Edwin E. van Bronkhorst, who served as a personal adviser to the Hewlett and Packard families for many years, died March 22 at his home in Menlo Park. He was 82.
Mr. van Bronkhorst was born in Rio Linda, California, and grew up in nearby Marysville. He received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of California at Berkeley in 1944.
He joined the Hewlett-Packard Co. 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.
Mr. van Bronkhorst was also 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 was 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 for many civic and community organizations, including the Children’s Health Council and the Portola Valley school board.
Mr. van Bronkhorst was an avid golfer and a member of the Menlo Country Club and the Menlo Circus Club. He was also a past member of the Presidio Golf Club in San Francisco.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rusty; children Kort van Bronkhorst of Los Altos, Jon van Bronkhorst of Redwood City, and Derek van Bronkhorst of Campbell; brother Warren van Bronkhorst of Stockton; and six grandchildren.
A private family service was held. The family prefers that donations be made to the Children’s Health Council or the Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital.
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