In Memory of William Bruner (1941–2025)
The Pacific Art League honors the life and legacy of William (Bill) Bruner, a longtime PAL board member, architect, and artist whose vision and dedication ensured the safety and preservation of our historic building.
Bill’s leadership during PAL’s renovation and seismic reconstruction not only safeguarded our community but also preserved a cultural home for generations of artists to come.
His creativity, generosity, and care remain a lasting part of PAL’s foundation.
In Memory of William (Bill) Bruner (1941–2025)
William (Bill) Bruner, a long-time member and devoted supporter of the Pacific Art League, passed away in Portland on July 30, 2025, at the age of 83.
Bill served on PAL’s Board of Directors for ten years and was the architect of record for the remodel, seismic safety reconstruction, and addition to our historic building. Deeply concerned for the safety of all who entered—especially children—Bill took to heart the responsibility of ensuring the building’s future. Working with Steve Oliver’s construction firm, Oliver & Company, he guided PAL through extensive renovations, addressing serious structural issues that were uncovered during the process. For this work, he received a Preservation Award in 2015 from Palo Alto Stanford Heritage (PAST), honoring his exemplary contribution to local architectural preservation.
A graduate of Canoga Park High School in Los Angeles, Bill went on to earn his architectural degree from Stanford University. His career began at the U.S. Department of Forestry in San Francisco, where he designed visitor centers including the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Coldwater Ridge and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area headquarters in Idaho—structures celebrated for their integration with the natural landscape.
Throughout his career, Bill also worked with Hill-Glazier Architects in Palo Alto, contributing conceptual designs for several landmark hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, the Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park, the Garden Court Hotel (now El Prado Hotel) in Palo Alto, and the Palmilla resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. Independently, he designed the Observatory at Evergreen Valley College and was a licensed architect in Alaska, Oregon, and California.
In addition to his architectural achievements, Bill was a gifted artist. He studied with renowned Stanford University art faculty while earning his degree and later exhibited his figurative drawings and paintings in solo shows at PAL as well as in Oregon and Alaska. His humor and creativity shone brightly in his artwork, leaving a legacy not just of buildings, but of imagination and joy.
Bill is survived by his sister, Betsey, his five children and their spouses, and twelve grandchildren.
The Pacific Art League is deeply grateful for Bill’s vision, dedication, and artistry. His work and spirit remain woven into the very foundation of our organization.