Henry J. Brunnier was President of Rotary International in 1952-53.
National leadership and key contributions in earthquake resistant design, including a significant role in helping approve designs for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in 1936
Henry Brunnier received a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State College in 1904 and immediately went to work for the American Bridge Company of Pittsburgh. He then worked for the New York Edison Company (1905-1906) in New York City. Following that he worked for the Ford, Bacon, and Davis Company (1906-1908). In 1906, he was sent as a Structural Engineer to lead reconstruction efforts for the company’s railroad properties that had been damaged by the large San Francisco earthquake. Brunnier then went into private practice as a consulting structural engineer from 1908 through 1971 and became a leader in earthquake-resistant design. He was responsible for the structural designs of many buildings and bridges.
He was active in several professional organizations; he served as president of the California State Board of Engineering for Civil Engineers, the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California, and the Pacific Association of Consulting Engineers. Brunnier had a particular interest in highway engineering from his position as director and treasurer of the California Automobile Association.
Mr Brunnier had been a member of the San Francisco Rotary Club since 1908 and is a Past President of that club. He has served Rotary International as Vice-President, District Governor, and Committee Chairman.
Mr Brunnier died at the age of 89, died at his desk in San Francisco, California.
