Chuck and Linda Barbo met at the University of Washington while enrolled as undergraduate students and have been devoted community champions for years.
The University of Washington and the greater Seattle community mourn the loss of Charles “Chuck” Barbo, a devoted alum, generous benefactor, and former chairman of the UW Foster School of Business Advisory Board, who passed away on August 6, 2025. Respected for his leadership and commitment to the university, Chuck leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape the lives of students for generations to come.
A lifelong connection to the University of Washington
Chuck graduated from the University of Washington in 1963 with a degree in history, but his connection to the university went far beyond the classroom. The University of Washington campus served as the backdrop for many of the most meaningful moments of his life. As an undergraduate, he was on the rowing team, elected as the President of the Association of Men Students, and met his future wife, Linda.
A philanthropic couple at heart, Chuck and Linda often spoke of the importance of “giving forward,” a philosophy that guided their lifelong support of the university where they met.
Together, they made transformative contributions across the University of Washington campus, including support for the Alaska Airlines Arena, the Conibear Shellhouse (a rowing training and support facility on the shores of Lake Washington), Husky Stadium, UW Athletics, and the Foster School of Business. Their generosity has promoted access and opportunity for countless students.
Leadership and impact at the Foster School
Barbo (middle) alongside fellow 2010 Distinguished Leadership Award winners
Nowhere was Chuck’s impact more deeply felt than at the Foster School of Business. He served on the Foster Advisory Board for many years, including as chairman from 2014 to 2016, offering support through periods of transformation for the school.
In recognition of his leadership and service, Chuck received numerous honors, including the Foster School’s Distinguished Leadership Award. Chuck’s legacy is also physically woven into the Foster School. As one of the “Founders” of Founders Hall, his generosity helped create a space designed to foster innovation. Each day, hundreds of students pass by the portrait of Chuck and Linda as they hurry to class, benefiting from the opportunities their vision helped make possible.
An entrepreneurial spirit
Beyond campus, Chuck built a long and successful career in business while always remaining closely connected to the university that shaped his life. At one point, working as a Junior High history teacher and imagining a long career of scholarly research on Southwestern-hemisphere antiquity, Chuck tried his hand at real estate.
Then, he pivoted to personal storage.
(Left to right) Linda Barbo, retired University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce, Chuck Barbo, Betty Hogan, and retired Foster School of Business Dean Jim Jiambalvo
A little bit of risk-taking and a lot of perceptiveness later, Chuck cofounded the Barbo-Daniels Company (later renamed Shurgard Self-Storage) with a fellow UW student-athlete, underscoring once again how much the University of Washington played a role in both his personal and professional relationships.
A lasting legacy
A devoted Husky through and through, Chuck was a season football ticket holder for more than 60 years. He was a warm and enthusiastic champion of the University of Washington, and his generous presence at Foster was always steadfast and deeply personal.
Chuck Barbo (third from left) alongside fellow Foster School of Business advisory board members, Artie Buerk (far left) and Kirby Cramer (second from left), with retired Dean Jim Jiambalvo (far right) on the South Lake Union cruise.
In reflecting on Chuck’s influence, Dean Frank Hodge said, “Chuck’s impact on the Foster School cannot be overstated. His legacy lives on through our buildings, our programs, and our people. His kindness and wisdom helped develop many leaders over the years, including me. I am deeply honored to have called Chuck a mentor and friend.”
Chuck is survived by his wife, Linda, their three daughters, and nine grandchildren. His legacy lives on in the halls he helped build, the students he supported, and the community he generously served and proudly championed. Chuck believed in giving forward, and the University of Washington is stronger because of him.