Bernard Loren Zimmer

Bernard "Bernie" Loren Zimmer, passed away at the age of 80 on April 7th, 2024.

Bernie was born in North Dakota and raised in Montana, where he lived in Circle and Hot Springs. He truly loved the mountains and was very proud of his Western roots. Bernie attended both Montana State and the University of Montana, before leaving to join the Army. There, he was recruited to join the Army Security Agency. Upon completing boot camp, rigorous intelligence tests, AIT, and security clearances, he earned his assignment and proudly served in Massachusetts, Panama, and Washington DC for 4 challenging years during the Vietnam war After leaving the Service, he lived in Washington DC where he met his wife Joan. Bernie and Joan got married in 1969 and soon after they moved to Denver where they raised two sons and Bernie worked as an Insurance Agent at Prudential Financial. Then, he started his own company, Employee Benefits Consulting, where he worked until retirement.

His belief in giving back to the community and public service pushed Bernie to run for multiple public offices. First as President of his Homeowner's Association, then as an elected Board Director for the Regional Transportation District and later as a Commissioner for Arapahoe County in the Southeast Denver area. In these roles, Bernie was instrumental in the planning and funding of Denver's Light Rail System as well as the C470 Highway that connects Southeast Denver between I-25 and I-70. Bernie loved to discuss sports, politics, books, history, family, and his grandchildren. He never met a stranger he couldn't engage in a great conversation.

Bernie loved the Denver Broncos and has been a season ticket holder since 1974. He never missed a home game throughout the time he lived in Denver. Bernie loved the Colorado mountains and enjoyed exploring them in all seasons. Bernie and Joan had a ski house in Breckenridge when the boys were young and the family enjoyed many great ski seasons with friends along with hiking, camping, and off-roading in their Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Bernie and Joan recently moved to South Carolina to be closer to family. Bernie loved his time with his 6 six grandchildren and looked forward to every interaction.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Louis Zimmer and Anne Elizabeth Zimmer. Bernie is survived by his wife Joan; sons Scott and Erik, their wives Pearl and Susan; his 6 grandchildren, Sofia, Abby, Annalia, Ben, Taylor and Samantha; his two brothers; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Memorial Celebration will be planned in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bernie's name can be made to the Gastric Cancer Foundation or to Operation Paperback. For information on how to mail a check or donate online, visit (links and addresses)

Bernie's legacy of kindness, public service, and family values will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and the countless others he touched throughout his remarkable life

Gastric Cancer Foundation:

Gastric Cancer Foundation

PO Box 338

Millbrae, CA 94030

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E341934&id=6

Operation Paperback:

Operation Paperback

PO Box 347

Dunstable, MA 01827

OperationPaperback.org