ROBERT REGINALD ZIMMERMAN (BOB)

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ROBERT REGINALD ZIMMERMAN

Robert Reginald Zimmerman (Bob) passed away on October 15, 2020, at the age of 85.
Proud father of three and grandfather of six, Bob was grateful to be able to pass away at home with his devoted wife of 60 years, Lorraine, and his youngest son Blair, by his side.
Born on January 24, 1935, in Moose Jaw to Sidney and Roseabelle Zimmerman, he was the adored youngest brother of two sisters and three brothers, Jim, Alice, Stu, Hank, and Phyllis. He grew up in Headingley, eventually moving to Winnipeg where he finished high school at St. James Collegiate, and received his Civil Engineering Degree in 1959 from the University of Manitoba. Bob and Lorraine were married in Winnipeg in 1960.
They raised three active boys, and built a life together that centered around family, summers at their cottage, travels for the boys' sports, and growing their business. Bob joined Perma Engineering Sales in 1961 and bought it shortly after. Perma was the distributor of Dupont plastic piping systems for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, North West Territories and Ontario. He gained much experience in Northern Canada and was particularly proud of having assisted in the initial evaluation and design for the NWT government approval of the first major installation of insulated, heat-traced Dupont "Sclaircor". After one emergency installation in Rankin Inket, he received a letter from the NWT Deputy Minister thanking Perma for performing "above and beyond" and stating that "without your efforts a real emergency would have existed with no end in sight". Bob loved everything about Engineering, was heavily involved in his professional associations, and continued to help organize class reunions throughout his life.
Retiring in 1989, Bob and Lorraine moved to Arbutus Ridge on Vancouver Island, enjoying year-round golf, visiting with their sons and their own growing families, and travel. Always a hard worker, nothing about retirement slowed him down. Bob and his brother Hank played in left-handed golf tournaments all over the world, and Bob continued to play 18 holes well into his 80s, almost always walking the course. Bob was also an avid boater. From his earliest dinghy, to his canoe, to his Bayliners for waterskiing and exploring on Lake of the Woods all the way up to his pride and joy, the Why Knot, he enjoyed many hours on the water. He got to share his passion when he started Why Knot Cruise with his son Blair, taking guests for dinner or multi-day cruises around Victoria and the Gulf Islands.
Bob is survived by Lorraine; his sons, Wayne (Diane), Grant (Allison), and Blair; and grandchildren, Blake, Brock, Oscar, Izzy, Dan, and Chris. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Jim, Stu, and Hank; and his sister Alice.
Bob was an ever-supportive role model for his family, and he was often their first call, with good news or worries, a question or joke (or two) or just to hear his thoughts on the news, markets and sports of the day. He will be greatly missed.
We would like to extend deep gratitude to the home care nurses, Palliative Care Team, doctors, and our close neighbours who provided invaluable support.
Please consider a donation to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2020