Obituary of Thomas R. Zimmer Jr.

Thomas R. Zimmer Jr., age 86, died April 29, 2017, in Novi, MI. Passed away peacefully with his family at his side at Providence Park Hospital. Former resident of Bloomfield Hills. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Alice (Lieblang), his children Karen Cobb (Kevin), Cathy Zimmer, Thomas Zimmer III (Sue), Paul Zimmer (Lisa), Marie Kadlec (Gary), William Zimmer (Kelly), grandchildren- Kristen, Lauren, Anne, Gretchen, Katie, Tommy IV, Ben, Alex, Jonathan, Nicole, Ryan, Kyle, Molly, Joe, Mike, Alice and Billy and great grandchildren- Evan, Asher, Ariana, Apollo, James and Iris. He was born April 22, 1931 in Detroit, MI to Thomas R. Zimmer Sr. and Lulu Belle Pritchard. He is predeceased by his siblings Janet Nelson, Jerome Zimmer and John Zimmer. Tom graduated from St. Philip Neri High School, General Motors Institute and Michigan State University. He had a 43 year career at General Motors that began and ended at Hydramatic Division, first as a co-op student at GMI and his final 10 years as General Manager, retiring in 1991. In between, he held several positions at Chevrolet, including Director of Engineering-Passenger Vehicles. He was a gifted engineer and great leader. He loved to accomplish. No project was too daunting in business or at home. He was a builder- home and cottage additions, furniture and boats. He loved the water and the desert, enjoying a cottage at Rondeau Bay, Ontario for 40 years and home in Tucson for 20 years. Main interests in his life were his wife, family and faith. His love for Alice was absolute. Over all others, he enjoyed the company of her and family. Life for Tom and Alice revolved around parties, visits, trips, and athletic and educational events with their children and grandchildren. Being with those he loved the most. To his grandchildren he was their beloved "Bumpa" and he took special time for each. He was keenly interested in who they were as people. Faith was very important to him and he and Alice were regulars at daily mass at St. Owen Parish and supporters of many charities. Integrity and responsibility were paramount to him. He was inquisitive, loved conversation, debate, dressing well and a good party. Our lives are forever enriched by him. His legacy will live on in those he loved so dearly, nurtured and sent out in the world. Thank you husband, Dad, Bumpa. While he will be missed, he will be lovingly remembered by so many. Our family wishes to thank the caregivers at Waltonwood Senior Living for the wonderful care they provide. A very special thanks to Jeanie Copple and Kelly Zimmer for the extraordinary devotion and affection they showed Tom and Alice. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm 8:00pm, Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at RG & GR Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia, MI 48154. Memorial mass to be held at 11:00am, Thursday, May 4, 2017 at St. Owen Catholic Church, 6869 Franklin Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. Memorial donations may be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Focus Hope or the Alzheimer's Association. "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith"- Billy Graham