William (Bill) Burton Zimmerman, born August 12, 1947 in Mansfield, Ohio, died September 24, 2024 in Kentville, Nova Scotia after a COVID-19 infection acquired following hospitalization for a suspected heart attack. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Susan Hauer, son, Ned Zimmerman (Faith Wiley), and granddaughter Elva Wiley.
Bill’s life was dedicated towards projects—theatrical, environmental, political and personal—pointed towards making the world a better place for those who come after.
One of his deep concerns was the need to endow science and technology with a perspective on the humanities and society. He did this throughout his studies in engineering at MIT, political science at the University of Hawai'i and the London School of Economics, and work on energy policy with the Institute of Man and Resources and the National Research Council. He and his wife Susan built and lived full-time in an off-grid home on Great Island, Medway Harbour, Queens County for 18 years, eventually working to place the island under a perpetual conservation easement with the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. His passion for theatre manifested itself in 10 years of designing, directing and acting with Winds of Change in Liverpool, his teaching as technical director of Acadia University's department of theatre and in a decades-long career as a set and lighting designer across Canada and the US. He ran as an NDP candidate both federally and provincially, and in his later years, he served as a town councillor in Wolfville for two terms. Bill was a founding board member of both the Fundy Film Society and the Acadia Cinema Cooperative, volunteering his engineering and theatre experience to the design, restoration and early operations of what is now the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville.
He was a dedicated father, partner, and grandparent. He will be deeply missed for his warmth, generosity of spirit, and sense of humour.
A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, October 20th at 2pm in the Performance Centre at Horton High School, 75 Greenwich Road, Greenwich, Nova Scotia. Casual attire (in keeping with Bill’s classic pairing of Aloha shirts and overalls) is encouraged. At the request of Bill’s family, please wear a mask and stay home if you feel sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Masks will be available at the door. Livestreaming will be available for remote attendees at https://www.youtube.com/@HortonSchool/streams.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Ecology Action Centre, 2705 Fern Lane, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 4L3.
If you wish to share a message, please email william.zimmerman@greatisland.ca.
I first met Bill in the mid seventies when he and my father worked on renewable energy projects on PEI. He made a big impression on me and I was pleased to reconnect a bit a few years ago. He was still the kind, funny, passionate person I remembered.
He will be deeply missed by the many folks connected to the threads of his beautifully woven life. He was a fine man who made a difference.
I give my most sincere condolences to all who loved him.
Peace and love, Krista Wells
Bill was one of my highlights at Acadia University. A truly lifted leader, he taught us about theatre, but a lot more about life. He was generous, genius and hilarious. Bill brought joy.
To his family and friends, I extend heartfelt condolences. I can't begin to fathom the loss you're feeling. He was one of The Greats! Much love to you, Bill.
Andrea Sutherland
Bill was a colossus, an ever-fixed mark, during my years at Acadia. A true polyhistor, whose genius was only surpassed by his generosity to his students, in his unwavering pursuit to educate and share his knowledge. My deepest condolences to the family. He will be missed and fondly remembered.
Orin Dash Class of 2000
I am forever grateful for knowing Bill. Wishing peace to you, Susan and Ned, and all those that loved Bill.
Bill was such a great guy, and a mainstay of the Institute of Man and Resources. He was like family to us in those days, and I always hoped we would meet up again...My thoughts are with his family, especially Susan. I think you will find that people like him are never really gone.
Lynne Douglas
I think of Bill every time I sit in the Al Whittle theatre, in the front row, and the seat to my right is empty. He always sat next to me there for years. We talked about ...everything. I didn't know how much I would miss that. A great guy. I miss him.
Ken Schwartz
I have very fond memories of working with Bill when Zuppa Theatre performed at the Al Whittle many moons ago. Much love to the whole family.
Alex McLean
Bill was a great friend and roommate at MIT and clearly one of the brightest members of our class of 1968. We worked together on countless progects, some academic, some personal boat building, some stage craft. He was ideas, skill, and bare handed worker all wrapped up in one. Susan Hauer and Bill were everyone's model couple through all our undergraduate years and have remained my treasured friends through life. Phil Davis, West Gardiner, Maine