Richard Louis Zimmerman, 60, passed away on May 27, 2009, ending a bravely fought battle against lung cancer.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in August for family and friends.

Richard was born to Stanley and Evelyn Zimmerman in Ithaca, N.Y. on November 22, 1948. He grew up exploring Six Mile Creek and the beautiful area around Cornell University, where his father was a professor of electrical engineering.

He attended Ithaca High School and Tompkins Cortland Community College until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1971, where he served as a missile crewman stationed in Germany until his honorable discharge. Richard worked in the Cayuga Salt Mine and for New York State Power – Gas before moving to Texas in 1974.

Experience in cathodic protection drilling in Houston brought him to the Austin Chalk oil fields of central Texas, where he worked his way up from ‘worm corner’ to driller on rigs for several drilling outfits. Most recently he worked as a mechanic and millwright at Texas Municipal Power Agency and Texas A-M University.

He most enjoyed camping and fishing, partying with friends, traveling, salvaging junk, gardening, and playing with his dog, Boomer. He was most proud of his two children, Ginny and Wayne.

He never missed an orchestra recital, a soccer or football game, or an opportunity to cheer their successes. He instilled in them a strong work ethic, as well as a sense of responsibility, generosity, humor, and independence.

Above all, Dick was a loyal friend to many, a contrary pain in the neck to some, but always a loving father and faithful husband.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Phyllis; children, Ginny and Wayne; two sisters, Dorothy Bynack of Somers, Conn. and Jo Anne Busch, and husband Stephen, of Fort Collins, Colo.; one brother, Bill Zimmerman and wife Maria, of New Hope, Minn.; several nieces and nephews, in-laws, ‘outlaws,’ and many friends and colleagues