Lynn Weidman

Lynn Weidman died on November 10, 2025, in Rochester, Minnesota. He was the son of James Matthew Weidman and Mary Lou Weidman. Born on May 29, 1948, in Orange, California, Lynn was predeceased by his parents and by his older brother, James Matthew Weidman Jr.

Lynn graduated from Pomona College in Claremont, California, in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. He then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Master of Science in Statistics in 1974 and a Ph.D. in Mathematical Statistics in 1975.

After several years of teaching—first at Boston University and then at the University of Kentucky—Lynn moved to Washington, DC, to work at the U.S. Census Bureau in the Department of Commerce. While serving as Chief of the Continuous Measurement Design Branch in the Demographic Statistical Methods Division, and later as a Principal Researcher in the Statistical Research Division, Lynn, together with his colleague Chip Alexander, played a key role in developing the statistical design for the American Community Survey (ACS).

The ACS made it possible for the Census Bureau to publish vital population data annually for states and small geographic areas. These data have become an essential resource for governments, businesses, researchers, and the media. Lynn was a valued team player and mentor, admired for his kindness, intelligence, problem-solving ability, and quiet, thoughtful manner.

In 2000, Lynn left the Census Bureau to work at the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, where he met his future wife, Pheny Zhou Smith. He returned to the Census Bureau in 2002 and worked there until his retirement in 2012.

Lynn and Pheny were married in Old Town Alexandria in 2004. They lived in Greenbelt, Maryland, before moving in 2010 to the Alexandria area of Fairfax County, Virginia.

Lynn enjoyed a rich life outside of work. A lifelong flute player, he performed with the NOVA Alexandria Band, the Mount Vernon Concert Band, and Mount Vernon Flutes. He was deeply involved in Challenge Square Dance for decades and achieved the C4 level, the highest level of the discipline.

An avid duplicate bridge player, Lynn earned Life Master status from the American Contract Bridge League in 2003. He also enjoyed competitive sports, playing volleyball into his fifties and participating in national senior volleyball competitions. In retirement, he played Northern Virginia Senior Softball.

Lynn devoted much of his retirement to exploring quantum mechanics, art, architecture, modern music, and travel.

He is survived by his wife, Pheny Weidman. Lynn’s family and friends will miss his kindness, gentleness, intelligence, and sense of humor. A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held in the spring of 2026.