Lasting Memories

Edwin E. van Bronkhorst
1924-March 22, 2006
Menlo Park, California

Edwin E. van Bronkhorst, 82, a Palo Alto businessman who joined the Hewlett-Packard Company in 1953, died suddenly March 22, 2006, at his home in Menlo Park.

Born in Rio Linda, Calif., in 1924, he grew up in nearby Marysville. He received a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of California, Berkeley in 1944.

He joined the Hewlett-Packard Company in 1953 as chief auditor and served for 30 years before retiring in 1984 as senior vice president and chief financial officer. He served on the company's board of directors from 1962 until his retirement.

In addition to working at Hewlett-Packard, he was instrumental in the founding, growth and success of the Greater Bay Bancorp in Palo Alto, serving as vice chairman and director until stepping down in 1998.

He served as a personal advisor to the Hewlett and Packard families for many years, including serving as a trustee and treasurer of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Packard Humanities Institute.

He also served on the boards of directors for numerous high-tech, medical, utility and financial companies, including ROLM, Nellcor and the Cal Water Service Co., as well as many civic and community organizations including the Children's Heath Council and the Portola Valley School Board.

He was an avid golfer and a member of the Menlo Country Club and the Menlo Circus Club for many years, as well as a past member of the Presidio Golf Club in San Francisco.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rusty van Bronkhorst of Menlo Park; his brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Carol van Bronkhorst of Stockton; three sons and daughters-in-law, Kort and Dona van Bronkhorst of Los Altos, Jon and Wendy van Bronkhorst of Redwood City and Derek and Suzy van Bronkhorst of Campbell; and six grandchildren.