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PAUL ZIMMERMAN Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for PAUL ZIMMERMAN
Shirley McVey
February 17, 2011
Dr Zimmerman was an exceptional person. In his personal interest in his patients he bacame a friend rather than just a Doctor. I attended one of his seminars and after talking with him I felt an immediate trust resulting in an appointment and arrangements for unusal cataract surgery. Since I am nearly blind in one eye it took a great deal of personal trust to have some one operate on my vision. As I play tennis and see the world I will always remember Paul Zimmerman.
February 13, 2011
My name is Mary Johnson and I met Paul while I was the Eye Clinic Clerk at the VAMC from 1983-1989. I knew right from the start how wonderful he was going to be as a Doctor of Ophthalmology. I loved it when he came to the clinic. He made my job so much easier and pleasant. The patients loved him. I also remember him telling me how he loved to teach High School before and I thought how wonderful it would have been to have him as a teacher; patient, smart, amazing to listen to, etc. etc. I also remember purchasing an older piano from him for my kids to tinker on.
I was so shocked to read of his passing. I haven't been the same since. I can't imagine what you have been through during this difficult time. He was always so cheerful, energetic and positive and I am sure he was not about to give in to this terrible disease and everything he and you guys could do was done. Just know that there are so many lives that he affected during his life and anyone who met him became a better person because of his outstanding attributes.
I retired in 2002 from the VA, the same year that you moved to Rapid City. He will be greatly missed by all who came in contact with him. It makes you want to treasure every day, as I am 62 also.
Richard Claiborne
February 4, 2011
I worked for the University of Utah from 1997 until 2003 as an Ophthalmology Tech. But, even before I joined the University I enjoyed Paul's courses at the local UOS Meetings. Paul spoke to us like colleagues rather than employees. He never "dumbed it down" for the techs and loved to teach and he did it well. I am grateful for knowing him and very sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family, friends, and many loving patients.
Toni (McKee) Erickson
February 4, 2011
I firat met Dr.Paul Zimmerman over 20 years ago at the Eye insisitute & then followed him to the Moran eye Center. He was an amazing person & doctor. He was very gentle & patient with me. He will be missed. My heart & prayers go out to his family.
Nancy Cantor
February 3, 2011
Dr. Zimmerman treated me for recurrent iritis when he was at the Moran Eye Center in Salt Lake. The first time I had iritis and woke up with blurred vision, he arranged to see me on an emergency basis immediately after my ophthalmologist called him. He always made room in his schedule to see me the same day when I had flare ups after that. I was so grateful for his kindness and willingness to be so available. That is a special gift in a physician. I was very sad to hear of his very premature passing from a staff member at the Moran Eye Center who remembered he had treated me.
Steve Brady
February 2, 2011
Only rarely is a person blessed enough to have someone like Paul Zimmerman come into their life. That blessing came to me many years ago when I had the good fortune to meet Paul. The contact came through our common interest and training in ophthalmology but it wasn't long before I came to count Paul as one of my dearest friends.
It was impossible not to like him. He was a person who had no guile and who put on no pretense. He was fun-loving and liked to be active. He was the first to help someone in need. He was genuine and honest and real. He adored his wife, Kris and their children and by simply watching him gave them an example of how a person should be.
Paul's passion and skill in teaching were always present, whether in the clinic teaching residents or in our family room teaching card tricks to my kids. He always had an hilarious new joke to tell and he was always up for having fun, even if meant getting up early enough to go off the first tee (into the dark) before the regular reserved foursomes and then half-walk-half-run in order to get nine holes in and be to the resident clinic on time.
As I scroll through my memories of Paul, the most prominent thoughts are of his kindness and his loyalty. He was a peacemaker and I can't envision him having unkind feelings towards anyone – nor anyone having unkind feelings toward him.
Now, as we begin this temporary time of separation from our dear friend, the best tribute any of us can pay to him and the best way to honor his memory is to treat others more in the way he treated us. Remembering him should make us all want to be kinder and better.
Allyn Mahoney
February 2, 2011
Our love and prayers are with you Kris, Michael, James and John. We are so sorry to hear of Paul's passing at such a young age. We reflect on the many wonderful times we had in your beautiful home in Salt Lake City. You were great neighbors. We cherish the times we had to talk and visit and were always impressed with the love you shared with Paul and your wonderful sons. Please know of our love during this time of loss.
Janice Russell
February 2, 2011
Dr. Zimmerman was a very friendly and caring doctor. He removed both of my cataracts and I held him in high regard. I am so very sorry to hear of his death; he will be so missed in the Pierre area by all those he treated, and my sympathies go to his family. He was too young to leave in this way.
Doug Brady
February 1, 2011
Kris, my heart just sank as I looked at Paul in the paper! How could this have happened to such an incredible and wonderful person? My heart is aching for you and for the countless many Paul has touched on this Earth. May the Lord bless you in this time of need. Paul was absolutely the most incredible man and friend one could have. I am so sorry--I will never forget him.
February 1, 2011
Kris,
Sue and I are very sad to learn of Paul's untimely passing. Working and playing with Paul was always a pleasure. He was a true professional, and it showed in all his interactions with patients and physicians. Please accept our deepest sympathies and know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sue and Tom Williams
February 1, 2011
Our family is saddened by the passing of Dr. Zimmerman. He was Mom's surgeon for cataracts; she has enjoyed 20/20 vision for 4+ years! Dr. Z. was great with patients/family members who "sat in" during appointments! Our trips to the Pierre BHEI clinic won't be the same without seeing Dr. Z. bustling around! Our deepest sympathy. S. Wenzel, Joyce & Eldon Beckman, L. Edwards, Wess. Springs, SD
M.A. Mayfield
January 31, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about Paul. I had the pleasure of working with him many years ago at the Moran. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He indeed was a loving, caring and sweet soul.
Rebecca Briggs
January 31, 2011
I am so sad to hear of Paul's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Paul saved my eyesight and was the only doctor out of 500 that I had seen that was able to diagnose what I had. He did everything in his power to make sure I was able to see again and for that I will always be grateful.
Old Nurse
January 31, 2011
How can this be possible? Oh, I remember why. God takes the most beautiful souls early. I have been a nurse for over 40 years and worked with hundreds of surgeons in my long career. Never, and I mean never, was there one like this man. My tears are for the loss to Humanity and for his wife of whom he always spoke with such love.
anonymous RN
January 31, 2011
I worked with this wonderful eye surgeon at the Moran Eye Center for 5 years. He always insisted on being called "Paul" and never acted as though he was better than anybody else. He was a rare gem! I am deeply saddened that the World has lost him.
Kenn Rasmussen
January 31, 2011
I remember what an an amazing student Paul was in High School. I recall a Naval officer dressed in the formal white uniform coming to our graduation to honor him. What a wonderful contribution he made to this world. We are proud to have been his classmates.
Charlie & Yvonne Hasna
January 31, 2011
Dear Kris,
My condolences,Yvonne and I both have missed you both since you moved to Rapid City. Paul was an absolute gentleman and fun to be around. I am sorry for your loss.
Larene Moreno
January 31, 2011
Dear Kris,
I am so sorry to hear about Paul's passing. I think of you and the boys often as I raise my children. I have many fond memories of time with your family and I hope at this time you will be able to find peace in those memories also. Would love to get back in touch with you and your family. May God watch over you at this trying time.
With Love,
Kevan T
January 31, 2011
Not a day goes by when I am not thankful for Dr. Zimmerman and the work he did for me. I was only one of many he touched. My thoughts and prayers are for the family. God bless.
Robyn (Davidson Shackelford
January 30, 2011
Paul and I were friends at Bountiful High School over 45 years ago. His brilliant mind (a National Merit Scholar) and his keen sense of humor made him stand out in thte crowd.
My deepest sympathy to Paul's family and patients. From what I have read, Paul continued his excellence all throughout his life.
Sincerely,
Liz Malmquist
January 30, 2011
I was deeply saddened to read about Pauls death I worked with him at the moran. He was truly one of the kindest men that i had ever known and he taught me how to show compassion to others, I will keep you in my thoughts during this difficult time
Donald Grabarz
January 30, 2011
Kris, Joan and I were shocked to hear about Paul's passing. We offer our sincere condolence. We have you and your children in our thoughts and prayers.
Our love,
Don and Joan Grabarz
Steve & Melanie Rinkenberger
January 30, 2011
Kristina and family...
My continued daily thoughts and prayers are with you. With every day that passes thoughts of "PZ" are there. His passing is still so hard to believe. Our memories will never be taken away. I am still entertaining the hope of being in RC this upcoming week. Please know that if I am not there in person, I am there in thought and spirit. You will be surrounded by MANY people that love you both! We will light a candle. Thank you again for your friendship. Stay strong, God's love surrounds you!
Love and prayers.
Melanie and Steve Rinkenberger
January 30, 2011
Dear Kris,
With great sadness I heard at church today about Paul's death. He was my ophthalmologist--and the best! May God bless you and your family.
Anita Catron
Jim & Marie Fitzlaff
January 30, 2011
Dear Kris
So sorry for your loss. You know how I felt about Paul. He truly was one of the very good guys. He truly cared for people. It was a pleasure to know him and work with him and to be taught by him. We are honored to be able to call both of you our friends. Our love and prayers are with you and your family always. Keep in touch. Marie & Jim Fitzlaff
Leroy Hix
January 30, 2011
I was very sorry to hear that Paul had cancer, I was always hoping he would over come and be well. He came across as being the perfect person, that nothing like this could possible happen to him. I was always so thankful that Paul and his team gave me back my eye sight.
I have heard said that God only takes the good early and this appears to be true in Paul's case. I am very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely, Leroy Hix
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