Walter Barclay "Barc" Simpson (May 25, 1921 - November 8, 2014) was an American businessman and philanthropist. He was the founder of Simpson Manufacturing, and a major donor to his alma mater, University of California, Berkeley.Whiting, Sam (November 18, 2014). Barclay Simpson, philanthropist and building supplies titan, dies. SFGate.
Early life and education Barclay Simpson was born and raised in Oakland, California.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. During World War II, he was a student at the University of California, Berkeley. He later received his B.S. degree in 1966.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.
Career After leaving college, Simpson served in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
In 1956, Simpson founded the engineering firm Simpson Manufacturing. The company developed and produced structural connectors that became an industry standard in housing and commercial construction.
From 1980 to 1993, Simpson and his wife, Sharon, owned and operated an art gallery in Lafayette, California.
Community Simpson served as president of the BART Board of Directors. He donated to several arts organizations and programs, including Cal Shakes and the Oakland Museum of California.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.
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.
References
Further reading 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. Barclay Simpson's Nine Principles of Doing Business, Interview, 2013. Simpson Manufacturing Annual Reports, 2001-2023.