Barclay Simpson
Barclay Simpson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Walter Barclay Simpson May 25, 1921 Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Died | November 8, 2014 (aged 93) |
| Education | University of California, Berkeley |
| Occupations | Manufacturing, philanthropist |
| Spouse(s) | Joan Devine (divorce) Sharon Hanley |
| Children | 7 |
Walter Barclay "Barc" Simpson was the founder of Simpson Manufacturing and a major donor to his alma mater, University of California, Berkeley.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Barclay Simpson was born and raised in Oakland, California.[2] During World War II, he was a student at the University of California, Berkeley.[3] He later received his B.S. degree in 1966.[3][4]
Career
[edit]After leaving college, Simpson served in the U.S. Army Air Corps.[2]
In 1956, Simpson founded the engineering firm Simpson Manufacturing.[2] The company developed and produced structural connectors that became an industry standard in housing and commercial construction.[2]
From 1980 to 1993, Simpson and his wife, Sharon, owned and operated an art gallery in Lafayette, California.[5]
Community
[edit]Simpson served as president of the BART Board of Directors.[2] He donated to several arts organizations and programs, including Cal Shakes and the Oakland Museum of California.[5]
In 2013, he was awarded the Berkeley Medal for his financial support of the university, including endowing The Simpson Center for Student-Athlete High Performance.[2][3]
References
[edit]- ↑ Whiting, Sam (November 18, 2014). Barclay Simpson, philanthropist and building supplies titan, dies. SFGate.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Simpson, Barclay. "Barclay Simpson: An Oral History." Interview by Neil Henry in 2012 and 2013. Oral History Center, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, 2013.
- 1 2 3 The Promise of Berkeley (Spring 2015). Remembering Barclay Simpson - a lifelong love affair with Cal.
- ↑ Public Affairs (November 12, 2014). Obituary: Barclay Simpson, alum, business leader, philanthropist. UC Berkeley News.
- 1 2 Crooks, Peter (January 2, 2013; updated May 8, 2020). Meet: Barclay Simpson Philanthropist, Orinda. Meet one of the area's biggest supporters of charities and the arts. Diablo Magazine. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
Further reading
[edit]- Michaels, Katherine Ogden with Judith K. Adamson (2022). Strong Ties: Barclay Simpson and the Pursuit of the Common Good in Business and Philanthropy. Rare Bird Books. ISBN: 9781644283004. 2021019967, 1644282178, 9781644282175.
- Barclay Simpson's Nine Principles of Doing Business, Interview, 2013.
- Simpson Manufacturing Annual Reports, 2001-2023.