From Dr. Gladies Herron, Former Associate Director AAMURI:

AS I KNEW HIM

THE HONORABLE DR. ROBERT “BOB” ZIMMERMAN

NOW what I WANT TO TALK ABOUT with the few minutes I have left are THINGS  OF DR. ROBERT ZIMMERMAN THAT I believe WILL  LAST AN  ETERNITY.

As I Knew Him, he was always encouraging to me with pleasant smiles and exuded positive energy in whatever challenges we faced in developing the Research Institute over a 10 year period.

           As Maya Angelou said in one of her famous quotes:

“I've learned that people will forget what you said,

people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget How you made them Feel.”  END OF QUOTE

I believe our Creator and Heavenly Father placed an enlightened person like Dr. Zimmerman among

us as He saw Fit so we may learn to live an Abundant Life as Dr Zimmerman did.

None of us get to meet a truly enlightened person every day yet

Dr. Zimmerman was one of those. 

Charles Francis has defined an enlightened person this way:

       “The enlightened person has a cheerful disposition most of the time and is willing to share that joy with others.

 He sees that the human condition reaches beyond this physical existence and has no fear of the unknown.

He is free of worry because he understands that freedom from suffering comes from within, and not from material possessions. 

The enlightened person genuinely cares about other people regardless of whether they

care about him and is not self-centered but sees the inter- connected nature of existence.” 

Another person put it this way in describing an enlightened person and I tend to agree:

QUOTE:  “You can tell an enlightened person first by humility.

             They draw others to them just by being.

They have  great peace. 

An enlightened one can be known by his or her realization that

each and every man born has the potential and talents to make this world a better place off through TRUE concern for others.

They know that each man and woman is valuable and has no use for greed, selfishness or hatred of any kind”     END QUOTE

As I knew Him, the Honorable Dr. Robert “Bob” Zimmerman,

he was loving, kind, compassionate, peaceful, emotionally intelligent, stable, patient, understanding and just plain humble.

 I would like to conclude by sharing three stanzas of a poem

ByNairobi,Nairobi-Kenya

I AM NOT GONE

I remain here beside you

Just in a different form

Look for me in your heart

And there you will find me

in our love which forever lives on

In those moments when you feel alone

Look for me in your thoughts

And there you will find me

in sweet memories that burn so strong

Every time a tear
Forms in your beautiful eyes

Look up to the heavens

And there you will see me

Smiling down from God’s glorious skies

To his loving wife, (Adelaide) whom Dr. Zimmerman adored and always had the biggest smiles when talking to me about her and her many achievements,

and to all his close friends who must carry on now without his physical presence, it is okay and natural to grieve for a while

but come out of it EMBRACING what the Heavenly Father allowed us to be a part of and that is the life of the Honorable Dr. Robert Zimmerman 

and what he  left behind for us all---an example of a life well lived, an Enlightened soul that I believe will live forever.

Prof. Zimmerman arrived in Brazil as a young man in the early 60s, after completing his PhD in nuclear physics from MIT in 1952. Already in the early years, he became an important figure in the scientific development of our country. He initially worked for the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (IPEN) in the city of São Paulo. It’s important to mention that the first research efforts in nuclear physics and in other areas of experimental physics in the country occurred at this time and in this Institute.

Also during the early 1960s, he served as a university professor at the Aeronautics Technological Institute (ITA), one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in Brazil. Later in the 60’s, Zimmerman joined the faculty of the Physics Institute of the University of Sao Paulo, located in the city of São Carlos. São Carlos at that time was a small, cozy and progressive city where a new department of theoretical and experimental physics was being created. Today this Institute of Physics (IFCM) is among the top 3 institutions in Brazil in the area of physical sciences.

Since his arrival in São Carlos, he showed great talent in teaching and research, especially in the areas of solid state physics, instrumentation, superconductivity, laser radiation, photonics, fiber optics, non-linear dynamics and chaos, biophysics and polymer physics. In 1975, partly as an outgrowth of Bob’s significant contributions, Master’s and PhD programs in the areas of Basic and Applied Physics were formally registered at USP/S.Carlos.

I met Professor Zimmerman in 1971, as an undergraduate physics student in São Carlos, where he taught theoretical and experimental physics. Since our first contacts in the classroom and in labs, I identified with his simple, practical and motivating approach to technical and scientific inquiry. I also gained great admiration for him outside school, where I witnessed his exceptional creativity, natural leadership, witty personality, curiosity about the secrets of nature, and his love of people, sports and the arts, especially music. His natural way of raising his students’ and colleagues’ self-esteem was always contagious.

When I moved out of San Carlos in 1978, after completing the master's degree under Bob Zimmermn’s strong guidance, I had already acquired a taste for science and Bob was my favorite master. In 1983 I finished my PhD graduated studies in physics at Stanford University. Returning to the country in 1984, Bob and I restarted R&D in new areas. At this time I had engaged in the R&D center of TELEBRAS (Brazilian Telecommunication Research Center) located at the city of Campinas, to manage, for the next 15 years, the development program of optical communication technology in Brazil. At the same period, I assumed a part-time position as professor at the Electrical Engineering Department at University of S. Paulo in the city of S. Carlos. In this period, for more than a decade, Bob has helped my research on optical fiber and optical devices (lasers, detectors, amplifiers, ..) to communications technology, and studies on nonlinear dynamic phenomena (chaotic systems) among others related scientific themes that emerged.

In 1986 Bob was transferred to the Department of Physics FFCLRP-USP, Ribeirão Preto, located about 100 km north of San Carlos, to act as full professor at that institution. In FFCLRP he worked until the end of the 90s (1997), when he retired. In this Department, he was responsible for the creation of the graduate program in Applied Physics to Medicine and Biology and this was a key step to consolidate another research group in this area that now has national and international recognition and, years later, became the undergraduate program in medical physics, also a pioneer in USP and Latin America. At the mid 1980’s Bob joint AAMU as a volunteer gest researcher where CIM start to be built. He stayed involved at CIM until 2007.

In short, Robert Lee Zimmerman, multidisciplinary scientist, and educator came to Brazil, where he left many important contributions to our scientific development.  Bob will always be remembered for his exceptional creativity and for his personality and enthusiastic, not only for science, but also for all his passions. As my lovely friend, for more than 40 years, he has exemplified for me not only the art of science, but also the fullness of his love of life. Thank you, dear Bob.

Some of his areas of teaching and researching with more than  200 publications are: Nuclear Physics, Materials Science, Irradiation of Materials – Nanotechnology, Solid State Physics, Piezoelectricity, Superconductivity, Laser technology and optical fibers, Non-linear dynamics – Chaos, Medical Sciences, Biophysics – polymers and Bioelectrets, and Radiological dosimetry.

Sergio Celaschi
July,  2014

I met Robert through my work at the bank in Philip, SD.  He would come in or call and tell me he was flying or had just flown in from Brazil.  It always was amazing to me that he could just hop in his little plane and fly to Brazil or to the United States!  Well now that I read about some of his adventures, I see this was just one of his 'little adventures'. 

It has been great knowing him and also finally meeting Adelaida, you have both been wonderful people to help and I look forward to our future correspondence.

Robert accomplished a lot in his time here on earth and is now flying with the angels.
  

Dear Bob was an important friend for many participants of the Physics Institute of São Carlos. He and Bernard Gross joined Sergio Mascarenhas and both did an excellent contribution toward the establishment of research in solid state physics advising many students. This is a picture taken at a lake near São Carlos called Represa do  Broa where they enjoyed sailling, water skiing and brazilian churrasco.
We keep wanderful memories of Bob and Gross., 

ROBERT LEE ZIMMERMAN           July 24, 1929 – May 6, 2014

     Robert lee Zimmerman, also known to me and so many others as “Uncle Bob”, was so many things. I would fail if I attempted to describe them all.

     Bob was born to Nettie and Ward Zimmerman (the original) July 24th  1929 in South Dakota. He was born fourth  of five children, having one older sister Donna Gene, two older brothers, Jim and Ward, and one younger sister Hazel. (who is with us today)

     Bob has two children, David and Jane; and five grandchildren. He married his wife, my Aunt Adelaide on Feb 25th 1993, whom he loved, as she rivaled him in character.

     Bob graduated high school at the young age of 14, and went on to graduate from M.I.T. with a doctorate at only age 22. He taught for 36 years at the University of Sao Paolo, and also was a physics professor at AAMU in Huntsville, Alabama. Home was where his heart was; and his heart was in Brazil.

     Yes, Bob was an educated man, an intelligent, accomplished man. One known by many for his accomplishments. But, That is not what truly makes a man who he is…it is just what he does.  WHAT MAKES A MAN IS HIS CHARACTER AND THE TRAITS HE BESTOWS.

“A GOOD NAME IS RATHER TO BE CHOSEN THAN GREAT RICHES, AND LOVING FAVOR RATHER THAN SILVER AND GOLD.   Proverbs 22:1

     If you know Bob only for his accomplishments, then I am sorry, you did not know who Bob really was.

     Bob was a patient man: Showing attentiveness and always being willing to take time to LISTEN to the things that were important to others, even if that person was a small child whose life’s concerns revolved around butterflies and hot chocolate. Despite the intelligence he was blessed with, it was obvious the simple things in life were more important.

     Through his gentleness, Bob showed personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others before his own were met; often forgoing his own desires to make sure others were put first.

     In this way Bob showed love and selflessness, giving to others basic needs without having any motive for personal reward.

     Bob was not a respecter of persons. Meaning: Neither a person’s level of  intelligence, financial status, or outward appearance in life, affected how he treated them. In this way he showed tolerance, not prejudice. He showed acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity.

     Bob was always eager to show benevolence  and  hospitality.  Through his generosity,  Bob allowed others to experience things that they otherwise would have missed. These experiences were far from limited, and inspired those who received such “gifts” to go farther, think deeper, and have more confidence in themselves. During his years in Brazil, he started a tennis school for students that helped kids win scholarships to universities around the world!

     Bob was very humble.  I never remember him promoting himself or his accomplishments. He never bragged about his successes, but rather laughed at his failures! Instead he encouraged  others to overcome their self determined limitations and make something of themselves, to leave a “foot print in the sand” per say, in whatever field that inspired them.

     Bob encouraged creativity. He took the time to listen to the ideas of others, especially those that had little or no “higher education”. He appreciated the uninhibited “fresh” approach from minds that had not been trained to think in only one direction, or from a “learned” perspective. Bob Said once, “…I find that people with free minds… are able to solve complicated issues, problems, or tasks by thinking outside the box…If they don’t know that it is impossible…if they don’t know that they can’t…they usually are more able to accomplish what they set out to do, or to solve.” Bob always had a way of making a person feel smarter than they were.

     Bob loved a challenge of any kind. In fact, he learned to do most anything he set his mind to. From playing classical guitar, learning to fly and receive his private pilot’s license and owning his own plane, to designing and flying his own hang glider. He loved to ski. I spent many times “chasing Bob down the slopes of Mt. Hood (one of his favorite playgrounds) His eyes bright with enthusiasm and his beard full of snow and icicles! “Let’s do that again!” he’d say. “ I want to see if I can “shred” that run again! (which was a term he learned from my teenage daughter.)  At one time, he and one of my younger daughters were the oldest and youngest skiers on the mountain; with Bob in his 80’s, and my daughter barely 2 years old. And they skied together. He would wait with me to take the snowcat  up to the highest skiable part of Mt Hood and then he ski all the way down with “Style”!

     Bob loved adventure.  He never limited his experiences. If there was ever anything that was beyond his physical capabilities, he would encourage others to do it while he cheered them on.

     Bob never made you meet him at his level. He met you at yours.

     Bob’s legacy will continue NOT by what he accomplished, but rather by what he has encouraged others to accomplish. Who Bob was, is not gone. It can be found as inspiration in hundreds, if not thousands of people his life touched. Bob has forever changed the world in this way because so many were inspired and encouraged by him, his character will carry on and continue to inspire others in the future. I know it has changed me.

     I can truly say Bob was great. After all he was my GREAT UNCLE BOB.

  Written from the heart with love, by his great nephew, Steve Dickinson Jr.

Bob and my daughter were the oldest and youngest pair to be skiing Mt Hood I'm sure. With Bob in his 80's and my daughter at 2 and 1/2, they were quite the pair to see skiing down the mountain! This is Bob near the "Fying Mile" at timberline. My daughter didn't join him on this run, but he took the time to ski the "green" runs with her farther down the mountain.

Bob makes extra special trips to come out and see the youngest arrival and spend some time bonding with the new one. Every one of my children have an incredible fondness for this wonderful man they call Uncle Bob

This is usually how you will find Bob on the ski slopes at timberline...half frozen, beard covered with long icicles, going non-stop down the slopes all day without stopping for even a bite to eat. Many times I would hit the slopes trying to catch-up or catch site of this elusive adventurer. Actually I was trying to bring him in for supper! "Just one more run." he would say if I found him.
      "Then I think it is time for a big mug of hot chocolate!" he would say...

Bob as usual, is the life of the party!

The whole "Gang" as we gathered together for the traditional New Years Eve dinner. Bob is in the back ground of this photo with a fairly rare beardless face for the time of year.  These gatherings are some of the fondest memories my family has. If I remember correctly,. there are 6 different nationalities represented in this gathering. Good food, GREAT company with wonderful friends, in a beautiful place, will always be remebered!

Bob and I are preparing to board the snowcat that will take us up to the highest skiable point at timberline, the approx. 8,500' level. we had a GREAT time. He even followed me into the chutes and skied the "halfpipe" shaped drainages! He like to "shred" as he called it... a term he picked up from my teenage daughter.

    I skied the New Year in at Timberline one year, and Bob helped me plan my pursuit to ski under the fireworks at midnight by providing the "getaway car" at the bottom of the slopes so I was able to exit the run left and get in the car before driving down the mountain. Those that were there thought it was a bit nutty of me, but not Bob. He thought it was "FABULOUS!" He would have done it with me, but he was the driver of the get away vehichle.... "Maybe next year..." I remember him saying with a huge grin. :)

This is Bob at the top of the "Flying mile" (advanced terrain) at timberline. Skiing with Bob I never saw him fall once. I did hear of my daughter taking him out in what he called a "spectacular collision" but that didn't stop him!

I love this photo of Bob. A realist would of course think that the breeze was ruffling Bob's hair, I am sure however that it is Bob energizing his own hair to sense every fiber of the moment. His gaze alway scanning, images always always reflecting.

In college a Prof. told us to be aware when we are living "in" the moment of poetry, to me this photo illustrates Bob in the poem, and in fact Bob the poem itself.  

ROBERT LEE ZIMMERMAN

24 July 1929 – 6 May 2014

Robert Lee Zimmerman, Physicist, multidisciplinary scientist, and educator, died on 6 May 2014, when, piloting his single engine airplane across the United States, he suffered a fatal crash on the slopes of Howell Mountain in Wyoming. Bob, as he was known by all, with a Ph. D. in physics from MIT, came young to Brazil, where he became an exceptionally important player in our scientific development, having worked in various institutions, including the São Paulo University Institute of Physics in São Carlos, the São Paulo University School of Philosophy, Science, and Letters in Ribeirão Preto, the Aeronautical Technical Institute (ITA) in São José dos Campos, and the Institute for Energy and Nuclear Research (IPEN) in São Paulo, as well as colaborating  at innumerable other institutions in Brazil and abroad, representing Brazil. Loved and admired by his fellow academics, by his students, and by all who knew him,  Bob will always be remembered for his exceptional creativity and for his personality, thoughtful and enthusiastic, not only for science, but also for music, sports, and for his passion for flying the world over. I personally, as colleague and admirer, have a huge debt to Bob, who for more than fifty years has exemplified for me not only the art of science, but also the fullness of his love of life. We are left with the consolation, however sorrowful, that we can say he died in the way he loved to live! Thank you, and farewell, dear Bob. Go now to fly in the eternal company of the winged angels!

 
Sérgio Mascarenhas

Inst. de Estudos Avançados (IEA), USP, S. Carlos.

My brother Ward always enjoyed life to the fullest.  The picture, taken in Brazil in 2012 ,is reminiscent of a time in South Dakota when he hooked a five pound large mouth bass on a lightweight flyrod and wrestled it with finesse to our Dad and me waiting on the bank of the farm pond to hang on to that big fish when it flopped up onto the shore.  Ward was so excited and happy that he threw up!  If he were here to edit this story he would say, "Five pounds? NO no no! it was five pounds four ounces!"
 

In February of 2013, my brothers visited me in Iowa to invite me to share in the planning of an epic trip to Alaska with them and with friends of Bob.  Of course, I could not afford the cost of such a trip, and I was far too busy with the farm and the milk goats and other trivia to even consider such a thing.  They were insistent that the trip would cost me nothing and as usual with big brothers, I did as I was told.

On June 6, 2013 I flew (commercially) to Alaska and joined the "party of seven"  as we came to be known.  All of us (except Bob's wife Adelaide) were in our eighth decade and all of us could outpace our fellow tourists in stamina and persistence.

The three weeks we spent together is a most treasured memory.  The picture is of our group  as we prepared to embark on a boat trip to visit a calving glacier and to see whales, otters, puffins, bald eagles and other wonders of the Alaskan sea life.
From left: Anesia Holland, Hazel Zimmerman, Larry Holland, Robert Zimmerman, Adelaide deAlameida, Ward Zimmerman, Marian McAllister. 

I always went and practiced the emergency shutdown with Claudiu and thought I never would use it. One day Dr. Zimmerman, Some other students and I were working on ion irradiation. The next thing you know a big cloud smoke started coming out of one section, Dr Zimmerman didn't notice and I went with a shut down procedure immediately while he was surprised (in his own expression) with what I'm doing and going on. Once everything got clear in 5 min and we all calmed down, we realized it was a blown resistor and Dr. Zimmerman then looked at me and said "yes it did good work". We all went to lunch at our favorite restaurant Burger king after that and he paid for my meal.

Malek

From left: Ward H Zimmerman ,  Robert Lee Zimmerman, James Edward Zimmerman.

This photograph must have been taken on the occasion of a visit to Mt. Rushmore during a reunion of Rapid City School of Mines.  James graduated in 1943, Robert in 1948 and Ward a year or two later after serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

Our sister, Donagene Marie also graduated from the School of Mines, in 1944.  Our parents, Ward and Nettie Zimmerman valued education for all of us and inspired all of us to pursue higher education above more materialistic goals.   

Addendum: 30 May 2014 - The background of Mt. Rushmore was photoshopped linto the picture later.  When Bob saw the altered photo, he laughed, and said "it is a fraud."  Without regard to the fraudulent background, it is a beautiful picture of my three brothers.
 

There are only a few people in my life that I look up to. One of those people was Dr. Zimmerman. I really looked up to him. there is a man who saw the world and lived life to the fullest. It really sadness me that he is no longer with us. I really learned alot from Dr. zimmerman. I thank Dr. ILA for introducing me to a man that will ever be with me in mind and spirit. A person that I respect and truly admired. A man that we all can learn from the way he took life. I wish I had more time with him. You will always be remembered. To a friend, mentor and a special loved one, It was a pleasure.

Your forever

Malek Abunaemeh