Robert A. Grimm: The pride of Macon

by Doni Hubbard

There appears to be a major gap in the resume of Lifetimes of Achievement honoree Robert A. Grimm: He hasn't written a book.

He should. Someone should explain how he achieved a high level of success in his personal and professional life, retired and then worked just as hard giving vast amounts of time, money and vision to others--day in, day out, all with tremendous enjoyment in the deed.

How does the Los Altos community leader and retired Hewlett-Packard Co. executive manage to be so underwhelmed by a wide range of commitments? No book needed, he claims, no magic formula. He just likes what he's doing, prioritizes what needs to be done, doesn't worry about the things he can't do and matches up creative people with creative projects.

"I have no problem getting volunteers to help me when I get people working on something they're good at and that inspires them," he said. "It's not overwhelming when you enjoy what you're doing, just very rewarding."

A simple statement about his childhood offers another clue.

"I was born and raised in Macon, Mo., population 4,000 then, 4,000 now. My father was a Lutheran minister. We never had much money, but we never realized it. We were raised with a can-do attitude, a high expectation that we would have good grades, good behavior, go to college and do for others."

Those heartland values belong to a man who moves easily in the high-tech world. For instance, don't be misled by his statement that he likes to relax with his hobby of "building simple projects that don't require much detail."

Before you begin to picture the soft-spoken retired engineer whittling away on a birdhouse, consider how he describes a few of his favorite so-called "simple" projects:

Four-foot-long, 2-foot-wide satellites rotating slowly and suspended from the ceiling of San Jose's Tech Museum.

Grimm designed and built the satellites with "defective" modules to spark the problem-solving abilities of several hundred fifth- through 12th-grade students responding to this year's Annual Tech Challenge. The challenge to build a corrective device for the "outer space" problem will culminate in an awards program at the San Jose Civic Auditorium attended by the students from three counties, their families and teachers.

Construction of large-scale prototypes for the new Los Altos History House Education Center. His most recent project, a 30-foot-long plywood model of the train depot exhibit, lays the groundwork for a core component of the new museum.

Perhaps Grimm describes these challenging technical projects as "simple" because, in comparison to the massive volunteer projects that preceded them, they are. What's there to building a small satellite after you've been the driving force behind the construction and development of an entire museum?

And how hard could it be for Grimm to grapple with a 24-foot beam for a train exhibit after grappling with the challenge of raising $1.65 million for the History House Education Center, making his own initial donation of $650,000 and giving countless hours of volunteer labor?

Clearly, Grimm's successful H-P career amply prepared him for any "hands-on" volunteer project he might attempt. From 1956 to 1968, he served as manufacturing manager and then general manager of H-P's Dymec Division. Later he was director of H-P's Technology Research Center for semiconductor research and was director of the Manufacturing Research Center until his retirement in 1986.

The H-P years gave Grimm a wealth of experience that he has generously chosen to reinvest in the community. As quiet and unassuming as Grimm and his wife, Marion, are in their approach to community service, they are widely known and respected for always being "in the trenches" when it comes to a worthy project.

Beside their joint endeavors for history, arts and education, not to mention Bob's terms as Los Altos city councilman and mayor, he has served as president of United Way of California and on the boards of American Red Cross, Foothill-De Anza College Foundation, the Los Altos Festival of Lights Association and the YMCA of the Midpeninsula--a few highlights on a very long list.

A grateful community regarded the Grimms as the obvious choice for the Town Crier's 1997 Los Altans of the Year. In a front-page story accompanying the honor, Tech Museum of Innovation president Peter Giles said, "I would say without equivocation that the Tech Museum would not be what it is without Bob's personal involvement."

The main conference room at the renowned San Jose museum has since been named in his honor.

"When somebody says there's something that needs to be done that can't be done, it's a red flag and really gets my attention," said Grimm. "It's mentally stimulating to make things happen, to get tough things done. I like it that retirement allows you to pick and choose what means the most to you."

A top choice for Grimm is every aspect of education. The Grimms have raised four children, and their grandchildren range in age from infants to a 20-year-old. They have a vested interest in the future.

"Education is so important to your family and how you support yourself. The schools just can't do it all," said Grimm. "It's critical at every income level to have parents involved, teachers who really care and high expectations that the students can achieve. Educational values built into a family give kids a tremendous advantage."

An advocate for the schools, Grimm serves on the Audit Committee of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District and the Construction Overview Commission for the Mountain View/Los Altos High School District.

Grimm was blessed with high expectations based on a solid family foundation from the day he was born in 1926. It's his purpose to create an environment of high expectations for today's youth. He lives his purpose and has fun doing it.

Macon should be proud.

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