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David Zimmer Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David Zimmer
Anne Pease
November 22, 2005
I was so saddened to just hear of David's passing. My deepest sympathy to his family. I have so many fond memories of the years I knew David at the bank. I shall always remember his terrific sense of humor as well as his kindness.
Melanie White Shepherd
June 3, 2005
To summarize what David meant to me, one paragraph or a thousand pages would feel equally limiting. He was glamorous and genuine, a master entertainer with a beautiful soul, a true star who brought joy and light to the lives of so many.
David was the leader of our group of seven “Flamboyant Friends,” who got together to celebrate special occasions, especially Christmas, since 1983. I will always cherish the memories of those wonderful events, though, really, any time you spent with David felt like an event. Some people can walk into a room and everything changes—everyone’s mood brightens, everyone feels as though something spectacular is beginning and we’re all part of it, as though we’re all in the cast of a Broadway musical as the big number starts. David made you feel like that.
Yet as much as David was accustomed to being in the spotlight, he was also one of the best listeners I have ever known. If you talked to David, he made you feel like you were the only person in the room. If you asked David for advice, sometimes he would say the most outrageous thing—only because the most outrageous thing is often closest to the truth.
I first came to know David as my manager and mentor at the banking service company where I have worked for 26 years. He was the epitome of a people-manager; he showed a genuine interest in and real concern for each of his employees. Whether times were good or bad, David cared for all of us. Compassionate, yet no-nonsense, David modeled many of the traits I have tried to emulate in my own career as a manager. He affected the lives of hundreds in the bank and in the greater community, and he made this a more joyous place in so many ways.
It says on David’s headstone “A star is gone.” I’d prefer to close by paraphrasing one of his favorite songs.
I’ll be seeing you, David.
Bob Jackson
May 14, 2005
Paul and I consider David as a BEST FRIEND. We will miss him so much and will think of him often. We will cherish the many memories of his friendship.
David is missed by many, but has made all the lives he has touched better.
Our sympathy to his family and to all his many friends.
Bob and Paul
Darlene Zimmer
May 12, 2005
To Uncle David's many, many friends: I learned just today about this online guest book and decided to take a peek. Wow! David was so blessed to have your friendships. Your kind words are much appreciated.
Growing up, I admired the man who had an uncanny ability to see the 'positive' in every situation; who lived each day to the fullest with a spirit of humor and celebration, not as a victim. Uncle David was a wonderful role model and, at times, stepped in as a father. I miss him terribly, but find comfort with my pain knowing he's reunited with his parents and brother.
Dear Uncle David ~ Your 'notes' will live on through my fingers. Please tell Grandma and Grandpa hello and give Dad a hug and kiss for me. Much love ~ Darlene
p.susan sharrock
May 12, 2005
Legendary! No doubt he will live on and on and on in stories, memories, and grand cocktail parties for many years to come. Bon voyage Dolly!
William Mitchell
May 11, 2005
Well Goodbye Dolly, yes Goodbye Dolly,
We were so blessed to have you as a part of our lives!
Roy Bieber
May 11, 2005
Jeff Ruff and I consider David to be an icon in the Columbus community. It is an inescapable fact that anytime someone plays "Hello Dolly", they think of David. His presence was larger than life and he filled so many lives with joy and happiness, especially at the Berwick Halloween Ball.
Alan Hicks
May 11, 2005
Thank you for the years of inspiration and guidance, David, and for setting a wonderful example for all of us. Thank you for teaching us how to love others unselfishly, to always look for the good in the bad, and how to keep a positive perspective. I can't wait to see you at that great "Homecoming" celebration. (If there is a planning committee for it, I'm sure you'll have your hands in it.) Until then, love you, D.Z.
Jim "Binky" Griffin
May 10, 2005
David will always be our "Dolly"! He was a sweet man with a wicked sense of humor! I originally met David through Michael Westwood more than twenty years ago. I will never forget the first time I saw David perform as "Dolly Levy" at the Berwick Halloween Ball in the mid-1980s. It was an unforgettable experience to see him bring such joy to his audience. David is loved and admired by many, many people....I will miss you "Dolly"! My sympathies to his family.
Tracey Hawkins
May 10, 2005
David was my silly friend. He would say "Please come over to see my summer diamonds" With a quick wink he would say "summer diamonds, and summer not". Say this out loud. We giggled until we cried. Will miss you Dolly! Teach the angels how to sing.
Jack Mellman
May 9, 2005
I have known David for 35 years. He was always warm and kind to everyone he met. I asked him for advice early on, and over the years. He was always gracious with his time and talents. He taught us all how to "LIVE LIFE". My condolences to his exteded family.
Steve Daley
May 9, 2005
I had the pleasure of living a few doors down from Dolly. His house was the most important stop on the Holiday Progressive Party where he made his costume change and performed for us. I will never forget the laughter and smiles he brought to everyone's faces and his famous "Hello Dolly" finale! Dolly, you will be missed by many.
John Heck
May 9, 2005
David was my next door neighbor for a number of years. As I got to know him I found him to be a funny, caring, compassionate, lovely man. He was in every sense a "character."
Who can forget his Liberace-inspired "entertainments" both at his home and at any number of venues in the city? I believe his last big performance was at his 75th birthday party at the German Village party house last fall. He was in rare form and kept the audience entertained for much of the evening. His appearances at Berwick were legendary.
Let's have one more rousing chorus of "Hello Dolly" in his memory.
Goodbye Dolly. We'll miss him.
Gina Tarr
May 9, 2005
David was such a boon to our community. He will be missed by many. He touched more lives than he could ever know. We offer our sympathy to all of his family and friends, and want to remind you that he's surely making *someone* laugh even now. Blessed Be.
Gina and Mira
Nicholas Yaekle
May 9, 2005
Always the precise epitome of grace, charm, and sheer talent. Though I've only known Dolly for about twelve years, the stories he held were timeless and wonderfully entertaining. Goodbye Dolly. . .you'll never go away again!!!
Mary Miceli
May 9, 2005
David was a blessing in so many ways
May he be remember with all kind thoughts amd with many smiles. God Bless and comfort all who will miss him in all the days to come.
John Huffman
May 9, 2005
Dolly was a true original! He came to a party at my apt. a few yrs. ago and played the piano & sang 'Hello Dolly' which was the height of the event. I loved his wry sense of humor too. He'll certainly be missed.
Penny & Ron Bach
May 9, 2005
We were so sad to hear about David's passing. He was a wonderful person, so full of life. In the many years we knew David at Huntington, he taught many people how to motivate and work with others, and how to have fun. It was an honor to have known David.
FRED TINGLEY
May 9, 2005
DOLLY WAS A DEAR MAN. A TRUE LEGEND IN HIS OWN TIME. HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY FROM PROVINCETOWN TO SAN FRANCISCO. BON VOYAGE, DAVID! THERE WILL BE A GREAT "HELLO, DOLLY"
WHEN YOU ARRIVE HOME.
Michael Townley
May 8, 2005
Dolly: A true friend to so many of us in the Columbus Ohio area and beyond. He will be missed by many friends who he brought much joy and laughter to.
Tamara Finley
May 8, 2005
David was certainly one of a kind!
Being in his company was always a real treat! He will be missed so much by all of us to whom he brought joy!
The angels have more than likely lined up at the Pearly Gates
and will burst into "Hello Dolly" as David ascends the stairs to Heaven!
Jerry Beauseau
May 8, 2005
David and I go back many years. I was his neighbor and will miss stopping by to talk with him.
I express my condolences to the family.
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