David Packard was born on September 7, 1912, in Pueblo, Colorado. He grew up in a middle-class family and showed an early passion for technology and innovation. After graduating from Pueblo Central High School, he went on to attend Stanford University, where he studied electrical engineering. It was during his time at Stanford that Packard met his future business partner, William Hewlett.
After graduating from Stanford, Packard began his career at the New York branch of the General Electric Company. However, in 1939, he and Hewlett decided to start their own company. They founded Hewlett-Packard in a small garage in Palo Alto, California, with the goal of creating high-quality electronic equipment.
Under Packard's leadership, Hewlett-Packard became one of the leading technology companies in the world. The company produced a wide range of products, including calculators, printers, and computers. Packard's emphasis on innovation and employee welfare helped drive the company's success.
In addition to his work at Hewlett-Packard, Packard also had a successful career in government service. He served as United States Deputy Secretary of Defense during the Nixon administration. In this role, he played a key role in shaping defense policy and ensuring the strength of the nation's military.
Outside of his business and government work, Packard was also known for his philanthropy. In 1978, he and his wife, Lucile Salter Packard, founded the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation. A decade later, they established the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, which conducts cutting-edge research on ocean conservation.
Packard was a devoted family man, and he and Lucile had three daughters and one son. He was known for his integrity, humility, and commitment to excellence in all aspects of his life. Packard passed away on March 26, 1996, but his legacy continues to inspire entrepreneurs and innovators around the world.
David Packard's impact on the technology industry and government service is undeniable. As a co-founder of Hewlett-Packard and a respected government official, he left a lasting mark on the world. His dedication to innovation, philanthropy, and family has made him a role model for generations to come.