Arthur Gregg von Thaden

1932 - 2016

Arthur Gregg von Thaden

March 23, 1932 - January 14, 2016

Essex Property Trust extends our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Art von Thaden, former President/CEO and Chairman of BRE Properties. Art was highly respected in the real estate community and leaves a legacy of contributions that will continue to be appreciated many years to come.

Arthur Gregg von Thaden peacefully passed away of complications from pneumonia at age 83 surrounded by loved ones. He is remembered as a man of sharp intelligence, quick wit and warm humor, unflagging integrity in both his personal and professional life, and an uncanny ability to recall very specific dates of his every past event!

He was born to Arthur Herman and Helen Louise von Thaden in Washington, DC, and spent his early childhood in Chevy Chase, MD. His family later moved to Short Hills, NJ where he attended Millburn High. In 1954, he graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT with a B.A. in Economics. A member of ROTC, upon graduation he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and stationed in France with missions throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Art began his professional career with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in New York City. In 1970, he was recruited to San Francisco to start BankAmerica Realty Services Inc., which became BRE Properties, Inc. in 1987. He retired from BRE as President/CEO in 1996, and Chairman in 2002. Art was respected in the REIT community, served as NARIET President, and in 1994 received the NAREIT Industry Leadership Award.

Art enjoyed tennis, golf, hiking, traveling extensively, and gardening, especially coaxing his roses and fruit trees during his years living in Atherton, CA. As an enthusiastic hiker, Art relished pointing out the flora and fauna to fellow hikers and regaling them with his special rendition of "The Forest Primeval." An avid sports fan, Art particularly enjoyed watching 49ers games with his sons and grandkids, and initiated the epic annual family Thanksgiving football games.

Since retiring, Art enjoyed his time living in both Marin County, CA and Maui, HI, and was happiest when surrounded by his grandchildren, or traveling abroad with his loving wife of 32 years exploring new countries and cultures.

Art is survived by his wife, Janis von Thaden, his sister Anne Lupton, his sons Paul Gregg and Brinton von Thaden, stepchildren Ann Snortland and Mike Combs, and his five beloved grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Trinity College, Hartford, CT in the name of Arthur G. von Thaden. Trinity College Development Office, 300 Summit St., Hartford, CT 06106-3100. Services are pending.