Industry veteran Knute Arthur “Bo” Fosaaen Jr. recently passed away at the age of 76.

Born in California, Fosaaen’s family moved to Jacksonville, Fla., when Bo was just 3 years old. The oldest of nine children, Fosaaen served in the Florida National Guard after high school.

Aside from his service in the National Guard, Fosaaen’s entire professional career was spent in the laundry industry, mainly repairing laundry equipment – first working with his father, repairing residential washers and dryers throughout the Jacksonville area, and later specializing in commercial-grade machines.

Eventually, Fosaaen – who would serve as president of the Florida Coin Laundry Association – became the principal owner of Cando Appliances Inc., as well as a laundromat operator himself. A true laundry pioneer, he spent more than 60 years in the industry.

“On behalf of the entire laundromat industry, I would like to share our condolences with Bo’s friends and family,” said Brian Wallace, president and CEO of the Coin Laundry Association. “He was a very important part of our laundromat community in Florida for many decades – always quick to lend a hand, volunteer his time… and likely share a joke or two.

“As a young person growing up in the industry, I was fortunate to have Bo contribute to my laundromat education. He always shared his expertise with kindness and humility. He gave countless hours as a volunteer to help grow a better industry.”

In addition, Fosaaen was close to his son, Jonathon, and they loved to travel – taking numerous trips together throughout North America and Europe. Beyond CLA, Bo also was a member of the Sons of Norway and Holiday Hill Church.

“Bo would always greet you with a big smile and hardy handshake,” remembered Reynolds Smith, owner of Flamingo Laundry Centers in Vero Beach, Fla. “He was known in the Jacksonville area as an expert in repairing laundry equipment. Whether you were a customer or a newbie looking for advice, Bo was willing to help. He served as president of the FCLA in the ’90s, organized our meetings, and helped many store owners save money through our propane buying program. He will be greatly missed.”

“Bo blended his appliance background with the laundromat industry beautifully,” noted Tom Rhodes, owner of Sunshine Laundry Centers, based in Vero Beach, Fla. “He faithfully attended CLOAF and FCLA meetings and was an enthusiastic supporter of the industry, always working well with his fellow laundromat operators.”

“I got to know Bo through the CLOAF and FCLA meetings,” recalled Rusty Parks, sales manager for Statewide Laundry Equipment in Orlando, Fla. “He was a very active member, attending most of the meetings throughout the state.

“He was the only service technician I can remember who attended all of the meetings and shared his knowledge and ideas with anyone who asked. He could fix just about anything, no matter what brand it was. If you had a service issue, he was the one to ask. He was a good friend and will surely be missed.”