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Kirkland, WA (March 18, 2026) – It is with profound sadness that Weidner Apartment Homes (Weidner) announces the passing of its Founder and Chairman, W. Dean Weidner.
Dean founded Weidner in 1977 with a simple purpose: to provide residents with clean, functional, and well-maintained homes. What began as a practical investment quickly became something more meaningful. The responsibility of providing shelter, one of life’s most essential needs, ignited a lifelong passion to improve the multifamily landscape, becoming one of the greatest honors of his life. Since its inception, Dean has grown Weidner into one of the largest owners of multifamily housing in North America, with 74,667 apartment homes across 323 communities.
Today, Weidner’s Vision, Mission, and Values are the cornerstone of its operations and underscore the company’s commitment to serving its associates and residents.
Dean believed that supporting communities and investing in city-building projects required more than just providing housing. He invested in education and partnered with over half a dozen universities and trade schools in the United States and Canada to elevate professionalism across the real estate industry.
He created a program to support residents living in Weidner properties, dedicating funds to care for and connect them to their homes.
Giving back was essential to him. Through targeted philanthropy, Dean contributed to the neighborhoods where Weidner provides housing. These efforts extended into the community by supporting a myriad of nonprofits that strengthen cities and the places that residents call home.
Dean recognized the importance of positioning the company for enduring success and took deliberate steps to secure Weidner’s future. Prior to his passing, he established the Weidner Purpose Trust, gifting ownership of Weidner Apartment Homes and a portfolio of real estate to preserve and advance Weidner’s Vision, Mission, and Values for generations to come.
The Board of Trustees provides governance and stewardship of Weidner, ensuring it continues to care for its residents, invest in its people, grow thoughtfully, and give back to the communities in which it operates.
“Dean’s thoughtful approach to building community is exemplified in the way he preserved Weidner to provide lasting security for our associates and communities. We recognize the significant responsibility and trust Dean placed in us to continue his purpose and lead Weidner into its next chapter. Our future is secure, purpose-driven, and bright.” The Board of Trustees, Weidner Purpose Trust.
Please see www.deanweidnerslegacy.com for a retrospective of Dean Weidner’s many accomplishments, contributions, and philanthropic investments.
Saniya Regmi:
I found my passion for property management 13 years ago when I joined Weidner, and that experience truly shaped who I am today. Dean believed in people, in community, and in doing the right thing—not just the easy thing.
I’ll always remember the “love notes” initiative—$1 per door to create small moments that made residents feel cared for. It sounds simple, but it made a huge impact.
He also believed in the story behind the budget. I once managed a building with constant leaks, and instead of a bandaid fix, he supported doing it right.That stuck with me.
Kind, forgiving, and generous—Dean made a lasting impact on so many of us. He will truly be missed.
Diane:
I worked for Weidner homes in Alaska and Washington state After leaving property management, I went to Dean several times on advice and he didn’t even hesitate to pick up the phone and call me and give me the advice to help me with my home. Dean will be greatly missed. He was a good man with a kind heart.
Ruth Roman:
I am so very sad to hear this news! Dean was a wonderful, humble man and an amazing mentor. I learned things from him that I still apply to decisions I make and implement today. He made an incredible impact on countless people and communities throughout the US and Canada. It was an honor to have known and served with him.
Beth Turnbow:
Working for this organization was truly working for Mr. Weidner. He treated me with respect and was worthy of mine in return. He meant much more than an “Owner”. My prayers are with the Weidner family. He was a wonderful person.
Lee Casto:
Dean was my favorite owner to work for. The way he treated people and empowered his people while giving them room to make mistakes and grow, is truely a rarity. He will be missed.
Rick Mystrom:
Dean and I have been good friends since the early 1990s. We are both graduates of the University of Colorado Class of 1968, both owners of apartment buildings— a much different scale, of course; and we both enjoyed discussing politics, purpose, life, and our responsibility to leave this world a little better than when we arrived. Dean did that on a scale that far exceeded any expectation imaginable.
He was a wonderful, caring, purpose-driven individual who made our world a better place through his presence and his actions.
Rick Mystrom
Mayor of Anchorage
1994-2000
Shirlene Heuft:
My deepest condolences to Mr. Weidner’s family and all employees 😢💕
Kenneth Joel Miller:
My heart is broken for all of those who were so dear and close to Mr Dean Weidner. Death can happen so suddenly.
I know this very well because I have came so close to losing my own (numerous times through a TBI and brain bleed in spare occasions), my wife hers (through covid and being on the ventilator) , and my daughter hers (through pancreatitis necrosis causing her body to go into sepsis).
But we are here for a purpose. We have all been given another chance at life. Which is too help bring life into the people around us by serving others with love and a humble heart.
My dearest and warmest regards to all of Mr. Weidners loved ones.
gregory sparhawk:
My thoughts go out to the Weidner family and the corporate family. Dean was truly a remarkable man that had such a positive impact on the thousands of people he interacted with. He will, no doubt, be deeply missed.