Obituary for William "Bill" Westwood Zimmerman
William (Bill) Westwood Zimmerman
76 , Mill Cove, Born to Nancy (Westwood) and William H. Zimmerman on July 8,1946 in Toronto, Bill died in Halifax with his family by his side, on September 27, 2022 after a short illness.
Bill's childhood and youth were spent in Toronto and at the family cottage in Muskoka. His love of music led him to spend much of his time in Yorkville Village until he came to Acadia University and never looked back. His love for Nova Scotia was cemented when he found a small farm in East Sable River.
A much loved teacher with a special gift for relating to youth with challenges, he taught in various schools throughout the province. He was a youth group leader, volunteered at Phoenix House, Shatford Elementary School and taught adult education.
Old houses, wood stoves and making pickles were constants, wherever he lived.
After leaving East Sable, he moved to Amherst where he established many good friendships, counting the late Freda Schaap (Oma) amongst the cherished.
He spent the last 30 years in St. Margaret’s Bay and was happiest when sailing on Dolores, his gaff rigged catboat with the big tanbark sail. A Volvo aficionado, he prided himself in maintaining various 240’s and was a frequent flyer at Jeff Dunsworth’s Auto, bearing cans of coffee for the crew with each visit.
Music was dear to him. He was especially proud of his Gibson Heritage guitar that he bought when he was in high school. He was a skilled guitarist and banjo player, and played pedal steel in bands throughout the province over many years.
He was never without a dog or two by his side; German Shepherds for many years and then Golden Retrievers.
He was known for his quirky words and one liners, fondly known as “Bill-isms”, and was famous for knowing the lines of countless obscure songs of his favourite artists.
The last several years were difficult for Bill and those who loved him. However in recent months he was able to find joy again and spent many memorable days at home, watching the sailing races and reconnecting with friends and family.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother-in-law law Gary McLeod, niece Lisa, sister in law Margaret Gass and his parents in law, Douglas and Verna Gass.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Deborah Gass; his daughters, Genevieve (Kieran Gillett and mother Christine Curry) and Amy (Adam Myhill); granddaughter Emily; sisters Susan McLeod and Martha Marchand (Carl), brothers Stephen
(Dianne) and Chris (Kim); sister in law Rebekah (Chris); brothers in law David (Lori), Rob Mahoney (Alisa), and dear friend Philip Harding; numerous nieces and nephews, many who knew him as Uncle Billy or Bo.
Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Phoenix Youth Programs, Crosby House or the Hubbards Youth Sailing Program.
Visitation will be held at the Hubbards Sailing Club, 215 Hwy #329 in Hubbards on Saturday, October 8th from 10am to 1pm. A private gathering of remembrance will follow.
“Love ya, mean it!“
76 , Mill Cove, Born to Nancy (Westwood) and William H. Zimmerman on July 8,1946 in Toronto, Bill died in Halifax with his family by his side, on September 27, 2022 after a short illness.
Bill's childhood and youth were spent in Toronto and at the family cottage in Muskoka. His love of music led him to spend much of his time in Yorkville Village until he came to Acadia University and never looked back. His love for Nova Scotia was cemented when he found a small farm in East Sable River.
A much loved teacher with a special gift for relating to youth with challenges, he taught in various schools throughout the province. He was a youth group leader, volunteered at Phoenix House, Shatford Elementary School and taught adult education.
Old houses, wood stoves and making pickles were constants, wherever he lived.
After leaving East Sable, he moved to Amherst where he established many good friendships, counting the late Freda Schaap (Oma) amongst the cherished.
He spent the last 30 years in St. Margaret’s Bay and was happiest when sailing on Dolores, his gaff rigged catboat with the big tanbark sail. A Volvo aficionado, he prided himself in maintaining various 240’s and was a frequent flyer at Jeff Dunsworth’s Auto, bearing cans of coffee for the crew with each visit.
Music was dear to him. He was especially proud of his Gibson Heritage guitar that he bought when he was in high school. He was a skilled guitarist and banjo player, and played pedal steel in bands throughout the province over many years.
He was never without a dog or two by his side; German Shepherds for many years and then Golden Retrievers.
He was known for his quirky words and one liners, fondly known as “Bill-isms”, and was famous for knowing the lines of countless obscure songs of his favourite artists.
The last several years were difficult for Bill and those who loved him. However in recent months he was able to find joy again and spent many memorable days at home, watching the sailing races and reconnecting with friends and family.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother-in-law law Gary McLeod, niece Lisa, sister in law Margaret Gass and his parents in law, Douglas and Verna Gass.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Deborah Gass; his daughters, Genevieve (Kieran Gillett and mother Christine Curry) and Amy (Adam Myhill); granddaughter Emily; sisters Susan McLeod and Martha Marchand (Carl), brothers Stephen
(Dianne) and Chris (Kim); sister in law Rebekah (Chris); brothers in law David (Lori), Rob Mahoney (Alisa), and dear friend Philip Harding; numerous nieces and nephews, many who knew him as Uncle Billy or Bo.
Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Phoenix Youth Programs, Crosby House or the Hubbards Youth Sailing Program.
Visitation will be held at the Hubbards Sailing Club, 215 Hwy #329 in Hubbards on Saturday, October 8th from 10am to 1pm. A private gathering of remembrance will follow.
“Love ya, mean it!“