The founder and CEO of Richland’s Windermere Group One died Sept. 17. 

Jeff Thompson was 68 years old. 

Windermere Group One was the top top-ranking business in the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business’ inaugural Best Places to Work Mid-Columbia program in 2024.  

In a video filmed for the Best Places to Work award program, Thomspon said, “Culture is the difference between us and any other real estate company.” 

“We’ve always been very proud of our culture and how we get along, and one of our sayings is it matters who you hang out with, so I like to hang out with cool people, so I’m very fortunate I get to hang out with some really cool people,” he said in the video.   

Windermere Group One was founded in the Tri-Cities in 1996 as a franchise. 

Thompson was born in Saint Peter, Minnesota, and lived in Kennewick for 35 years. 

Thompson also served as the Real Estate Commissioner for the state of Washington for 12 years and was elected president of the Tri-Cities Association of Realtors multiple times, according to his obituary.

Thompson was the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s board chair in 2007 and continued volunteering for the chamber over the years, according to a LinkedIn post from the regional chamber.

“The Regional Chamber will greatly miss his kindness, humor and leadership,” the post read. “He will be remembered as a person who truly made a difference in the Tri-Cities business community.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities, 10611 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick.

Einan’s at Hillcrest, Kennewick, is in charge of arrangements.