William Hustace Lane III

William "Bill" Hustace Lane III lived a life big enough to need several passports, two coasts, a world map, and more than one family photo album to capture everyone he loved.

Born on September 22, 1938, in New York City, to William Hustace Lane Jr. and Elizabeth Nesbitt Lane, he died on September 14, 2025, at his home in Menlo Park, California.

His early years were shaped on the East Coast. On the day he was born, his mother wrote a letter putting him on the waiting list for the Kent School in Connecticut. After graduating from Kent, he continued his education at Columbia University where he earned a degree in Economics. Bill also earned an executive MBA from Harvard University.

Bill built his career in corporate finance starting with General Electric and Honeywell Information Systems. In the early 1980s, he headed west to Silicon Valley just as it was starting to buzz. Bill helped steer a collection of start-ups, finishing as CFO of Intuit.

Known for his sharp sense of business strategy and sage advice, upon retirement Bill was invited to serve on numerous boards. Upon learning of his death, a former board member he worked with had these words, "Best Board Member Ever."

Bill married Sharon Campbell Wrightson. They shared three children and 23 years of marriage. In California Bill met his second great love, Kathy Murphy. She brought her two children to their marriage, which spanned 42 years, until his death. Their home was a hub of activity with epic gatherings that brought the family and their many friends together for great food, conversation, laughter, and raucous games.

Bill's passion for travel was sparked by a Grand European Tour with his grandmother when he was 14 years old. Fascinated by other cultures, he had a deep knowledge and appreciation of world history, music, art, religion and food. Through the years, he explored many parts of the US, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, and Australia. On trips, he was famous for his "Willie Walk"-an hours-long expedition on foot through cities, side streets, and hidden corners. He was an avid reader with a keen mind and a passion for learning.

Bill was also known for driving around California in his red convertible, a cigar in one hand and his cowlicks blowing in the wind. Often clad in bright, bold madras-plaid shorts with white tennis socks and brown loafers that he wore without irony or apology.

Bill loved sports and was a great athlete. He was a member of and served on the Board of the Los Altos Country Club, where his tennis game was known for its formidable serve and where he spent countless hours on the golf course with friends and family. A fantastic bridge player, he and Kathy hosted many card games around their dining room table.

It is not easy to sum up a life. Bill Lane was a devoted family man, a loving, dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and he was generous with his time and gifts. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kathleen Lane, children Dawson Lane Urban (Andrew), Allison Lane Simpson (Clark), William H. Lane IV (Therese), Julie Propp (Ron) and Jim Propp (Sandy); six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren; sister Susan Henderlite, and niece Brooke Jewett (Stephen).

Bill is predeceased by his parents, first wife Sharon Wrightson Lane Showley, and grandson William Propp.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to World Central Kitchen, www.wck.org

A Memorial Service will held at The Episcopal Church of St. Matthew's, 1 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, California on Saturday, October 25, 4 p.m