RICHARD MARTIN ZIMMERMAN

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RICHARD MARTIN ZIMMERMAN

On Saturday, December 5, 2020, Richard Martin Zimmerman passed away at the age of 66, in Winnipeg at the Grace Hospital after an unexpected and courageous battle with COVID-19.
Loving memories are shared by his children Matthew and Heather, who were the lights of his life. Left to mourn and share in those memories are his mother, Renata; his aunt, Sarah; Matthew's wife, Kelsey; Heather's husband, Jan and daughter, Magnolia; former wife, Claire; and many friends and extended family members. Rick was predeceased by his father, Kashmir "Charlie" (2012), and sister, Caren (2016).
Richard was born on September 3, 1954 in Shoal Lake, MB to Kashmir and Renata Zimmerman. They moved to Flin Flon, MB, before the birth of his sister, Caren in 1956. The Zimmerman family developed roots in the community, and Rick and Caren were raised on the land, rocks, and waters of Northern Manitoba. In his childhood, Rick made any excuse he could to be outside, with many late nights spent on the hockey rink across the street. All the while, his parents operated an open door policy at their home – a revolving door of regular visits from friendly neighbours, loving family, and caring friends. In the summertime, he and his sister would stay on the farm in MacNutt, SK, with their Nanny, Grandpa, and Aunt Sarah. As Rick grew older, his love of the outdoors increased, and he spent most of his free time fishing, canoeing, sitting by the fire with friends, or staying at the cabin.
In early adulthood, he left Flin Flon and moved to Winnipeg to attend the University of Winnipeg, where he completed a degree in Psychology, and met his future wife, Claire. During university, Rick played on the U of W soccer team and loved visiting his favourite restaurant, the New Hong Kong Snack House, which he continued to frequent his entire life.
In the years before and during university, he worked at the Hudson's Bay Mining and Smelting Company in Flin Flon. He went on to have a lengthy career in banking, working at Household Finance and RBC in Calgary, BMO and Decibel Credit Union in Winnipeg, and finally, the Sprague Credit Union in Southeastern Manitoba. Desiring a change of pace, he left the banking world and pursued more hands-on and people-focused professions closer to home in Steinbach – working at Deep Water Boats, Serving Seniors, the United Church, and Loewen Windows.
Rick and Claire were married in 1978 in Winnipeg and spent their 30+ married years in Calgary, Winnipeg, and Steinbach. Highlights of those early years included hosting dinner parties with the "Denby Diners", travelling to Europe, gardening, and creating a large fish pond in their backyard. Eventually, they were blessed with two children – their son Matthew was born in 1989, and daughter Heather in 1991. Being a father came naturally to Rick and he immersed himself in his new role – chauffeuring the kids to their games, lessons, performances, and get-togethers; taking them on family road trips and camping trips – which often ended in some sort of hilarious misfortune; acting as an advocate for their hobbies and passions; teaching them how to cast a rod and fillet a fish, and sharing his extensive palette and love of cooking. He made every occasion feel special and instilled the importance of tradition, quality time, fresh air, and humour in his kids.
Rick was a deep thinker and a natural storyteller with a romantic view of life; everything and everyone he loved, he loved 110%. He liked the good things – good music, good films, good food, and most importantly, a good conversation.
CBC was a way of life for Rick. He had the radio on in the morning before work, while he was cooking supper, and on Sundays to catch the newest episode of the Vinyl Cafe. Rick was "for the people". He had community-minded views and made the needs of others a priority. He had a warm and welcoming soul – always giving people the benefit of the doubt, and sharing his time and resources without question.
In 2015 he suffered a stroke and developed vascular dementia, which eventually required that he move to the Charleswood Care Centre. Despite having to adjust to a new normal, he quickly made friends, assisted those with limited mobility, and enjoyed outings, entertainment, and visits from family and friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Lother and the ICU team at the Grace Hospital. You offered Rick respect, dignity, comfort, and a fighting chance. For that, we are so grateful.
"It is not said enough, so I'll say it again: the world is a good place, full of good people, and when we act out of that, when we act out of hope, and optimism, and faith in our fellow human, we act out of our best selves, and we are capable of doing great things, and of contributing to the greater good." – Stuart McLean
A memorial and celebration of Richard's life will be held in the Spring of 2021 once restrictions are lifted.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard can be made to Harvest Manitoba (previously Winnipeg Harvest). 1085 Winnipeg Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0S2, or visit www.harvestmanitoba.ca to donate online.
Publish Date: Dec 17, 2020

RICHARD MARTIN ZIMMERMAN

On Saturday, December 5, 2020, Richard Martin Zimmerman (born September 3, 1954) passed away, at the age of 66, in Winnipeg at the Grace Hospital after an unexpected and courageous battle with COVID-19.
Loving memories are shared by his children, Matthew and Heather, who were the lights of his life. Left to mourn and share in those memories are his mother, Renata; his aunt, Sarah; Matthew's wife, Kelsey; Heather's husband, Jan and daughter, Magnolia; former wife, Claire; and many friends and extended family members. Rick was predeceased by his father, Kashmir "Charlie" (2012), and sister, Caren (2016).
The family would like to thank the ICU team at the Grace Hospital. You offered Rick respect, dignity, comfort, and a fighting chance. For that, we are so grateful.
A memorial and celebration of Richard's life will be held in the Spring of 2021.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard can be made to Harvest Manitoba.
Publish Date: Dec 12, 2020

As published in Winnipeg Free Press, The Carillon on Dec 12, 2020, Dec 17, 2020