ZIMMERMAN, Erich Alexander, born July 19, 1926 in Lodz, Poland died at home in White Rock, BC on April 23, 2006 at the age of 79 years following a valiant struggle with cancer.
Erich is survived by his wife of 56 years, Irene; his brothers, Bernie (Vivian), and Kurt; his sisters Tabea (Jurgen Holst) and Gertrude; his children: daughters, Verena (Maurice Benini) and Monica (Brian Sephton) his sons Ralf (Donna) and Karl (Judy); as well as his grandchildren Tabitha (Ryan), Jeff (Sophie), Darryn, Jessica, Sarah, Stacey, Mark, Joshua, Lucas & David; predeceased by his sister Erika (1927).
After growing up in Lodz, Erich worked in the Textile trade before being drafted into the army. Following the war, he returned to Germany where he was reunited with his family and where he also met again, the girl with 'the pigtails'. Irene and Erich were engaged in 1949 and married in Freden/Leine, Germany on July 1st, 1950. In June, 1957 with his wife & young family - children Verena, Ralf & Karl; his brother Bernie and sister Tabea and his mother-in-law Lydia, Erich boarded the ship The Seven Seas and sailed to a new life in Canada. They arrived on July 1st, 1957 in Montreal and then traveled by train to family in Vancouver. Always active in church life, Erich & Irene became part of the German congregation at Bethany Baptist Church where Erich's love of music soon had him singing in the male choir & the mixed choir and playing his mandolin in the mandolin orchestra. He again worked in the textile trade at West Coast Woolen Mills. Daughter Monica was born in 1960. Erich worked at Lafarge Concrete from 1964 until 1974 and then in 1975 began work with a property management company taking care of first, Champlain Mall, then Richmond Center, Semiahmoo Mall and finally Surrey Place Mall until he retired in 1991. His retirement years brought several return trips to Europe to visit family and friends; active participation as a Sergeant in the Frontiersmen, receiving certification for his exemplary service; singing in the German Male Choir and Mixed Choir and playing his mandolin as often as possible.
Musician....Gentleman....Friend....always ready to lend a hand. Erich will be missed by all who knew him.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Viewing on Thursday, May 4th from 7:00 - 8:30pm at Victory Funeral Centre, 14831 - 28th Ave, Surrey. The Memorial Service will be held at Bethany Baptist Church, 22680 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, on Friday, May 5th at 1:00 pm. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gideon Bible Society.
Victory Funeral Centre
(604)536-6522