather” Brown at Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful, Utah.

He was a standout football player during his school years, but truly was gifted at any sport he decided to play. He attended both Highland and Skyline High Schools and graduated in 2014 from Skyline High School. Hanani later went on to college, where he played football for a bit and then found his true love of Rugby. He was a phenomenal rugby player and left everything on the field. He played for Utah State University and University of Utah’s Club Rugby teams and traveled to games all around the country. Most recently, he was studying at Utah Valley University, majoring in Psychology because mental health wellness and awareness was an important area he sought and valued.

In Hanani’s free time, you could find him at the gym, taking a walk, hanging with family and friends, or spending quality time with his brothers, and he has a lot of them! Hanani is the second oldest of a total of 5 brothers between two families. He came from a truly modern family that includes MANY loved ones that he touched with his powerful presence of life, love, and laughter.

Hanani’s favorite place on earth was Hawaii. In his lifetime, he was blessed with visiting Hawaii numerous times with family and friends. If he wasn’t being buried on the beach by his younger cousins, you would find him floating or boogie boarding in the water. No wave was too big for Hanani to conquer on the boogie board, and nothing stopped him. Not even the “Dangerous Shore Break,” “Rip Current,” “High Surf,” and “No Lifeguards” signs that were present at Brennecke’s Beach in Poipu, Kauai. Of course, being a natural-born leader, his brothers, and cousins followed suit, freaking out all rational bystanders watching.

If there was one thing Hanani was, he was kind-hearted. He gave his all to ensure that everyone was included, had peace, and was happy.
He was beloved by everyone who ever met him… a fantastic son, brother, grandson, great-grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was a great human, and a best friend to all walks of life. No matter the circumstance, you'd always leave with laughter because of something Han did.

Hanani is survived by his mother, Barbara “Heather” Brown, and his father, Nephi Aiono, and second mother, Corinne (Gardner) Aiono and his brothers, Nehemiah “Miah” Aiono, Kennan Aiono, Dash Coulter, and Hayes Aiono whom he loved very much. He is also survived by his great-grandmother Barbara Karford, grandmother Debra (Karford) Brown, and grandparents Rick and Mary Gardner. Additionally, Hanani is survived by so many aunts, uncles, and cousins that if they were to be listed, we’d need to link a Google spreadsheet.

Hanani was welcomed to heaven by his grandparents Saolotoga and Saulelia Aiono, grandfather Stanford Brown, and beloved family dog Buddy. This is in addition to many other relatives who have passed and are now enjoying Hanani’s antics for eternity.

Funeral Services for Hanani Stanford Aiono will be held at 11 am on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at the Monument Park Stake Center - 1320 Wasatch Dr. Salt Lake City, UT 84108. Friends and family may gather from 9 am – 10:45 am. You may watch a recording of the service online through Zoom using the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/gWFGXFirqb5f7k_6IJ0aoa0KBF9HlDRZkI0RVbjoKbAu-Z-3iQxYdaRPI51mWVMT.QTyPCnlrmJsnG5l1?startTime=1682612966000

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating directly to a Venmo account we have set up in memory of Hanani Stanford Aiono.

Venmo @bheatherbrown

These funds will first go towards the funeral costs and immediate needs of the family. Anything raised above and beyond this will go to a fund at the University of Utah that is in partnership with an established mental health center/clinic.