I was a young boy when I came to know Dennis and Edlynn. My dad, Walt Maynes, loved Dennis and his family deeply. They shared a love for gospel music. Dennis got dad started in a love for Corvettes. Dennis helped me learn to shoot hoops at a local park not far from the CMA church in Santa Rosa. Later on our family visited the Zs in SoCal. I remember carrying little Diedre on my hip all over the park (either Disneyland or Knotts Berry Farm). Dennis' father in law Ed was the best Sunday School teacher a young boy could ask for. The Zimmerman family made a big impact on my family and all these years later, Dennis is a larger than life character in my mind. I look forward to the day when I see him again singing our praises before the Lord in Paradise.
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Fountain Valley, CA, USA
— with
DZ
and Kimberly Lehman
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DZ was my first boss at P&G and I grew to love and respect him. He stressed to always do the right thing and never cut a corner. He was honest, trustworthy, competitive, and a good leader. After leaving Procter and joining Valassis Dennis was the first person I hired to sell on the west coast for us. His work ethic and determination to learn a new industry led to many successes and a lot of fun along the way.
I am late in hearing of his passing but know he was one of the highest character people I knew and always respected. Rest in peace my friend.
Bill O'Keefe
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Dear Eddi - My observation of the world is that there are very few people who find the love of their life. It was very clear from the beginning that you both found that love. During our early days in Davis, I could see the love and watch it grow. I was honored to attend your wedding. I am also honored that we have stayed in touch all these years even if not in person. You will have years of fabulous memories to relive, and as hard as it is to believe, your gratefulness will grow with each new season.
Love Kathy/Kathryn Porter
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Allen and I were very young when we moved to California and met Dennis and Eddie at the GG Church of the Nazarene. We only visited a few times, but Dennis and Eddie immediately invited us to their house and other events. It wasn't until I received their Christmas card this year that I found out about Dennis's new home in heaven. We have many fond memories of the Zimmermans during our early years in California (1970's).
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Dennis & I got to know each other while playing in the Church softball league back in 1982. That same year Dennis asked me to sing baritone with the Watchmen, which gave me the great blessing of traveling with Dennis over the next 10 years. He wrote his favorite scripture in my bible , Romans 8:28 & he will always one of the great “Hero’s of the Faith “ in my life. Save a spot for me Dennis.🎼
Love, Greg and Cheri
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Honored to celebrate and honor the life and legacy of grandpa Z through this tribute…. Thank you grandpa Z for sharing your gift of music with the world here and beyond. Are there harmonies in heaven unheard of on earth? 🎶🎶🎶
Lee family sends our deepest and sincere condolences to the Zimmerman family with all our love and affection…
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My mother and step-father were fans of Southern Gospel and The Watchmen Quartet. At one of the concerts Dennis announced that his son would be leaving the quartet. Later that night he spoke with my mom and asked if she knew anyone who could sing lead. She said yes, but he is very busy with his church. Dennis called me and asked me to come and meet with he and the group at Rose Drive Friends Church the week of Thanksgiving 1995. The rest became history with my new friend Dennis and the others in The Watchmen who became my best friends. I sang with them every year until the groups retirement.
We worked on the bus, drove across the country together and enjoyed many trials yet God was still on the throne and we celebrated far more triumphs than tribulations. Dennis was the 'best man' at our wedding in 2002 ... and I am confident he is still one of the best men I will ever know. If I can be half the man, husband, father and son as my friend Dennis ... I will have succeeded in this life on earth.
Glad your feeling fine now boss ... have fun ... you will be missed and we will see you later!
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On behalf of the whole Cartwright family we send our love and prayers to the Zimmerman family, and we rejoice with them on our friend Dennis' entry into the eternal Heavenly Gospel Choir. We are so thankful for his ministry and impact for Jesus on our entire family through teaching and always wonderful, joyous music!!
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My friend Dennis, you are now head of the biggest choir. I will always have great memories of being your neighbor up on the hill. Some of the best years of my life. ♥
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One of Dennis's legacies is that he passed on his faith to members of his family. Another is that he shared the Gospel through his singing. I have fond memories of The Watchmen singing at First Presbyterian Church in Fullerton. Our condolences to Edlynn and all members of his family.
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Dennis sang What A Day That Will Be with more passion than anybody. While saddened, we are rejoicing that he has found his Mansion Over The Hilltop!
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So sad to hear this, but knowing that he is rejoicing with my dad this morning!
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It was our mutual love for Gospel music that brought us together in 1989, when our groups became charter members of the WSGMA. In time, Dennis and I, though different in many ways became the closest of friends and associates. I even got to ride with Dennis on his motorcycle—in Louisville! In 2000, we put together a special program with the Watchmen and Herb Henry Family, Heritage 2000, that we took to cities up and down the state. I must say that Dennis became an “Uncle” to my kids. He was a great source of encouragement to us all. He loved our song “I Mean To Be There.” Today, he is there! It is a great comfort to know that Dennis is free, singing “Who Am I” as never before — once again with his pals Ralph and Dick and James and JD. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Edlynn and all of his beautiful family, whom he loved so dearly. A grand reunion is awaiting us all.
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Dennis was a great friend for many years and we shared lots of adventures and mutual interests. My Life is better because of Dennis and I am looking forward to the reunion!
Lois and I will be praying for strength and comfort for Edelyn, Kyle and Diedre and their families.
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I was very blessed to sing with Dennis and The Warchman quartet for 7 1/2 years. It was an honor and a pleasure to bring the gospel to many churches and many people.. getting home late Sunday night meant being very tired Monday morning. The dedication and intelligence of Dennis was so impressive. He was a great friend and I'll not forget him. We will pray for the family in the loss of this great man.
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